USBs are extremely useful due to their tiny size and portability. However, if you use it improperly, they can fail at any time. In these articles we will talk about common USB memory problems and their possible causes and corresponding solutions.
USB drives may work faster than traditional hard drives due to their use of flash memory technology. However, they are just as susceptible to failure as hard drives. This means that data loss is a possibility if the USB drive becomes inoperative or breaks.
Next, we will explain the most common causes of such loss, and how is possible USB drive recovery.
The Most Common USB Memory Problems You Should Be Careful
Damaged USB Connectors
There are a majority of USB users who have suffered this type of failure – broken USB connectors. The USB flash drive needs to be inserted to a computer outside the device. Therefore, it is quite easy for you to hit or kick it by accident. In this case, the connector will tend to bend or even break.
File System Corruption on Flash Drive
If the data transfer process is interrupted, the file system of the flash drive is possibly corrupted. For example, if you remove the flash drive when data is still being transferred, or the flash drive shuts down due to power outages, or viruses attack your flash drive.
There are a majority of USB users who have suffered this type of failure – broken USB connectors. The USB flash drive needs to be inserted to a computer outside the device. Therefore, it is quite easy for you to hit or kick it by accident. In this case, the connector will tend to bend or even break.
Malfunctioning Flash Drive Components
Although the USB flash drive is small, there are multiple small components inside. Furthermore, any of them can fail at any time. No matter the microcontroller, oscillator resistor or capacitor, they may burn out due to short circuit or other causes. At that time, the flash drive will definitely go on strike.
How to Recover Lost Files from USB Flash Drives with Software
There are different ways focused on data recovery. Some of them can be done manually, but, without a doubt, those that require specific software are more effective. Specifically, we highlight Wondershare Recoverit, a tool that helps recover your lost or damaged files from a USB. Wondershare has been around since 2003. Since its inception, it has come a long way, launching a range of disk recovery and repair tools, among others.
Wondershare Recoverit pricing starts at $59.99 for the Essential plan and goes up to $99.99 for the Premium plan, which includes access to bootable media creation and video repair. You can also download a trial version that offers up to 100MB of free recovery before needing an update. It is necessary to specifically download Wondershare Recoverit Free. The free download available for other versions does not provide the free quota.
With just 3 steps, you can recover lost files from USB flash drives with software:
- Select a recovery mode;
- Analyze your computer or devices;
- Preview and recover lost files.
Tips to Protect USB drives from Data Loss
Back up your USB data
Prioritizing the backup plan is crucial in case of losing your USB drive or data. With a backup folder readily available, there is no need to worry. It is recommended to create multiple backup folders, also known as “Backup’s Backup”, instead of relying on a single one. Utilizing cloud platforms and storage devices like hard drives and SSDs can help in backing up your files.
Do not defragment the USB drive
Defragmenting means reducing the degree of fragmentation while maintaining the file system of a hard drive. This process is done to organize the content of the drive by storing it in the smallest fragments. However, it is quite risky. If you don’t know the defragmentation process, don’t do it. When it comes to USB drives, defragmentation is not necessary at all. Although this process can speed up a hard drive and improve its performance, it will only wear out a USB drive and degrade its lifespan.
Scan for malware on a USB flash drive
Malware or virus attacks may not physically damage your USB drive, but they may damage your data. Sometimes when you connect the device to your system, it may display some error that prevents you from accessing the drive. Sometimes, there is no error, and you can use it freely, only to discover later that all your data on the drive is corrupted. In that case, it’s a bit tricky to figure out whether the flash drive or the PC is the culprit. So scan the USB device first to detect any malware.