CF Card Kaput Or Is It?
 

I have a Sandisk CF card. When I try to use it I get the message "Error 51."
There are no instructions dealing with error messages in my IXUS400 manual.
I have tried reformating, and this has not rectified the condition. Should I bin it or what?
It is possible that I removed the battery or CF card before switching the camera off but I can't be sure.

Is it possible to read the card in an external card reader, if so the card is okay, can it be formatted in another camera if no external reader available.

Most CF card manufacturers have excellent warranties, Lexar are lifetime. I am not sure what Sandisk offer but I am sure its good. Do not discard the CF card as there is a chance it may be replaced.

Thank you for your reply Stephen. I have tried formating in my 20D and that does not work either. The card cannot be read on my computer. I have just read in the manual that drying the card in a warm atmosphere can rectify, so I am doing that now. Will report back to you later. Thanks again. John

I have taken the liberty to check Sandisk warranty.

Some cards have 5 years while others are lifetime, check out the link below.

http://www.sandisk.com/Retail/Warranty.aspx

*Dont throw it away!*

Yes don't throw away. I had a Kingston that went funny on me. It would format OK but when over half full it would start overwriting and give camera errors. Looked up Kingston website and after a few e-mails with card details and print out a RMA form the item was replaced a week later. Replacement came special delivery. Pretty good service.

Rob,thank you for your reply.
John

Stephen & Rob, it's working again! First I directed a jet of compressed air into the orifices, from a safe distance to avoid too much force and condensation. Then I placed it in the airing cupboard for about 60 minutes. After all this it worked. Not a very scientific approach because I don't know whether it was the compressed air dislodging dust or the airing cupboard evaporating moisture that did the trick. Thank you both for your replies.

John