Before you start
- IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check the Applicable Products and Categories section of this article before starting these steps.
- The steps to open and close the memory card covers of the camera differ based on the model. For details, refer to your camera's Help Guide.
Troubleshooting
A memory card might not be recognized if the card does not connect properly with the memory card slot in your camera. Any of the following error messages may be displayed on the camera LCD screen when the memory card is not recognized.
Error messages and troubleshooting
| Icon / Error Message | Possible causes and troubleshooting steps |
|---|
 (Warning) icon /  (Malfunction) icon |
- There is something wrong with the memory card. Replace the memory card with another one.
|
| Unable to use memory card. Format? |
- The memory card was formatted on a computer and the file format was modified. Select Enter and then format the memory card. You can use the memory card again, however, all previous data in the memory card is erased. It may take some time to complete the format. If the message still appears, change the memory card.
|
| Memory Card Error |
- An incompatible memory card is inserted. To check for Memory Card, Memory Stick, and SD Card compatibility with Sony cameras and camcorders, refer to our Accessories Compatibility Information page.
- Formatting has failed. Format the memory card again.
|
| Unable to read memory card. Reinsert memory card. |
- An incompatible memory card is inserted. To check for Memory Card, Memory Stick, and SD Card compatibility with Sony cameras and camcorders, refer to our Accessories Compatibility Information page.
- The memory card is damaged.
- The terminal section of the memory card is dirty. If the terminal of the memory card is dirty, it may cause a loose connection and the camcorder may not recognize the memory card correctly. Clean the terminal with a dry cloth or cotton swab, and then re-insert the memory card.
|
| Memory card locked. |
- You are using a memory card with a write-protect switch or a delete-protect switch with the switch set to the LOCK position. Set the switch to the record position. Take the memory card out of the camera and move the Lock tab to Unlock position.
A: Lock Tab
|
| This memory card may not be capable of recording and playing normally. |
|
| Cannot create more folders. |
- A folder in the memory card has the first three digits 999. You cannot create any more folders on this camera.
|
 Reinsert the memory card |
- Reinsert the memory card a few times. If the indicator continues to flash even after reinserting, the memory card could be damaged. Try with another memory card.
|
| Cannot recognize this memory card. Format and use again. |
- Format the memory card. Note that when you format the memory card, all the recorded movies and photos are deleted.
|
 The maximum number of still image folders has been reached. Cannot record still images. |
- You cannot create folders exceeding 999MSDCF. You cannot create or delete created folders using this product.
- Format the memory card, or delete folders using your computer.
|
Additional troubleshooting steps:
Check that the memory card is not inserted in the wrong direction, or at a slant The direction to insert the memory card varies according to the type of memory card. If it is inserted in the wrong direction or at a slant, the card will not go in all the way and the camera won’t recognize it. Insert it squarely in the correct direction until it clicks. Push the center portion of the visible edge of the memory card to insert it squarely.
WARNING! There is a risk of software corruption. If the memory card is inserted at a slant, it may not be possible to remove it.
Example of inserting a memory card:
HDR-CX675
- A: The printed surface of the microSD memory card
Note: If you use a microSD memory card, insert it with the printed side facing up until it clicks. - B: The terminal surface of the Memory Stick Micro media
Note: If you are using a Memory Stick Micro media, insert it with the terminal side facing up until it clicks.
Note: Refer to the camera Help Guide for details on the direction in which the memory card should be inserted.
- Turn off the camera, remove and insert the memory card several times, then turn on the camera to see if the issue is resolved.
- If you have more than one memory card, check if another card is recognized correctly.
Check if another memory card can be recognized.
- If another memory card is recognized, there is a possibility that data in the first memory card is corrupt. Insert the memory card into your computer to back up the data. Then, format the memory card with the camera.
WARNING! There is a risk of data loss. Formatting will permanently delete the data from the media and cannot be retrieved.
- If more than one memory card is not recognized and the issue is still unresolved, the camera may need service.
For other error messages, please check the following.
