How to format a memory card. My camera won't accept it?

How to format a memory card. My camera won't accept it? - 1

Added (1). My Nikon won't accept my memory card today, it worked perfectly yesterday. My laptop says the card needs to be formatted but I get 'windows can't format this'. What to do? The camera came back from repair ( wouldnt read the memory card) yesterday & worked perfectly. Today it's back with the old problem, it won't read the memory card. Now my laptop won't open it. It asks to format it. Then I get 'windows can't format it' What to do.

Could use a computer to do that, assuming it has a SD card reader.

Which Nikon, and which type of memory card?

There are three types of SD card which most cameras use these days, SD, SDHC, and SDXC

Have you checked your camera user manual to find out which type of cards your camera takes? Different models have different requirements, the newest will take SDXC, the oldest models will likely only take the older SD cards.

If you have lost your user manual, then you can download it from the Nikon website: http://www.nikon.com

If you have tried everything, and are sure you are using a compatible memory card, there are two possibilities - a fault with your camera, or a fault with the memory card. Memory cards do die from time to time. Try a different memory card that worked previously, if you still have no joy, go back to the repair shop.

Also make sure you are formatting the card in your camera. Do not format it in your computer. Also check the card lock is not on!

If neither your camera nor your PC can read the card then logic says the most likely cause is that your memory card has failed.

Try a different memory card. It is good practice to always have 2 or 3 available in case one fails.

Is the card on lock?

Format with the camera NOT the computer many people make this mistake! The camera imparts specialized information on to your memory card. That is why you should always update your cameras software so it is up to date. When I got my Pentax Kx camera I followed All the instructions which included software updating of the camera software. The update was VERY valuable, it enable me to use the new memory cards that where coming out! That was two years ago. I always connect my camera to the computer (Pentax site) once or twice a year to make sure the cameras's software is up to date! Remember as I iike to say you did not buy a plain camera but a computer with a "lens" attached! ALSO if you have more than one digital camera keep separate memory cards for each model you own. I have 3 memory cards for my DSLR, two memory cards for my "bridge" camera and two memory cards for my wife's camera. I NEVER use a memory card that has been formatted in one camera in another camera even if the are the same brand!

Sounds like the camera corrupted the memory card. Which means, to me, that the shop didn't fix the memory card slot correctly. Take it back to them.

Both camera and computer reject the memory card. The card is broken. Throw it away and buy a new one. Format each time before you start a shoot.

You can format by using a pc -> my computer and properties and there's an option called format.