USB key

[Mave]

Hi:

Is it possible for my USB key to just stop working? I had a whole bunch of files I was transferring from laptop to desktop and all the sudden, both my laptop and desktop won't read from the key. I'm furious because if this key isn't working, I've lost a whole bunch of digital photos.

Is there any way I can retrieve my lost files before I seriously lose my cool?

[Slater]

you mean like a thumb drive? I've heard of those failing before. It's possible... very possible considering that people just carry them around. Magnetic flux will destroy those very easily.

[Sephiroth]

i've also heard aboud USB pen drives with a limited lifespan, that after tehy have been used for a good bit they die on ya.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

well mave, how long have you had it? It is true, infact ALL data storage mediums will eventually die out on you (even cds i believe)

[glitch1501]

i have had 2 usb thumb drives, they have all failed eventually, i wish they were still working

[kaji]

Hmmm, I have had mine for about 9 months and I transfer loads of files just about every day (average 300-400 MB). Not to mention I run my Portible Firefox from it on any computer that does not have the software. And I have not had any problems yet.

What brand is your divice? What versions of windows are you running it on and what error (if any) does your computer give you when attempting to read the divice? Where is the divice stored and how often do you use it.

Note: There is a possiblility of statick shock to your divice if caried in your pocket, also exposure to high temperatures can result in damage.

For now, check and recheck all your computers connections, try different USB ports if you have them and make sure that there isnt any 'junk' on the drive or port that would interfere with power flow or comunication to your PC.

[Mithrandir]

As a follow up to kaji, be sure that there isn't any oxidation building up on the device, also.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

>_> I think mine died today....

but it works fine on my mac! so strange!

on my pc, it doesnt recognize the drive connected in the usb port

[kaji]

Any new update on the USB delema Mave?

[glitch1501]

>_> I think mine died today....

but it works fine on my mac! so strange!

on my pc, it doesnt recognize the drive connected in the usb port

mine doesnt work, but i havent tested it in a mac, i will definatly try this when i go home and get it

[Fsiphskilm]

Woah now,

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Woah now, lets not say things that aren't true.

CDs will last for 100 years at least. Assuming you down throw them around, and they are Cheap beyond all reason.

ive heard 20-40 years

[Fsiphskilm]

CDs last a

[blkmage]

Well, that means they still die out, which just mean they're not prime time capsule material if you want it opened 500 years later.

[glitch1501]

im gonna have to try to get that usb key to work, thanks for the tip volt

[Mave]

Hi guys!

I'm so sorry I took some time to get back on this. I've been travelling and fretting over my thesis submission (which actually was the reason I started to mess around with the USB key in the first place). <.<;; I've taken note of everyone's advice (thanks!). Very insightful, I must say. *hugs* I'll give the key another try again in the next few days since I'm out of town at the moment.


To clarify things, it was a DELL USB key with ~ 250MB (I think). I use WinXP on both my laptop and desktop. I did get some strange errors signs ---> ".......I/O device error" before the breakdown occurred. I'm sorry that's all I can remember. After that, no computer would read it anymore. (T__T)


I don't use the keys that often and it's about 4-5 months old. I guess I could check for oxidation accumulation but I doubt it. I would claim that I've been a good caretaker of my USB keys. They typically sit around on tables in my apartment or affectionately be carried around in the little pockets of my purse/bag, almost in a disturbing Paris Hilton/Tinkerbell fashion. There's no history of me kicking, bashing or dipping them into anything liquid. I don't think I've ever intentionally dangled my USB keys around magnetic sources in some demented sacrificial ritual. So, yeah I'm pretty much dumbfounded as to why my key would betray me.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

not too sure, but it COULD be a possibility that it wasnt too good because dell manufactured it...

Dell periphals aren't known to be the best >_>

If possible go with Sandisk or something

[ThaKladd]

There is ways to recover the files.
http://www.grandutils.com/Back2Life/ - is a program that can recover deleted and lost files. also from disk with I/O error. The free version, the one to download, can only recover files up to 100kb before you register. But that may be enough if it's just pictures?

A other program, http://www.handyrecovery.com/download.shtml can download any file, but only 1 per day in the trial version - if you have bigger files on the disk.

I've tried both, and both finds lost data, even if you have formatted the HD, or lost it in some I/O errorful way... (I lost some hundred GB in my external HD, when it got overheated, and managed to recover all....)

Anyway, USB disk are very robust and can live trough a lot. I read a test once, where they had tested how much it could take - and it survived heat, water, cold, cars etc.

after you've recovered the files, try to format the drive(to FAT) with the disc management tools in control panel - if that does not make the disk work it's probably broken somehow.