CompactFlash cards are small, solid-state storage devices designed for use in portable devices. Weighing less than 15 grams each and smaller than a matchbox in size, they are highly portable and yet very tough. As such, they have been extensively used in many portable devices like digital cameras, MP3 players and PDAs for data storage.

These cards are based on flash memory technology which is non-volatile. That means it does not require power to retain its data. As such, it will not lose data even if disconnected from the host device or any power source. This is completely opposite of volatile memory technologies like SDRAM and RDRAM, where the memory cells have to be periodically refreshed to retain their contents.

Write Errors

But like all data storage solutions, CompactFlash cards are also susceptible to write errors. It could be due to issues with the host device or even the overheating of the card itself. When that happens, data is lost and sometimes even the space previously occupied is irretrievable!

When such write errors happen to PC users, they don't have to worry too much because they can always check for and correct those errors by running Scandisk or Norton Utilities. However, Pocket PC users didn't have such utilities for a long time. So, if their CompactFlash cards get write errors, well, they will just have to live with the errors or send it back to the manufacturer for reformatting.

Then, PDA Resources came up with a simple utility called Format Flash Card. Although it did nothing more than format flash memory cards, it was a great boon to all CompactFlash (as well as other flash memory card) users because it finally allows them to retrieve the space "lost" to corrupted files.

PDA Resources' Format Flash Card

However, formatting the entire flash memory card just to retrieve lost space is a little like using a 120mm Rheinmetall smoothbore to hit a dart board! Although it will get you back your lost space, it's rather inconvenient because you will need to reload your flash card's contents. If your Pocket PC is stuck with a serial connection like my Casio E-115, you will know just how frustrating it is to reload 50+ MB worth of files into the flash card!

Therefore, a utility that does more than just flash card formatting is needed. Some kind of Scandisk for Pocket PCs, if you will. A utility that will correct the errors and retrieve the lost space without formatting the entire card.