Tried both uninstall methods , using Settings in Launchpad , and the removal tool download from SanDisk. Each and every time, I get some "can't format" error message about closing open document or whatever is "viewing" the drive. I close any explorer window along with the U3 app that comes with the drive. I've tried the "safely remove" utility that is used for any removable disc , then going back thru the uninstall steps. I've checked task manager to see if any U3 item is listed - not there. I want this to be simply a flash drive , so that when I take it to someone elses PC , they're not annoyed with the U3 application trying to run. ! OH .... there's also this very troubling extra. My front USB port is "L" . But when the U3 app runs , it assigns the letter "O" to the drive?? IF I CLICK ON "L" instead of "O" , my PC REBOOTS !!!??? Each time ! (please no virus talk)
The U3 removal tool you should be getting from the U3 website, I don't believe sandisk has the proper software on their website. I have the 8GB myself, used the tool and formatted the whole thing without a problem. Yeah, I hate that garbage malware that comes pre-installed on flash memory now.
"You Are Correct, Sir" (Ed McMahon?, to Johnny) I did get it done, using the file from U3.com ! Funny, it showed up as exactly the same size as the applet from SanDisk? One thing I did differently, tho. I used the SHIFT key until LaunchPad cried "Uncle".(do people still say that ??) THEN , I opened Task Manager, and found that U3/or L'pad.exe was shown as running! I got rid of it. NOW , I ran the applet, and worked perfectly. As others found after trying this, I ended up short of "free space" on the flash-drive, tho mine was only short about 1.5G (others were far short of capacity) BUT, soon as I reformatted (FAT32), I ended up with your plain ol' basic 8Giggery flash drive!! ..... (now what was my urgent need for this thing, that I just had to have it ?? ha.)