For Gawds' sake do NOT format a camera card from within Windows. Aways format the card in the camera for which it is used, as the card can bugger up quite nicely with your priceless pics on it. you could lose them all, thank you very much.
Not doubting the wisdom of your advice, but I don't quite follow. If you format a card in the camera, as opposed to within Windows, doesn't it also delete all the photos anyway? Or, going the Windows route, is there a risk of permanently damaging the card?
acbus1
For what it's worth, I've re-checked my Pentax Optio (older model - 330), and there's definitely a format option in the set-up menu.