How to avoid format problems with Smartmedia card? And how to fix it?

I am answering my own question. But there were several other questions focusing on this same problem, so I'll summarize it here. It's simple, at least for my camera. I found the manual on line (which is not easy as AGFA has it, but does not have a link to it on its website; I found it with a detailed search).

The solution: When the camera balks and asks if you want to reformat the card, on the AGFA Ephoto 1280, you can format the card inside the camera, by moving the Easy Pilot button indicate "yes" & that's it. This will erase all data on the card, so be careful. If the USB card reader still works, copy the pix. from it first.

Also be careful of those USB card readers. I am now going to see if I can use mine if I simply put the card in, copy the pictures, but do all writing tasks (even a delete) from inside the camera, so nothing gets overwritten on the card from Windows. I won't use the "safely remove hardware" or "stop USB device" options on Windows. Won't boot down or up with a card in the device. I think that might work.

Pat Lines
April 2008