Format CF card using camera or computer for firmware update

[DaisyHead]

I want to ask the folks that had successfully updated the firmware on the 20D. The instruction says to copy the 20D00104.fir file to a formatted CF card. Does that mean a card formatted by the camera or by the computer? Normally, I format my card in the camera of course, but I'm not taking anything for granted with this operation. Thanks.

[davidwegs]

did it on the computer, and have uploaded to two cams no issues. :)

[robertwgross]

Formatting a CF card completely in the computer is good for a problem card or an unknown card. Then, if you put it back into the camera, the camera can format it, which is mostly placing some directories on it.

The firmware upgrade file is supposed to be in the root directory of the CF card, not in any other.

---Bob Gross---

[DaisyHead]

The firmware upgrade file is supposed to be in the root directory of the CF card, not in any other.
---Bob Gross---

Yes, I know that Bob, but specifically, did you format your card using the computer or the camera for THIS operation?

[scottbergerphoto]

I always format my CF card in the camera(G2, 10D, Mark II). The only time to format a CF card in the computer is if it is not behaving well. Then you format it in the computer first and then the camera.
Scott

[robertwgross]

If you format the CF card in the camera, it is a quick format. It erases previous files and sets up some numbered directories for future files. However, if you have a problem CF card, it will only skirt around the edges of dealing with that.

If you format the CF card in the computer (via card reader), then you have a variety of format file system methods (FAT, FAT32, NTFS, etc., depending on the OS), but only one is correct. Formatting the CF card completely will wipe out any bad memory addresses or at least render them harmless before it gets to the camera.

Then write your extracted firmware file to that CF card. Then move it to the camera.

---Bob Gross---

[dorkn]

So which format should you format a cf card to FAT FAT 32 or NTSF? I have a card that is acting up and I am not for sure which format to use on the PC (win XP PRO). I know after you format in the pc reformat it in the camera.
Thanks for any help.

[Jon]

FAT16 will work with most anything. Newer cameras may accept FAT32. None accept NTFS.

[robertwgross]

What you can use for format depends on the OS you are using and also the capacity of the CF card.

For example, I use Windows XP, and for a 256MB CF card, I only get the two choices of FAT or FAT32. You would not want to put NTFS on a card, I don't think. Larger capacity dictates that the file system may be larger than FAT. Older cameras may not handle the larger capacity formats, but the 20D is new, so it should accommodate the largest capacity cards with the largest capacity file systems.

---Bob Gross---