Hello forums,
I need to know if there's an open source OR freeware SD-card formatter for Windows? I care to know because I need a formatter for an automated installer. I looked into the Panasonic SD Formatter, which is a fantastic piece of work, but it's not for redistribution, obviously. All and any assitance is appreciated.
Ace Faith.
Run a batch file and use the
format
command?The format program is made by Microsoft.
Yeah but isn't it available on every Windows computer since win95? If so, then there's no need to redistribute, just assume it's present. Granted, it's generally bad practice to make assumptions about people's configurations but this one seems like a pretty sure-fire bet. It's not "Formatter .Net Edition".
Given that the OP wasn't inundated with suggestions perhaps this might be a viable alternative solution.
If the card is formated just for store some data on it by a PC, then any formating, incl format.exe or what ever is fine.
But it seems that in some applications the card has to be formated in a slightly different way. I assume this will be fopr some cameras or similar.
Therefore some formating sofware exist to do the job.
I think it is much similar problem as the HP formater is used for usb stikcs to make propper complete partition on it with propper sectors for mbr etc. Simple format.exe will also not do it properly.
Otto Sykora
Basel, Switzerland
I doubt those specialized formatters are open source or the license permits distribution though. Just a guess. I suppose it really depends on what the user is trying to do.
I did find another formatter which might help: Fat32Format.
Perhaps it might be possible to achieve that by using Cygwin Portable (info on Cygwin) and mkfs command. Not that I am sure that mkfs is available under Cygwin or it would fit your needs if it is, but this is something you can consider exploring.