Flash Drive
Software

Best Way to Recover Data from Dead USB Flash Drive

Prior to delving deep into the tricky field of USB Drive Recovery, it’s quite essential to have a sound knowledge of the USB Drive and the purpose it serve. In the simplest form, USB Drive is a low-cost storage device, which serves as a means of storing data. Being portable, USB Drive not only aids in data preservation, but also assists in easy data migration from one system/port to another.

Dead USB Flash Drive

The Critical Fact that Most People Forget to Look at

Despite being so successful, this portable storage medium is extremely easy to break. Especially, in scenarios, where not handled diligently. The reason for this breakdown can be anything ranging from Physical to Logical, but the end-result is Dead USB Flash Drive.

Next, what??

The scenario is nothing new. The only challenge is to handle data recovery from dead USB flash drive meticulously. Following post speaks it all. Read to stay abreast!

Flash Drive
(Indicative Image)

Things to Understand Before Starting Data Recovery from Dead USB Flash Drive: –

  • Stay Calm
  • Stop Using the Failed or Dead USB Drive Immediately

Dead USB Flash Drive Overview

What is Dead USB Flash Drive?

A Dead USB Flash Drive is a storage medium that system fails to recognize or detect. Further, it is a state in which PC or laptop pops up a message like “the USB drive is unformatted and do I want to format it?”

What are the causes of dead USB Drive?

Several reasons can make the USB drive a dead device.  Few common ones are:

  • Bad Sectors
  • Unexpected Shutdown
  • File System Corruption
  • Hard Drive Formatting
  • Virus and malware attack
  • USB Drive is in Hidden State
  • Sudden USB Drive Ejection
  • Unrecognized and inaccessible drives

What are the Error Messages that Indicates a Dead USB Flash Drive?

  • “Access is “
  • “The parameter is “
  • “Please insert a disk into a removable disk.”
  • “The file or directory is corrupted and “
  • “The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error.”
  • “You need to format the disk in drive * before you can use it. Do you want to format “
  • “The volume does not contain a recognized file system. Please make sure that all required file system drivers are loaded and that the volume is not corrupted.”

Data Recovery from Dead USB Flash Drive

Broken USB Flash Drive
(Indicative Image)

Quick Glance

  • Fix Using chkdsk
  • Rebuild in Disk Management Panel
  • Repair File Structure
  • Recover from Backup
  • Try Third-Party Data Recovery Tool

Fix Using chkdsk

Chkdsk is a great way to get rid of the issue. Check the usage steps:

  1. Go to Start
  2. Select All Programs followed by Accessories
  3. Click Command Prompt

USB Drive

  1. Now, into Command Prompt window key-in “chkdsk /X /f *:” or “chkdsk *: /f

Repair File Structure

One of the best alternatives to resolve the issue is to repair the file structure. Steps to use this are:

  1. Establish the connection between USB Port and the System
  2. Next, go to My Computers
  3. Click on Removable Disk Icon
  4. Right-click and select Properties
  5. Click Tools followed by Check Now
  6. Check mark both options: “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors” and “Automatically fix file system errors.
  7. Click Start

Recover from Backup

Backup is an easy and quick way to make sure protection against all types of data loss. Two approaches to take Backup: On-site and Off-site.  On-site includes options like hard disk, USB, etc. and Off-site includes Dropbox, Cloud and many more. The prime consideration to take into account is make sure to Backup at regular intervals.

Rebuild in Disk Management Panel

Last common manual approach to resolve the dead USB Drive Recovery issue. To address, this Windows Explorer and USB stick are two essentials. Here are the steps:

  1. Right-click on the USB Flash Drive
  2. Select Properties
  3. Click on Tools tab
  4. Press Check Now button

If all else fails

In scenarios, when none of the a fore-stated methods help to resolve the issue, it’s time for data recovery software. The third-party tool ensures recovery in a secure manner and also counterbalances the risks involved in manual methods such as integrity issue, less technical expertise, etc.  As a recommendation, go for Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery-Professional. The Review sites are flourishing with this complete DIY Data Recovery software. The target features are interactive Graphical user-interface, simple recovery wizard, powerful scanning algorithms, etc.

Points to remember: –

  • Say Yes to a Power Backup Source
  • Ensure to Eject the Flash Drive in a proper manner
  • Make sure to scan the flash drive on regular interval to avoid virus infection
  • Use only compatible third-party applications like Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery-Professional

That’s all for Data Recovery from Dead USB Flash Drive. With hands on this comprehensive guideline, you can effortlessly recover your lost and inaccessible data without freaking out. This includes details about both tedious manual methods and reliable software-direct approaches. All the best!

Vaibhav S
Myself, Vaibhav S is a Founder and Editor-in-Chief of TechnoGiants, working Software Professional, and an avid lover of Software's and Web Services. I love computers and also love to write and share about Tech-related Stuff, Computers etc with others.
https://technogiants.net/