How do I erase a flash drive?

Question

I can read items on my flash but i can't write. I can delete but after i take out the flash drive and look again when I reload they are there.

I tried to format and it failed.

Thanks for all sugesstions but hitting with a hammmer seems to be ther choice. Sandisk is taking it back but I don't want to send it with data on it as it contains sensitive information. There is no switch to make it read only so I just I am out $70,

Answer 1

Plug it on a computer and reformat it by right clicking on the drive and choosing format.

Answer 2

I DON'T KNOW if this will help, but it "occurred to me" reading your question several times, that perhaps you only have "one choice": perform a Clean Install. However, it "sounds to me" that your "flash drive" is an external device. I pick up on that due to the fact you stated the company will take the device back & reimburse you. Your concern appears to be twofold if I'm reading correctly: (a) remove the flash drive from your computer; (b) clean out the flash drive to return same w/o sensitive info being contained within. Correct? So, now the question is this: are you having trouble removing from the Control Panel; and/or is this device an "external device" plugged into your computer? To both I have the same answer: If you cannot remove the drive from the Control Panel, and/or it is an external device, IF you perform a CLEAN INSTALL, and if the device is external, keep it "turned on and plugged in" while performing a Clean Install (assuming you have WIndows XP) and a Clean Install can be performed. As I do not think prior to Windows XP, Clean Installs could be performed by the owner (you) of your own computer; altho I'm not sure - I do not remember ever having an option of a Clean Install when I had WIndows 98, and prior to having XP! Altho I could be wrong! But, when one performs a Clean Install, the object is to "bring the computer back to manufacturer specs" - THUS, ERASING ALL DATA, meaning YOUR FILES and the Registry within the computer! And after performing the Clean Install, all external drives, programs, etc. must be downloaded, such as your printer, etc. as EVERYTHING is taken away and cleaned out; your computer is as fresh as a newborn babe! However, you must make sure you save all your personal files and a copy of your Outlook (.pst) to either an external drive (which is what I have and the reason I believe this will solve your problem, if this flash drive is an external device, as I was warned several times, always make sure my external drive is unplugged AND turned off when performing a Clean Install, as if not, it will WIPE OUT ALL FILES on the external drive as well. Thus, you either must save your files to an external drive, if this is your method of "safeguard", OR, you must copy all your computer files, documents, pictures, etc. by DL'g same to CDs or floppies. Once the Clean Install is completed, DL your Office/Word program (i.e., Office XP 03), set up your email accounts, open the Internet, set the configurations (if you have dial up), etc. and then BEFORE DL'g security (Norton, MacAfee, etc.), go to Microsoft, and DL all DLs including SP2, recommended by Micro to keep your computer safe, secure & up to date. AFTER DL'g Microsoft DLs, ONLY THEN DL your security (Norton, McAfee, etc. - whatever your preference). This "tidbit" has been told to me by BOTH Micro AND Norton. After all this has been completed, then DL your CDs or copy your external drive files back to your computer. The Clean Install wipes EVERYTHING out, as shared above, to bring the computer back to "manfacturer specs". It cleans the registry completely, it cleans out ANY external device that is plugged into the computer, and remains plugged in and turned on during a Clean Install, and altho a pain (i.e., steps and time it takes to perform all steps), I believe well worth it when having something in the computer that otherwise cannot be removed or dealt with. For me, I just had to perform a Clean Install due to a corrupted Outlook, and no reason for the corruption. And again, because I've been warned so many times about disconnecting my External Drive, if your flash drive is an external drive, I believe this would clean the flash drive out of the sensitive data you are concerned about in returning the drive to the company. PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO BACK UP AND COPY YOUR OUTLOOK, your stationary, if you have custom stationary, and too, copy your "Fonts" if you have added fonts to the standardized fonts that come w/ the computer, as all this will be lost in Clean Install unless backed up! I'd think IF this flash drive is external, and left ON and plugged into the computer while performing a Clean Install, it will wipe all sensitive data from same, and you can return it to the company "clean" and "empty". IF you have "files" on the flash drive you wish to keep, then too, remember to "back them up as well" PRIOR to the Clean Install. But if the flash drive is simply a DL that is in the Control Panel, an you are unable to remove it, Clean Install I think is your "only alternative"! Altho I'm not sure if this will help you and the dilemma you are facing, but I would tend to think, knowing as much about Clean Installs as I do, that THIS is your answer, and perhaps your ONLY alternative! I can only share from my own personal experiences and problems and resolutions to same - but I think this is your only alternative! Hope I have been of some help - Jacquie

Answer 3

Well....there is to possible answers here:
1.ur flash is set READ only....pull the tiny Switch in read-write positions
2.ur flash have a problem (hardware....i mean).....so cannot write ...just read from.

Answer 4

It is definitely damaged I reckon. Have you tried to plug it in another computer. Might be that the USB port is damaged. Just my 2c

Answer 5

just like wht Chicco said. Plug it in your computer then when the drive appears on your 'my computer', right click on it and choose 'format'

Answer 6

plug in pendrive,go to file choose format.quick format.it'll erase all data.if not,go 2 d shop n tell them d prob. ask for a new one.

Answer 7

smash it with a hammer