Q: “How can you fix an SD card which cannot be formatted? Every time I reformat it the files are still there.”
A: The card is probably write-protected by hardware; or by software; or is simply broken.
Hardware write-protection:
Examine the card for a “lock” or “write protect” slider or switch, often (not always) on the long side of the card opposite the side with the angled corner. (See arrow on Fig 1.) If the switch if in the on/lock/write-protect position, flip or slide it the other way.
Software write-protection:
Use your operating system’s file manager to verify that the files/folders are not write-protected by software; and to remove such restrictions, if present.
For example, in Windows, open File Explorer and go to the folder that contains your files. Select (or group-select) the file(s) in question. Right-click on the selected file(s), select Properties, and see if the Read-only attribute box is ticked. See Fig. 2
If the Read-only box is ticked, UNcheck it to allow the selected file(s) to be deleted.
If nothing helps…
All flash memory wears out after a certain number of write/erase cycles. Inexpensively made SD cards and thumb drives can wear out after only a few hundred or a few thousand cycles. Even expensive drives will eventually wear out, especially if they’re in heavy use.
If your flash device simply won’t respond to hardware and software
If you’re worried about someone retrieving the card’s contents, that’s easily prevented: Use a pair of pliers or heavy shears to cut, bend, and/or crush the card. When the flash device is reduced to small pieces, your data is effectively safe from retrieval by any normal means.
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