Unable to permanently delete USB drive file
fabul Posted messages 42099 Registration date Status Modérateur Last intervention -
Hello,
Here is my problem, I allow myself to post it here:
When I delete files from a USB stick in FAT32, the PC shows an increased free space on the USB that corresponds to what I deleted, but after disconnecting the USB, my deleted files reappear when I reconnect the USB to the PC!
Moreover, when I try to copy moderately large files onto it (like a 500MB video), the USB doesn't accept it. It works for small files. How can I do this without formatting? Given that I currently don't have space to back up the files I want to keep on the USB.
Assuming that I have to format, is it certain that the problem will go away?
3 réponses
Hello,
To be able to delete files, the size of the recycle bin must be larger than that of the files you place in it. I'm not sure if that's the only issue, but you can try with another drive, preferably new or formatted.
Furthermore, if you don't have space on the internal drive(s) of the PC, its usage will become critical, even just for printing or other operations, knowing that you should keep about 10% of free space on the system drive.
A cleanup is therefore necessary, which would allow you to increase the size of the recycle bin (in the settings module) within the limit of the free space on the drive.
Hello,
One idea, a CHKDSK could help, but a CHKDSK can also be destructive.
I would back up the files elsewhere when you find another external drive, format the key, and check it with H2testw
https://www.commentcamarche.net/telecharger/utilitaires/11535-h2testw/
Note: It might just be a problem with the Windows cache data
If you restart Windows, you won't see those ghost files anymore.
If you find them again, it’s because the key has a problem, we’ll see if...
There is Active@ KillDisk Freeware with the Erase option at the root of the drive
(Normally on the left)
https://killdisk.com/killdisk-freeware.htm
If that fails or indicates errors, do the following:
Provide more details about the drive (Brand, Model, Size) * If applicable
Create a report (With the drive connected) using ChipGenius, I explain below.
Note: It is a tool for extracting information about USB hardware (USB controller chip model, memory chip, etc.). It may be perceived as malware by antivirus software when it is not; I use it, there's nothing to fear.
Disable the antivirus real-time protection while downloading, extracting everything, and running ChipGenius, or add the files to exceptions.
https://www.cjoint.com/c/LIepeZzEuZs
Otherwise, it's the same thing, behind here a version below with a password:
https://www.usbdev.ru/files/chipgenius/
Right-click in the ChipGenius window and then close the small information window (Which means the report is copied to the clipboard) with "Ok", then use Ctrl + V to paste the generated text in your next reply.
Active@ KillDisk doesn't fail but indicates that there are errors.
I couldn't launch Chip Genius on Windows 10, Windows Defender is intervening and I don't know how to prevent it...
PS it's a small Lexar 32GB flash drive, maybe it's not worth it. Now that I'm here though, I would like to learn for my other drives just in case.
Good evening
In the Start Menu > All > Windows Security
There is in Real-time protection > Manage settings
Then there is also in App & browser control > Reputation-based protection or something like that, if I remember correctly.
If ChipGenius indicates a controller that is quite generic, we can often find a program to reprogram it on the site usbdev.ru
Description: [D:]Mass Storage Device USB (Lexar USB Flash Drive)
Device Type: Mass Storage Device
Protocol Version: USB 2.10 <- Hint: This device can run faster when plugged into a USB3.0 port
Current Speed: High Speed
Max Current: 500mA
USB Device ID: VID = 05DC PID = A838
Serial Number: AA42C84M7AJTS050
Device Vendor: Lexar
Device Name: USB Flash Drive
Device Revision: 1100
Manufacturer: Lexar
Product Model: USB Flash Drive
Product Revision: 1100
Controller Vendor: SMI
Controller Part-Number: SM3267AE - ISP 160831-2AE
Flash ID code: 2CA46432AA04 - Micron FBNL06B256G1KDBABJ4-6AL - 1CE/Single Channel [MLC-16K] -> Total Capacity = 32GB
Tools on web: http://dl.mydigit.net/special/up/smi.html
Possible Flash Part-Number
----------------------------
[1CE]MT29F256G08CBCBB x 1 pcs/Channel x 1 Channel
[1CE]FBNL06B256G1KDBABJ4-6AL x 1 pcs/Channel x 1 Channel
Flash ID mapping table
----------------------------
[Channel 0] [Channel 1]
2CA46432AA04 --------
-------- --------
-------- --------
-------- --------
-------- --------
-------- --------
-------- 400140024004
4221FFFFFFFF --------
The main controller is of the SMI (Silicon Motion) brand.
https://www.usbdev.ru/files/smi/
And the model of the controller is the SM3267AE.
By refining the search, there is surely a tool among the SMI MPTool SM32X \ SM34X [SMI Mass Production Tool] that can reprogram it.
https://www.usbdev.ru/files/smi/smimptool/
The latest versions at the bottom are the most recent.
So you can start by testing the one at the very bottom,
SMI MPTool V2.5.72 v1 S0926v1 [SM3282BB]; MPtool_SM3282BB_S0926v1_SVN7723.rar; 3,608,527 bytes.
Or use Ctrl + F to search for SM3267AE (Your exact model) in the tool name if you really need a specific one, and by the latest compatible one,
SMI MPTool V2.5.64 v5 R0518 [SM3267AC,SM3267AE]; Star_SM3267AE_R0518.rar; 5,692,761 bytes.
If it is necessary, you can go back to the older versions. (You may have several to test) to reprogram it according to the memory 2CA46432AA04 - Micron FBNL06B256G1KDBABJ4-6AL - 1CE recognized as valid memory blocks for the key to work correctly.
If there is any information in one of the fields, it means the tool detects the controller and can probably reprogram it quite easily.
In Settings, you can give a name to the key, e.g., Lexar instead of the generic name assigned by the tool.
Before starting the flash with Start or Start All probably.
After the flash, format the key in FAT32 and verify it with H2testw.
https://www.commentcamarche.net/telecharger/utilitaires/11535-h2testw/
Maybe with other tools, and maybe some patience,
Try the version SMI MPTool V2.5.64 v5 R0518 [SM3267AC,SM3267AE]; Star_SM3267AE_R0518.rar; 5,692,761 bytes
If this is not the one you tried and the versions just above (at the top) if needed.
Some tools have a function to adjust the size to the drive in Settings, but if it detects the correct memory, it may already be a good sign and perhaps you do not need to touch that.
If it needs to be reduced because it is unable to create a drive of 30000 MB or 32768 MB, it might be possible to slightly reduce the desired size, then there would be less or perhaps not at all missing memory blocks (sectors).
I do not know all the other options of all the tools.
To explore if you have the time and want to save this drive.
@+