How can I get my camera to work without having to buy another memory stick?

I bought a 1GB memory stick for my Sony 3.1 almost a year ago because I am an ardent photographer.It has worked well until recently when it began to show a memory stick error.I pulled out the stick and pushed it back in.That worked for a while then I got a format error.I worked on the format then I got the C1301 or something error. A photographer friend erased the memory stick and saved the photos to his laptop.He transferred them to a jump drive (or something) and loaded them into my computer.I am thankful but the camera still does not work.He said that it may have a virus and I may need a new memory stick.He put one in but still got a memory stick error.We changed the batteries too. Nothing. Does anyone have any ideas about what I can do now?I need a digital camera handy for those blue (king) herons,cranes,Pacific sea snakes in the Atlantic and shower of golden flowers with an inimitable fragrance.Please help me!

You don't mention whether you reformatted the card while in the camera. But if you didn't, you should.

But based on your description, I think that the card or card slot is dirty. Look at the metal contacts on the end of the card and clean any dirt. Then get one of the cans of dust blower and blow out the camera slot.

Did your card work in the card reader on your friend's computer? If yes, then the problem is probably in your camera slot.

Good Luck

i dont think that you can srry!

Call sony and ask them

A camera should not be affected by a virus on a memory stick. Cameras don't usually execute programs stored on external media.

Sounds like either the camera is having a problem or, more likely, the stick is bad. A 1GB memory stick can be purchased for $20 if you hit the right sale/rebate.

which brand for your ms? if sandisk call them, they have lifetime warrenty for cards

Those memory sticks are rated to be reformatted up to 20,000 times. I would use an image retrieval program to see if you can "save" the images and then try reformatting the card. Then get a RMA and return the card to Sony and they should send you a new one.

There are two things that cause errors in memory cards (other than blunt force trauma or submersion in water or other liquid).

First by deleting images one by one while in the field and second by deleting all the images once they have been copied to the hard drive.

The memory card must be reformatted to assure good performance.

Try the stick in some one elese Camera and see what happens

Hi there,

most electronic problems dealing with mating parts that include electrical contacts have the same origin, one of these two

DIRT or GREASE

Even if you cannot see it, you may have introduced something with the card (maybe wet fingers by the sea, or just sweat). Oxidation at the camera contacts might produce read malfunction, even if the camera and the card are OK.

Main problem is how to clean those contacts in the camera. I don't think they sell any cleaning kit for that (good idea for a patent, I want my share), and the old cotton-and-alcohol (battery removed!) may be too tricky...

I agree, you should get a new card. But if the problems is inside the cam, you will get (as you mention) a read error. The solution is to take the cam to the repari service, and have the contacts cleaned

Good luck!