Another SanDisk 32G Pen drive fails

Any PC I plug it into pops up a message saying the driver is now
installed BUT it does not show anything in Windows Explorer.
This happens on a Win XP Pro laptop, a Lenovo laptop and a Win 7 Pro
desktop.

The light on the pen drive blinks one long blink then a short one or two
blinks.

Any chance of recovery ?

Any app to explore it ?

It is all backed up but it will take over night to fill a new pen drive
so getting this one going would be better.

What brand is the most reliable pen drive ?
Need 32 G.

In article ,
says...

Any PC I plug it into pops up a message saying the driver is now
installed BUT it does not show anything in Windows Explorer.
This happens on a Win XP Pro laptop, a Lenovo laptop and a Win 7 Pro
desktop.

The light on the pen drive blinks one long blink then a short one or two
blinks.

Any chance of recovery ?

Dunno about blinking or particular OSs. But suggest finding Disk or
Device Management instead of looking in Explorer and perhaps doing a
Format (if that option is offered). In XP, try Control Panel/Admin
Tools/Computer Mgt/Disk Mgt.

HTH, Mike.

On 25/09/2017 17:25, Dusty wrote:


What brand is the most reliable pen drive ?
Need 32 G.

None actually because you are so stupid that you don't even know that
posting to all the useless NGs receives no sensible replies. I suggest
go and get a brain transplant before you spend any money on
electronics. Your brain needs to be replaced.



--
With over 500 million devices now running Windows 10, customer
satisfaction is higher than any previous version of windows.

Dusty wrote:
Any PC I plug it into pops up a message saying the driver is now
installed BUT it does not show anything in Windows Explorer.
This happens on a Win XP Pro laptop, a Lenovo laptop and a Win 7 Pro
desktop.

The light on the pen drive blinks one long blink then a short one or two
blinks.

Any chance of recovery ?

Any app to explore it ?

It is all backed up but it will take over night to fill a new pen drive
so getting this one going would be better.

What brand is the most reliable pen drive ?
Need 32 G.


Usually no. When flash drives usually fail suddenly, without warning,
and catastrophically.

One thought, are you sure that you do not have a counterfeit drive. A
lot are out there especially large capacity ones.

https://www.raymond.cc/blog/test-and-detect-fake-or-counterfeit-usb-flash-drives-bought-from-ebay-with-h2testw/

Also look at this one, there a tons of examples online.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaHokQ5EWv0
Some other vids will run the previous link utils to expose the deception
without disassembling it.

--
Take care,

Jonathan
-------------------
LITTLE WORKS STUDIO
http://www.LittleWorksStudio.com

Dusty wrote:
Any PC I plug it into pops up a message saying the driver is now
installed BUT it does not show anything in Windows Explorer.
This happens on a Win XP Pro laptop, a Lenovo laptop and a Win 7 Pro
desktop.

The light on the pen drive blinks one long blink then a short one or two
blinks.

Any chance of recovery ?

Any app to explore it ?

It is all backed up but it will take over night to fill a new pen drive
so getting this one going would be better.

What brand is the most reliable pen drive ?
Need 32 G.

Modern 32GB flash sticks use TLC chips.

Older 1GB to 8GB sticks, use SLC (best) or MLC (good) chips.

I have *no* failed smaller sticks here.
I have two 32GB TLC sticks which are dead here. I opened
them up, read off the Flash chip number, Googled it, and
they're TLC.

Do *not* use modern TLC Flash sticks for archival storage.
They don't live up to the 3000 write cycle billing.

*******

Find a data recovery company. The same companies that
offered to recover hard drives, at least some of them
will attempt to recover flash sticks. They can connect
directly to the chip with microprobes. But really, it's
a fools errand, as the raw chip isn't going to work any
better than having the controller read the Flash chip.

Bypassing the controller chip like that, is good if the
controller chip was blown out with static electricity. But
we know that's not likely to be how yours failed. It's
the Flash chip which is the problem.

With my failures, what I discovered is, that for a short
time, one half of the chip worked at a decent rate,
and the other half of the chip was slow and flaky. But
eventually (a couple days), I could no longer even get
that sort of encouragement from it. "It's dead Jim"

Data recovery companies offer recovery services, where
you don't have to pay if no data is recovered. They will
give you a 32GB file filled with random ones and zeros,
just to collect their fee. Because, perhaps that's all that
is actually coming out of the Flash chip. You might not be
able to prove otherwise.

I've learned my lesson about using these Flash products.
They're good for moving files between computers, but
backup copies should always exist on *more* than one
hard drive. Don't put your *only copy* on 32GB sticks!!!

*******

You can do raw device access with "dd".

http://www.chrysocome.net/dd

# recovers data at 4MB/sec

dd if=\\?\Device\Harddisk4\Partition0 of=D:\recovered.dd bs=512 count=61282631

# recovers data at 70MB/sec (on a 200MB/sec class stick)
# The block size does not factor into the device size exactly, so this
# is a partial copy attempt, just to show transfer speed possible.

dd if=\\?\Device\Harddisk4\Partition0 of=D:\recovered.dd bs=1048576 count=28000

Then you use tools like "disktype" on the recovered.dd raw file, or
Photorec or Recuva. That sort of thing.

But really, it's a waste of time.

And what's really scary for me, is that Sandisk Extreme stick I used as
an example, has a weird size of 31,376,707,072 bytes. Which isn't really 32GB.
I use the GnuWin32 copy of factor.exe, to give me the arithmetic factors.

J:\factor 31376707072
31376707072: 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 103 594977

That means I can use a block size of 512 (2^9) but cannot use
a larger block size for a precise full-stick transfer. Some
other sticks are a multiple of 1048576, which gives much
better transfer performance.

The Linux version of ddrescue (package "gddrescue"), I think
it has a dynamic block size, and the runtime adjusts the transfer
size on the fly. (It measures the transfer rate with various
block sizes, to select the best block size.) It will transfer data,
until it has met the total size requirement as set by the user
as parameters to the command. If I need to pull the data from the
Extreme stick at some future date, I might have to switch to
Linux temporarily. Then I won't be forced to use a crappy
choice of bs=512.

This is an example from my notes file, on using ddrescue ("gddrescue").
The -b8M says, "use up to 8MB blocks for transfer", but it will
adjust the size on the fly. The source is "/dev/sdb", the second
hard drive. The output is "sdb.raw". The command keeps track of
successfully recovered or errored sectors, in the "sdb.log" file.
So that's an example of using it, if you have a copy. I'm not
aware of a Windows version (maybe Cygwin, but I didn't check).
The trouble with Cygwin for storage related stuff, is whether
the software port got the block device syntax done properly.
Cygwin access to raw storage, doesn't always work right, depending
on the person who modified the source. my Cygwin copy of
"disktype", works well enough to use, but it's not a "perfect"
port. The behavior is subtly different.

ddrescue -S -b8M /dev/sdb /mount/external/backup/sdb.raw /mount/external/backup/sdb.log

But really, all this talk of "recovery", should be saved for
hard drives. My experience with flash sticks, has been *miserable*.
You've been warned.

Paul

On Mon, 25 Sep 2017 09:25:57 -0700, Dusty
wrote:

Any PC I plug it into pops up a message saying the driver is now
installed BUT it does not show anything in Windows Explorer.

You may have the same drive letter assigned to two different storage
devices. Go to:
Control Panel - Admin Tools
- Computer Management - Disk Management
You should see you Sandisk drive but either no drive letter or
duplicating the drive letter of another drive. Right Click and
select "change drive letter and paths".

You may also have a broken USB connector. Many if not all USB flash
drive PCB's are not very well mechanically secured to the connector
shell. Bend the flash drive and you have a broken solder connection.
Usually, all that's needed is to resolder the connection and deal with
any broken traces. I sometimes slop on some epoxy if I want the fix
to last.

What brand is the most reliable pen drive ?
Need 32 G.

SanDisk seems to be the best for me.
https://www.newegg.com/SanDisk-USB-Flash-Drives/BrandSubCat/ID-1404-522
They make a few losers, but in general, they're the best I can buy.
I've had the SanDisk Cruzer Fit drive get a bit too hot for comfort.

I also have a small pile of about eight Lexar 32GB USB 3.0 (all
plastic) flash drives that crapped out one at a time. Junk.

If you're seriously worried about reliability, I suggest you check the
various review and rating sites.
https://www.google.com/search?q=usb+flash+drive+reviews+2017
This one looks useful:
http://usb.userbenchmark.com


--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

"Dusty" wrote in message news
Any PC I plug it into pops up a message saying the driver is now
installed BUT it does not show anything in Windows Explorer.
This happens on a Win XP Pro laptop, a Lenovo laptop and a Win 7 Pro
desktop.

The light on the pen drive blinks one long blink then a short one or two
blinks.

Any chance of recovery ?

Any app to explore it ?

It is all backed up but it will take over night to fill a new pen drive
so getting this one going would be better.

What brand is the most reliable pen drive ?
Need 32 G.

Dusty,

Give this free tool a try - "MiniTool Partition Wizard Free Edition"

http://www.minitool.com/partition-ma...zard-home.html

It has fixed numerous problems on flash drives that don't show in Windows
Explorer or Disk Manager. And if it says it's dead, it probably is.

Bob S.

Nothing on reliability !
As usual reviewers do not know how to review.
What is most important to you ?

Their second top rated is the one that died.

Other parameter metrics are of little interest.

Buying a Sony 32G as the one I already have has been the best.

Why ? The Sony has worked at every USB port I have tried it on.
The Sandisk only works on some USB ports.
Why ? because the Sony connector is a better quality connector and can
make up for the deficiencies of the USB PC connector.
I have several SanDisk pen drives and with some I have to wiggle the pen
drive for it to make a connection. Not so with the Sony.
The SanDisk skimps on it connector length and area trying to save a
penny and putting their fingers in my purse. Poor quality connector !

The Sony has more reliability and quality. So I pay a few bucks more
but it is well worth it.


Bob_S wrote:


"Dusty" wrote in message news
Any PC I plug it into pops up a message saying the driver is now
installed BUT it does not show anything in Windows Explorer.
This happens on a Win XP Pro laptop, a Lenovo laptop and a Win 7 Pro
desktop.

The light on the pen drive blinks one long blink then a short one or two
blinks.

Any chance of recovery ?

Any app to explore it ?

It is all backed up but it will take over night to fill a new pen drive
so getting this one going would be better.

What brand is the most reliable pen drive ?
Need 32 G.

Dusty,

Give this free tool a try - "MiniTool Partition Wizard Free Edition"

http://www.minitool.com/partition-ma...zard-home.html

It has fixed numerous problems on flash drives that don't show in
Windows Explorer or Disk Manager. And if it says it's dead, it probably is.

Bob S.

Dusty wrote:


Buying a Sony 32G as the one I already have has been the best.

I would only accept this advice, if you opened up
the Sony, recorded the Flash part number, Googled
it, and verified it wasn't TLC. If it was MLC VNAND
or SLC, then you might have made a great choice.

It's my experience though, if the size is 32GB, it's
going to be TLC. Just for material cost reasons.
USB Flash keys are sold on price. That's why the
company that was brave enough to make SLC sticks,
was "scooted" out of the market. Too expensive.
(More than $100 a stick.) If they had sold
those SLC sticks at my local computer store,
I would have bought one in a heartbeat,
for $100 or more. Because it would have lasted.

Paul

In message , Paul
writes:
Dusty wrote:
Buying a Sony 32G as the one I already have has been the best.

I would only accept this advice, if you opened up
the Sony, recorded the Flash part number, Googled
it, and verified it wasn't TLC. If it was MLC VNAND
or SLC, then you might have made a great choice.
[]
Unfortunately, I'd also not follow the "has been good in the past" rule
unless the previous one was both recent and of similar capacity. I don't
think most of the names - certainly such as Sony, and I think even ones
like SanDisk - consistently use the same factory, certainly not between
designs (including just capacities), even between batches.
--
J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/1985 MB++G()AL-IS-Ch++(p)Ar@T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

You make it from scratch?
Yep.
Do you make your own scratch?
--
"pyotr filipivich" in alt.windows7.general 2017-5-20

Not sure what to do with this SanDisk 32G.

I used the "MiniTool Partition Wizard Free Edition"

It saw an empty drive in the tool. (nothing showed in windows explorer)

I did a full surface check and got NO errors.

I tried to recover and got an empty drive.

I reformatted as NTFS.

It now shows up in windows explorer as an empty 32G drive.

How did all the file table vanish ?

Is this pen drive now usable or should I just trash it ?


Bob_S wrote:


"Dusty" wrote in message news
Any PC I plug it into pops up a message saying the driver is now
installed BUT it does not show anything in Windows Explorer.
This happens on a Win XP Pro laptop, a Lenovo laptop and a Win 7 Pro
desktop.

The light on the pen drive blinks one long blink then a short one or two
blinks.

Any chance of recovery ?

Any app to explore it ?

It is all backed up but it will take over night to fill a new pen drive
so getting this one going would be better.

What brand is the most reliable pen drive ?
Need 32 G.

Dusty,

Give this free tool a try - "MiniTool Partition Wizard Free Edition"

http://www.minitool.com/partition-ma...zard-home.html

It has fixed numerous problems on flash drives that don't show in
Windows Explorer or Disk Manager. And if it says it's dead, it probably is.

Bob S.

On 27/09/2017 05:00, Dusty wrote:
Not sure what to do with this SanDisk 32G.



Pay somebody to take it away.



--
With over 500 million devices now running Windows 10, customer
satisfaction is higher than any previous version of windows.

On Mon, 25 Sep 2017 22:28:48 -0400, "Bob_S" wrote:

"Dusty" wrote in message news
Any PC I plug it into pops up a message saying the driver is now
installed BUT it does not show anything in Windows Explorer.
This happens on a Win XP Pro laptop, a Lenovo laptop and a Win 7 Pro
desktop.

The light on the pen drive blinks one long blink then a short one or two
blinks.

Any chance of recovery ?

Any app to explore it ?

It is all backed up but it will take over night to fill a new pen drive
so getting this one going would be better.

What brand is the most reliable pen drive ?
Need 32 G.

Dusty,

Give this free tool a try - "MiniTool Partition Wizard Free Edition"

http://www.minitool.com/partition-ma...zard-home.html

It has fixed numerous problems on flash drives that don't show in Windows
Explorer or Disk Manager. And if it says it's dead, it probably is.

Bob S.

Bob,
try https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usenet_quoting

On Tue, 26 Sep 2017 21:00:54 -0700, Dusty
wrote:

Not sure what to do with this SanDisk 32G.

I used the "MiniTool Partition Wizard Free Edition"

It saw an empty drive in the tool. (nothing showed in windows explorer)

I did a full surface check and got NO errors.

I tried to recover and got an empty drive.

I reformatted as NTFS.

It now shows up in windows explorer as an empty 32G drive.

How did all the file table vanish ?

Is this pen drive now usable or should I just trash it ?

I suggest you try https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usenet_quoting

Bob_S wrote:


"Dusty" wrote in message news
Any PC I plug it into pops up a message saying the driver is now
installed BUT it does not show anything in Windows Explorer.
This happens on a Win XP Pro laptop, a Lenovo laptop and a Win 7 Pro
desktop.

The light on the pen drive blinks one long blink then a short one or two
blinks.

Any chance of recovery ?

Any app to explore it ?

It is all backed up but it will take over night to fill a new pen drive
so getting this one going would be better.

What brand is the most reliable pen drive ?
Need 32 G.

Dusty,

Give this free tool a try - "MiniTool Partition Wizard Free Edition"

http://www.minitool.com/partition-ma...zard-home.html

It has fixed numerous problems on flash drives that don't show in
Windows Explorer or Disk Manager. And if it says it's dead, it probably is.

Bob S.

Dusty wrote:
Not sure what to do with this SanDisk 32G.

I used the "MiniTool Partition Wizard Free Edition"

It saw an empty drive in the tool. (nothing showed in windows explorer)

I did a full surface check and got NO errors.

I tried to recover and got an empty drive.

I reformatted as NTFS.

It now shows up in windows explorer as an empty 32G drive.

How did all the file table vanish ?

Is this pen drive now usable or should I just trash it ?

Well, you can't be half-pregnant.

If the stick refuses to do I/O, there is nothing you can do.
Your data is lost.

If the stick *will* do I/O, then you can image it with dd
or ddrescue and work on the image, to recover the files.

And the proof is, since you "reformatted as NTFS",
the stick accepted your I/O requests. And that
implies, if you'd used the right techniques,
you could have done data recovery.

Paul