M-400: My USB stick or USB key won't format or work in the M-400.
Not every brand and model of USB memory key is compatible with the M-400. Most, but not all, major brand units should work. Many cheap, no name brands do not work due to speed, spec or quality of component issues. We can verify that the following brands/models will work:
- Kingston Data Traveler 100 DT100/1GBKR 1GB
- Kingston Data Traveler DTI / 8GB 8GB
- Kingston Data Traveler 100 DT100/16GB 16GB
- Kingston Data Traveler 150 DT150/32GB 32GB
- SONY USB Flash Drive USM1GJ 1GB
- PNY OPTIMA PRO attache P-FD2GBHSP-F 2GB
- PNY attache P-FD01GU20-RF 1GB
- Lexar JumpDrive Lightning JDP1GB 1GB
- Lexar JumpDrive FireFly JPFF512 512MB
- imation Clip Flash Drive Flash-Clip1G 1GB
- Ativa Portable Flash Drive JDON1GB 1GB
- Memorex Travel drive 32509067 1GB
- Memorex USB Flash Drive 32535064 64MB
We have had varying levels of success when testing SanDisk units which tend to be sporadic from model to model. If you are looking at purchasing a memory key, we recommend Kingston Data Traveler. If you are trying to use a brand or model not listed above, please note the following:
- Just because your memory key will work in a PC or Mac it does not guarantee it will work in the M-400. The PC and Mac have a large general purpose operating system and the M-400 does not.
- Ensure that your memory key is truly empty. A number of companies load hidden applications in these keys that automatically boot up when you insert them in your PC/Mac. When you look on the drive, you cannot see these and it actually looks like the unit is empty. These types of memory keys will not work in the M-400. We have had varying success when we uninstall the application but finding a way to do so can involve quite a search. Some manufacturers have an uninstall tool on their website. Here are the links on SanDisk's Support FAQ's that explain how:
- Ensure your USB memory will pass the Speed Test - in the M-400 System>USB Memory Menu.
- Your memory key must be formatted via the M-400 System>USB Memory Menu. Formatting it in your PC/Mac will not suffice.
- If you find that after trying any of the above, your key continues to fail, then it is highly likely that it is just not compatible. In this case you should simply standardize around branded keys that have been proven to work.