Smart Media Cards are used in various electronic devices such as digital cameras, MP3 players, portable computers and other smaller compact electronics. The cards allow you to store data and then transfer the information to a desktop or laptop computer with ease. Like with other storage media, Smart Media Cards can become corrupt and processing errors can occur. You may have had some photos or all of your photos lost due to a bad Smart Media Card.
How Smart Media Cards Work
Smart Media Cards work similar to 3.5-inch floppy disks. The cards store data within folders and a master boot record is on each card. Your computer reads the card either through a connection cable or card reader device designed to process the transfer of data from the card to your computer.
Issues with the Outside of Smart Media Cards
One major problem with Smart Media cards is static electricity. First generation Smart Media Cards had wide contact areas where the card interfaced for data transfer. Static would build up when the card was removed from the camera or other device. Newer cards are designed with thin contact areas but static can still appear upon removing the card. Another issue with the outside of the card is a buildup of oil/grease on the gold contacts of the card. This buildup is due to the card being removed and reinserted into the device (camera, music player or other device). This buildup can prevent the card from being read by the computer or card reader.
Card Information Structure Issue with Smart Media Cards
Internal problems are the most common issue with Smart Media Cards. One problem is a corrupt Card Information Structure (CIS). The CIS is the master boot record for the card. All data is controlled by the CIS and a failure of this system erases or damages the stored data. The only way to solve a damaged CIS is to reformat the card. A low-level format can also be done through a card reader if you have one available.
"Card Error" Problem
Another common problem with Smart Media Cards is the infamous "card error." One solution is to reset the device if this option is available or you could reformat the card. Like with a corrupt CIS, a "card error" can signal a faulty Smart Media Card. Using the Smart Media Card as a drive can cause "card errors" too.
Unmounting Problems
One problem with Smart Media Cards is related to the card not unmounting from your computer. You must unmount or release the card after you have transferred the data into your computer. This is usually done automatically through the transfer program you are using. If the data transfer is interrupted before the transfer is complete, the card will not unmount and this can cause corrupt data and damage the card. A low battery can also cause an interruption in transferring data and your data/card can become corrupt.
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