Now, many electronic devices use cards based on solid-state memory (flash) for their work. And this is not only about mobile phones and digital cameras. Many camcorder manufacturers are also increasingly offering models in which the digital stream is stored directly on flash memory. In light of this, it becomes clear why all modern laptops and their fellow netbooks with tablets in 90% of cases are equipped with a built-in module for reading flash memory cards. Surely everyone heard the term "card reader." Actually, this is this module - Card (card) Reader (reader). If the card reader does not work, then the convenience of working with devices is significantly reduced. For example, instead of directly copying files from a camera card, you have to use an adapter cord. The reasons why the card reader does not work can be very different. Today we will consider the main ones and provide recommendations for restoring performance.
In general, all the reasons can be divided into several large groups:
- hardware. This includes connection errors, damage to the logical part, improper use, related malfunctions;
- software. Usually these are the features of the operating system or driver;
- mixed.
In case of problems with reading cards, the first step should always be installing the driver on the card reader. This is especially true for laptops. Without a driver (control program), the card reader cannot work, and in the system itself it is defined as an unknown device. The solution is to determine the manufacturer of the card reader (indicated in the instructions), for example, Ricoh, and download the appropriate driver. Owners of laptops can run the support disk that comes with the kit, or go to the manufacturer’s website of their laptop computer, specify their model in the download section and download the necessary drivers. And only after installing the drivers we check the hardware.
Card readers can be external and internal (built-in). Despite this difference, they all connect to the USB bus. In internal computer modules for reading cards on the reverse side there is a special loop with a connector block at the end. The shoe plugs into the appropriate USB pins on the motherboard. Therefore, if the card reader does not work, then you need to check the correct connection of the connector (open the instructions for the board). Although in most cases a lock is provided against improper inclusion, however, precedents sometimes occur. With external card readers it’s easier - just do not turn on the standard USB connector “vice versa”. Also, the built-in card reader does not work if USB ports are disabled in the BIOS settings. In personal computers, to enter the BIOS, immediately after switching on, press the Delete (Del) button. It is recommended to read the instructions for the motherboard and set the settings in accordance with the instructions in it. If even after that the card reader does not work, then we switch it to another free port. The advantage of computer card readers is their easy replacement in the event of a breakdown.
The situation is a little more complicated if the card reader does not work on a laptop. Due to the high degree of integration of components, local overheating often occurs, as a result of which part of the USB ports fails. In this case, not only the card reader stops working. Since it is problematic to switch the built-in device to another slot in laptops, you need to make sure that the driver is installed, try another memory card, rearrange the operating system (sometimes it helps).
When using card readers, two important points to consider:
- The USB hub has a current limit, so a large number of devices connected at the same time can cause malfunctions. Conclusion - to check, turn off printers, scanners, flash drives, phones, and leave only a card reader;
- SD and SDHC cards are only partially compatible. A reader for SD does not have to be able to work with the new SDHC.