How to retrieve data from a USB drive? Solved/Closed

Question

Yes, the key is recognized, but I can't open the files because I get the message on the other PC: This drive F is not formatted... Otherwise, how can I recover these files despite this message? How can I copy these files without exploring the USB key? Control Panel: the USB bus controllers are all fine for all controllers.

When restarting Windows, I don't remember if there was a scandisk, but otherwise, should I redo a scandisk and format it to FAT? Thank you for your advice. A novice who is taking care of her PC repairs alone.

Configuration: Windows XP
Internet Explorer 6.0

PassantQuiPasse · Accepted Answer

Try to recover with software like PC Inspector File Recovery or Recuva ...
Try to repair the drive: find the letter corresponding to the USB key (for example G:), then press Windows+R, then
```
cmd
```
, validate with Ctrl+Shift+Enter to run it as administrator, and finally type
```
chkdsk/f g:
```
If that doesn't work, try uninstalling and then reinstalling the driver:
- This PC > Manage > Storage > Disk Management or press Windows+R and
```
diskmgmt.msc
```
- Right-click -> Drivers -> uninstall
- Disconnect the drive
- Reconnect the drive

Great idea this forum where you can reply without registering! I tried on others... Who won't hear about my experience...

Abdelhak · Answer

Hello,
for a USB drive with a capacity greater than 32MB, Windows XP defaults to the FAT32 file system.

To format a USB drive, proceed as follows:
Open the Control Panel,
Select Administrative Tools, then go to Computer Management,
Select Disk Management,
Right-click on the drive corresponding to the USB drive and choose "Format as FAT." If the drive has a capacity of more than 2GB, choose FAT32.

manidan · Answer

check if there's a button on your "hold" key because if it's active it can prevent formatting and exploring sometimes
otherwise try to boot from a Linux CD if you have one without installing it

because Linux is amazing in situations like this, it can even access a computer with a password without having to enter the password
see you+

Willy · Answer

Hello,

we are in 2010 and the same problems persist... So, I bought a 4GB USB stick from PNY. At first, it worked normally except for maybe some connection issues on one of my PCs. It's a retractable model and therefore lacks a guide for insertion, which is not very practical for plugging it into the computer's port. Today, while it is detected when I plug it in, the computers (whether my laptop running up-to-date Vista SP1 or my two desktop PCs running up-to-date XP SP3) ask me to insert the disk. With my brand new Mac (iMac i3 from August 2010), the USB stick is no longer detected at all.

This is the second time I've bought this brand. The first time, I already had an issue that made the entire capacity of the stick unusable. I can read the used part but the space that remains free. In any case, I can no longer save anything on it; I always get an error message. However, my old Kingston still works perfectly and is wonderfully recognized, just like my newer 8GB Transcend. -
I had a similar problem with a Dane Elect. In fact, more than one, as I had bought a lot to distribute. Almost all ended up presenting the same failure (Insert a disk into the drive by clicking on it).

The reliability level of this technology is concerning at a time when we are starting to find flash memory to replace our hard drives. I once read that this type of component is very, very sensitive to voltage fluctuations. Apparently, this weakness has not been corrected on all USB sticks... So be cautious with your machines; if you use flash memory, do so only to host your applications, and for storage and all your data, prefer traditional solutions... In any case, buy components of recognized quality!

Well now, I'm going to get a refund or ask for an exchange (meh). For those encountering a problem in this regard, know that in France, it is the distributor (the store that sold it to you) that is responsible for the legal warranty. The terms may differ afterwards (exchange or refund, repair when possible, it all depends on the commercial warranty, which may be more generous).

Cheers and be careful in your choices!

rwanito · Answer

Hello,

Under Win7 on your workstation or computer, right-click/manage/storage/disk management.
If your USB drive appears, check the file system. If it's RAW as it happened to me, do:
Start button or Windows, type "cmd.exe" in the window that opens, type "chkdsk/f g:"
<< g corresponds to the volume name of your USB drive >>
In the end, I typed "o" and my USB drive was working again.

papady · Answer

I just found the solution, I had also lost my photos but thanks to RECUVA I just recovered all of them. It's a small, very simple but effective software.

If you still have problems, I'll give you my Skype: Mecfeu.
Good luck.

mohazom · Answer

Use a program like Recover My Files

How to retrieve data from a USB drive?

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