When a user finds out that his/her USB stick no longer works, he/she is often tempted to look for a “repair” program to restore the functionality of the USB stick. But here’s something users are likely unfamiliar with. Most of these repair applications will delete everything stored on the drive. Therefore, if it is the contents of the USB stick that you wish to save, then running a “repair” application first is going to be the fastest route to losing those files. The following information explains in detail what USB repair tools really do, under which conditions you would want to run such a tool, and how to retrieve your lost files from a non-working USB stick.
The purpose of a repair tool is to allow you to use a previously dead USB stick again either through formatting or resetting the device. Both processes will destroy your data. Data recovery will extract your data from the damaged media. Therefore, if you need what is on the USB stick, recover your data first and attempt to repair it later, but never the opposite order.
The main point of distinction between the two terms is usually overlooked by users since they’re both referred to as “fixing” the USB stick. Repair refers to restoring a working condition (formatting, usable for storing new files) of the drive. Recovery refers to recovering files currently stored on it. Since the common method of performing repairs (formatting/resetting) removes the very data being attempted to recover using recovery methods, there exists a contradiction between these two goals, and which goal is addressed first determines whether your files remain intact. If the stick contains no information or you have nothing of value stored on it, then you can pursue a repair. However, if you require access to the information contained within the stick, always attempt to recover the files before attempting a repair.
Additionally, it would be beneficial to understand how each of these programs functions. Utility programs created by manufacturers and utility software described as “a USB repair tool” (including some of the most well known brands like Verbatim’s) will generally either perform a low level formatting process, or reset the controller thereby returning the flash memory chip back to its original factory blanked state thus allowing the device to mount and function normally. Microsoft’s built-in “you need to format this disk” message will also do the same thing to the drive. Although chkdsk is somewhat less destructive than a low level format, it can still cause overwriting/movement of data while repairing the file system. None of the above options were intended to preserve your data; instead all were intended to provide a functional drive. Therefore, utility software provides true benefits in those instances where the stick has been previously formatted, or backed-up. Conversely, utility software is detrimental when data is needed.
In order for you to preserve your files, treat the USB stick as read-only and attempt file recovery prior to repair. When a USB stick does mount but displays corrupted or blank files, then recovery software may extract those files from the device; read them into the computer, scan them, and store the recovered files on a different disk drive, without writing anything to the original USB stick. The method for recovering a corrupt memory card, or formatted media, is the same as described above. If the recovery software cannot see the stick, or it is not detected at all, stop using recovery software and any repair tools, because there is often a hardware fault, and further attempts will only reduce what can be recovered. Once you have successfully removed your files from the damaged USB stick, you may either reformat it and reuse it, or discard it.
USB sticks experience some form of mechanical stress (cracked board, snapped connector, submerged in liquid, sat upon) and no USB repair tool exists capable of repairing such types of failures. Therefore, when a USB stick isn’t detected at all, or its connector has separated from the stick body, bench work is required: in other words, the recovery operation must be done at a hardware level and commonly involves reading the contents of a flash memory chip directly. With respect to the monolithic style USB sticks so prevalent today, this means performing operations directly on the chip itself. Such operations are generally beyond the expertise of the average user, however the majority of times, the data is recoverable regardless of how badly damaged the external casing appears to be. A single USB stick will cost from £250 +VAT and therefore represents a reasonable investment should your photos or documents stored on the USB stick represent significant value.
Recover first, if you need the files. USB repair tools restore a dead stick by formatting it or resetting its controller, which erases everything on it. So running one before recovering is the quickest way to lose your files. Only run a repair tool once your files have been safely copied off, or if the stick contains nothing important and you simply want it working properly again.
Most products that claim to fix a faulty USB stick, manufacturer utilities and generic repair tools alike, perform a low-level format or reset the stick’s controller. Both methods wipe the flash memory back to its factory-blank state so the stick mounts and works again, erasing everything on it. The built-in Windows format prompt does the same, and even chkdsk can overwrite data while repairing the file system. They are designed to give you a working drive, not to preserve your files.
If the stick mounts but appears to be corrupt or empty, recovery software may be able to carve the files out of it, reading them in the computer and saving them onto another drive; the stick itself should never be used as the target for the recovered files. If there are no signs that the stick has been detected at all, or its connector is broken, stop and get it recovered on the bench, where the flash can be read directly. Repair tools will not help and can make things worse instead of fixing anything.
Yes, often. A snapped connector or an undetected stick is a hardware failure. This requires the recovery process to occur at the chip level as the flash memory needs to be read directly (a repair tool cannot read it). Sticks frequently have recoverable data even when they appear to be completely damaged. The cost for recovering one USB stick is from £250 +VAT after a complimentary diagnostic.
No, unless you do not require the files contained within the stick or you’ve already recovered the files. Formatting clears the faulty stick back to its original state (blank) and removes all remaining data. If you want to save the files you’ll need to recover them before formatting the stick so you can use it again. If there are no files on the stick, formatting is a fine way to fix it and start using it again.
Do not format or reset any stick with files you wish to retain. Please send us the defective stick and we will recover your files for you, including from snapped sticks (at chip level), with a complimentary diagnostic followed by a fixed quote.