Memory Stick - Drive Letter Assignment

Why might you want to change the drive letter for a USB memory stick?

One of the main reasons to change the drive letter for a USB memory stick is because it conflicts with a network drive letter already assigned but not yet setup during the bootup process. This usually happens to the H:/ drive. Another reason I like to change drive letters is that I tend to use a lot of different devices and it is handy to know that my USB sticks are near the bottom of the alphabet. I also like to rename my memory sticks so they are easier to identify, especially if I have more than one plugged into the computer. See tip at the bottom of these help notes for how to do that.

These notes are for all types of memory sticks. If you happen to have a Sandisk Cruzer memory stick (Olds College Bookstore sells this type) you may want to remove the U3 launchpad utility before proceeding.

U3 Launchpad removal instructions:

The Sandisk Cruzer memory stick (sold at the Olds College Bookstore) comes with a small utility called “U3 Launchpad” that can cause file corruption. Go to this site (http://u3uninstall.s3.amazonaws.com/U3Uninstall.exe) and download and run the launchpadremoval.exe file . If you would like to have a suite of applications that you can keep with you on your memory stick try Portable Apps (http://portableapps.com/).

Changing a Drive letter assignment:

Insert memory stick into a USB slot, and wait for the install to finish. You should get a message saying the hardware is ready to use.
Right click on the My Computer icon on the desktop
From the drop down menu select Manage
Left click on Disk Management
Right Click on the Drive letter that is currently assigned to the memory stick
From the drop down menu select “ChangeDrive Letter and Paths….”
Select the Change… button
Use the drop down menu on the right to select a different drive letter.
Note, drive letters are usually assigned in alphabetical order. So, for your memory stick it is best if you choose a drive letter close to the end of the alphabet like X, Y, or Z.
Click on the OK button after selecting a drive letter.

Tip: Rename the memory stick

Using the Computer Manage Utility

Most memory sticks either have no name or are called removable drive. Some memory sticks maybe named after the manufacturer of the memory stick. Regardless, you can easily rename the memory stick to something more meaningful like your first or last name.

Right Click on the drive letter for the memory stick
Select “properties” from the drop down menu
Under the General tab, you can change the display name for the memory stick. There is a limit as to how long a name you can have. It is best to keep the name between 8 and 15 characters.
Click on the OK button when done
Close the Computer Manage utility.

Using the My Computer icon

Open My computer
Right click on the drive letter/name currently being displayed for the memory stick.
Select Rename from the drop down menu
Type in a new name. It is best to keep the name between 8 and 15 characters.
Press the Enter key or left click somewhere else on the screen to save the new name.

Information Services
Open Monday to Friday 8:15am to 4:30pm
Email itsupport@oldscollege.ca
Phone: (403) 507-7777