Fix corrupted usb flash drive​

A corrupted USB flash drive can be a frustrating problem, as it may contain important data that you need to access or recover. There are several methods you can try to fix a corrupted USB flash drive, depending on the cause of the corruption. 

1. Causes of USB Flash Drive Corruption

Improper Removal: One of the most common causes of USB flash drive corruption is removing the drive without properly ejecting it first. This can cause data to become corrupted or lost as the operating system may not have finished writing all the data to the drive.

Virus or Malware Attacks: Viruses, malware, and other types of malicious software can infect a USB flash drive and cause corruption. These programs may modify or delete files on the drive, or even damage the file system.

Power Surges or Interruptions: Sudden power surges or interruptions while the USB flash drive is in use can also lead to corruption. This can happen if the computer or the USB port experiences a power outage, or if there is a problem with the power supply.

Physical Damage: Dropping the USB flash drive, exposing it to extreme temperatures, or getting it wet can cause physical damage to the drive. This can result in corrupted data or a drive that is no longer recognized by the computer.

File System Errors: Sometimes, the file system on the USB flash drive can become corrupted due to software glitches, incorrect formatting, or other issues. This can cause problems when trying to access or manage the files on the drive.

2. Preliminary Checks

Check the USB Port: Before assuming that the USB flash drive is corrupted, make sure that the problem is not with the USB port on your computer. Try plugging the USB flash drive into a different USB port on the same computer or into a different computer altogether. If the drive works in another port or on another computer, then the problem may be with the original USB port.

Inspect the USB Flash Drive: Examine the USB flash drive for any physical damage. Look for signs of cracks, bent pins, or other visible damage. If the drive has been physically damaged, it may be more difficult to fix, and you may need to consider professional data recovery services.

Check for Error Messages: When you plug in the USB flash drive, check if there are any error messages displayed on the screen. These error messages can provide valuable clues about the nature of the problem. Write down the error messages and search for solutions online.

3. Using Windows Tools to Fix a Corrupted USB Flash Drive

Run CHKDSK: CHKDSK (Check Disk) is a built – in Windows tool that can be used to check the file system of a storage device for errors and repair them if possible. To run CHKDSK on a USB flash drive, follow these steps:

Plug in the USB flash drive to your Windows computer.

Open File Explorer and right – click on the USB flash drive icon.

Select “Properties” from the context menu.

In the Properties window, go to the “Tools” tab.

Under “Error – checking”, click on the “Check” button. Windows will then scan the USB flash drive for errors and repair them if it finds any.

Format the USB Flash Drive: Formatting the USB flash drive will erase all the data on it and recreate the file system. This can be a useful option if the file system is severely corrupted and cannot be repaired by other means. To format a USB flash drive in Windows, follow these steps:

Plug in the USB flash drive to your Windows computer.

Open File Explorer and right – click on the USB flash drive icon.

Select “Format” from the context menu.

In the Format dialog box, choose the file system you want to use (usually FAT32 or NTFS) and other options such as volume label.

Click on the “Start” button to begin the formatting process. Be sure to back up any important data on the USB flash drive before formatting, as all data will be lost.

4. Using Mac Tools to Fix a Corrupted USB Flash Drive

Disk Utility: Mac computers come with a built – in utility called Disk Utility that can be used to repair and manage storage devices, including USB flash drives. To use Disk Utility to fix a corrupted USB flash drive, follow these steps:

Plug in the USB flash drive to your Mac.

Open Disk Utility. You can find it by using the Spotlight search (press Command + Spacebar and type “Disk Utility”) or by going to “Applications” > “Utilities” > “Disk Utility”.

In Disk Utility, select the USB flash drive from the list of devices on the left – hand side.

Click on the “First Aid” button. Disk Utility will then scan the USB flash drive for errors and repair them if possible.

Formatting on Mac: If the USB flash drive is still not working after running First Aid, you may need to format it. To format a USB flash drive on a Mac, follow these steps:

Plug in the USB flash drive to your Mac.

Open Disk Utility.

Select the USB flash drive from the list of devices.

Click on the “Erase” button.

In the Erase dialog box, choose the file system you want to use (such as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or MS – DOS (FAT)) and enter a volume label.

Click on the “Erase” button to start the formatting process. Again, make sure to back up any important data before formatting.

5. Using Third – Party Tools to Fix a Corrupted USB Flash Drive

Panda Assistant can be a valuable tool when it comes to fixing a corrupted USB flash drive. USB drives can become corrupted for various reasons, such as sudden ejection, malware infections, improper file system formatting, or even physical damage. When your USB drive is corrupted, it may not be recognized by your computer or might display errors when trying to access files. Panda Assistant provides a straightforward way to fix these issues and recover lost data.

The software first scans the USB flash drive for any signs of corruption. It checks for file system errors, bad sectors, and other issues that may cause the drive to malfunction. Once the scan is complete, Panda Assistant attempts to repair the drive by fixing the file system or rebuilding the corrupted data structures. It supports various file systems, such as FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS, making it a versatile tool for many different USB drives.

6. Recovering Data from a Corrupted USB Flash Drive

Using Data Recovery Software: As mentioned earlier, tools like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard and DiskGenius can be used to recover data from a corrupted USB flash drive. These tools work by scanning the drive for deleted or lost files and attempting to recover them. It is important to note that the success of data recovery depends on the extent of the corruption and whether the data has been overwritten.

Professional Data Recovery Services: If the data on the USB flash drive is extremely important and the above methods do not work, you may consider using professional data recovery services. These services have specialized equipment and expertise to recover data from damaged or corrupted storage devices. However, they can be expensive, and the success rate is not always 100%.

7. Preventing USB Flash Drive Corruption in the Future

Proper Ejection: Always eject the USB flash drive properly before removing it from the computer. On Windows, you can click on the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the system tray and select the USB flash drive to eject. On Mac, you can click on the eject button next to the USB flash drive icon in the Finder.

Antivirus Protection: Install and update antivirus software on your computer to protect against virus and malware attacks. Scan your USB flash drive regularly for any potential threats.

Backup Your Data: Regularly back up the data on your USB flash drive to another storage device or to the cloud. This way, if the USB flash drive becomes corrupted, you will still have a copy of your data.

Handle with Care: Be careful when handling the USB flash drive. Avoid dropping it, exposing it to extreme temperatures, or getting it wet. Store it in a safe place when not in use.