In this article, you will learn about programs that can recover data on a flash drive, as well as configure settings so that there are no problems with flash drives in the future.
It is possible to correct various flash drive errors by setting up drivers, connecting the flash drive to different ports, and so on. But if this no longer helps, then you need to use more effective methods and use third-party programs.
I’ll say right away that using such programs to recover flash drives does not always solve, but rather aggravates the problem. Therefore, the choice is yours. This risk is yours and yours alone.
In the article on flash drive repair, we will talk about such popular flash drive manufacturers as Kingston, Adata, Silicon Power and Transcend.
Free programs for recovery and repair of flash drives
UtilityJetFlash Online Recovery forflash drivesTranscend
This utility was previously called JetFlash Recovery Tool, now JetFlash Online Recovery. This is the official utility.
Working with this utility is quite simple: connect the flash drive, run the program and then proceed as the flash drive recovery wizard tells us.
There are two options:
- You can fix the flash drive and save all the data on it.
- You can repair the flash drive and erase all data on it.
Depending on your luck, if the first option doesn’t help, then move on to the second.
Download the utility for free JetFlash Online Recovery
(downloads: 25494)
UtilityUSB Flash Drive Recovery forflash drivesSilicon Power
The utility is freely available on the manufacturer's official website. You can also download it from our website.
Silicon Power
(downloads: 21273)
Kingston flash drive and its repair
If you have a Kingston flash drive (quite common among users), then you can use the utility from the official website of the Kingston manufacturer.
Download free utility for flash drive Kingston
(downloads: 13663)
Now let's go through utilities and programs that are not a product of a specific manufacturer.
Program for data recovery from flash drive D-Soft Flash Doctor
The program is free. Reviews about it are very flattering, so it can help you recover data from a flash drive.
How can I determine which program is suitable for my flash drive?
It happens that a person does not know what kind of flash drive he has. Therefore, we suggest that you use a program that will determine the memory controller you are using - Chip Genius. The VID and PID parameters will be indicated there, they will be useful to you.
As a result, you will be given search results.
In the Chip Model column you will see which other flash drives, besides yours, use the same controller. The Utils column offers utilities for flash drive recovery. Next, look for the proposed program and use it.
How to recover a Silicon Power flash drive
In our world, almost everything breaks and Silicon Power flash drives are no exception. The damage is very easy to notice. In some cases, some files begin to disappear from your storage device. Sometimes the drive simply ceases to be detected by the computer or any other device (it happens that it is detected by the computer, but not detected by the phone, or vice versa). Also, the memory card can be detected, but not opened, and so on.
In any case, it is necessary to restore the flash drive so that it can be used again. Unfortunately, in most cases you will not be able to recover any information and it will be permanently deleted. But after this, the USB drive can again be fully used and information can be written to it without fear that it will be lost somewhere. It is worth noting that removable media from Silicon Power very rarely last long after restoration; they still have to be replaced.
You can restore Silicon Power removable media using the programs that the company itself released. Apart from this, there are other software that help in this matter. We will analyze proven methods that have been tested by users from all over the world.
Method 1: Silicon Power Recover Tool
The first and most famous utility from Silicon Power. It has only one purpose - to fix damaged flash drives. Silicon Power Recover Tool works with removable media with Innostor IS903, IS902 and IS902E, IS916EN, and IS9162 series controllers. Its use is extremely simple and looks like this:
Download the utility, open the archive. Then open the folder AI Recovery V2.0.8.20 SP" and run the file RecoveryTool.exe from it.
Insert your damaged flash drive. When the utility is launched, it should automatically detect it and display it in the box labeled " Device" If this does not happen, choose it yourself. Try restarting the Silicon Power Recover Tool several times if the drive still doesn't show up. If nothing helps, then your media is not suitable for this program and you need to use another one. But if the media is displayed, just click the " Start
Method 2: SP ToolBox
The second proprietary program, which includes as many as 7 instruments. We only need two of them. To use Silicon Power ToolBox to recover your media, do the following:
Download the latest version of the program. To do this, go to the official Silicon Power website and below, opposite the inscription “,” click on the download icon. Below are links to download instructions for using SP ToolBox in PDF format; we do not need them.
Next you will be asked to log in or register. It’s convenient that you can log in to the site using your Facebook account. Enter your email address in the appropriate field, check two checkboxes (“ I agree..." and "I read...") and click on the " Continue».
After this, the archive with the program we need will be downloaded. There is only one file in it, so open the archive and run it. Install SP ToolBox and launch it using the shortcut. Insert the flash drive and select it where it initially says “ No device" Do some diagnostics first. To do this, click on the button " Diagnostic Scan", and then " Full scan" to perform a full scan rather than a quick scan. Under the inscription " Scan result"The result of the check will be written. This simple procedure will allow you to find out whether your media is truly damaged. If there are no errors, most likely it is a virus. Then just scan your drive with an antivirus and remove all malware. If there are errors, it would be best to format the media.
For formatting there is a button " Secure Erase" Click on it and select the function " Full Erase" After this, all data will be erased from your storage device and it will restore its functionality. At least that's how it should be.
Also, for fun, you can use the health check function (that’s what it’s called) of the flash drive. There is a button for this Health" Click on it and you will see the status of your media under the inscription “ Health».
Critical- means critical condition;
Warming- not very good;
Good- implies that everything is fine with the flash drive.
Under the inscription " Estimated Life Remaining» You will see the approximate service life of the storage media you are using. 50% means that the flash drive has already served half of its life.
The program can now be closed.
Method 3: SP USB Flash Drive Recovery Software
The third program from the manufacturer, which recovers flash drives from Silicon Power with great success. In fact, it performs the same process that users usually do using the iFlash service. Read about what it is and how to use it in the lesson on restoring Kingston flash drives.
The point of using this service is to find the necessary program and use it to restore the flash drive. The search is carried out using parameters such as VID And PID. So, USB Flash Drive Recovery independently determines these parameters and finds the required program on Silicon Power servers. Its usage looks like this:
Download USB Flash Drive Recovery from the company's official website. This is done in exactly the same way as in the case of SP ToolBox. Only if the system requires authorization again, remember that after registration you should have received a password by email, which you must use to log into the system. After authorization, download the archive, open it, then open the only folder that you will see on the screen several times (one folder inside another). Finally, when you reach the final folder, run the file " SP Recovery Utility.exe».
Then everything happens completely automatically. First, the computer is scanned for a Silicon Power flash drive. If one is detected, USB Flash Drive Recovery determines its parameters (VID and PID). Then she searches the servers for a suitable recovery program, downloads it and runs it. All you have to do is press the desired button. Most likely, the downloaded program will look like the image below. If so, just click on the “Recover” button and wait for the recovery to complete.
If nothing happens and all the above processes fail, perform them manually. If scanning does not start, which is highly unlikely, check the box next to the inscription “ Scan Device Information" The field on the right will begin to display relevant information about the ongoing process. Then check the box next to “ Download Recovery Tool Kit" and wait until the program downloads. Then unzip the archive - it's marked " Tool Kit UnZip"and use it, that is, run it - " Execution Tool Kit" Then the recovery utility will launch.
Using this tool also does not make it possible to save the data contained in the drive's memory.
Method 4: SMI MPTool
This program works with Silicon Motion controllers, which are installed in most Silicon Power flash drives. SMI MPTool differs in that it performs low-level recovery of damaged media. You can use it as follows:
Click on the button Scan USB" to start scanning your computer for a suitable flash drive. After this, your media should appear on one of the ports (column " Items"on the left). Click on it in this column to highlight it. Actually, if nothing happens, it means that the program is not suitable for your carrier.
Now click the button Start" and wait for the recovery to complete.
In some cases, it helps if you do the above steps several times. In any case, it's worth a try. But, again, don’t expect data to be saved.
Method 5: Recuva File Recovery
Finally, we have reached a method that allows us to restore at least some of the damaged information. Only then will it be possible to restore the functionality of the device itself using one of the utilities described above. Recuva File Recovery is not SP's own development, but for some reason it is located on the official website of this company. It is worth saying that this is not the same program that is familiar to all of us. All this only means that Recuva will be the most effective in working with flash drives from Silicon Power.
Only when you choose where you want to scan for deleted or damaged files, select the option " On my media card"(this is step 2). If the card is not detected or no files are found on it, start the whole process again. Only now select the option “ In a specific location" and specify your removable media according to its letter. By the way, you can find it out if you go to “ My computer”(or simply “Computer”, “This computer” - it all depends on the version of Windows).
Scan" at the bottom of the program window.
After this, the scanning process will begin. In the largest field you can see all the files and folders available for recovery. On the left there are two more fields - the results of a quick and deep scan. There may also be folders and files that can be recovered. To do this, select the desired file with a checkmark and click the “Recover” button in the lower right corner of the open window.
After the recovery of lost data has been completed, use one of the above utilities to restore the functionality of the entire drive. You can also use the standard Windows tool to check disks and fix errors.
Finally, you can format your removable media using other programs or the same standard Windows tool. As for the latter, you need to do the following:
In the window " Computer"("My Computer", "This Computer"), right-click on your flash drive. In the drop-down menu, select “ Format…».
When the formatting window opens, click on the " Begin" If it doesn’t help, start the process again, but uncheck the box next to “ Quick…».
Good luck to you!
Losing information on a memory card is a very unpleasant thing. What if there was valuable information on the drives? Its loss can be a real tragedy, and a flash drive recovery utility can be a salvation. But before we describe the process of recovering information on a hard drive, let’s consider the possible reasons for the loss of information on memory cards:
Drive software failure. If your flash drive does not open and asks you to format it, this is exactly the case. It is usually caused by a crash of a special driver installed on any flash card. You can install it again, and then the drive’s functionality will be restored. However, the information will have to be restored separately. - Virus attacks. Yes, picking up a virus by transferring information from one PC to another is as easy as shelling pears. Some viruses specialize specifically in deleting/damaging files. - Mechanical damage. May be caused by temperature changes, shocks, falls, etc. In this case, the memory card may become completely unusable. But even in this case, it is possible to recover information! - Incorrect operation. A flash drive and/or information on it may be damaged in cases where: you do not use the “Safely Remove Hardware” option, remove the USB drive while downloading, recording information, watching movies, etc.
Flash drive recovery programs
How to recover information on a flash card? In almost all of the above cases, special utilities for flash drive recovery will help us. There are a huge number of them now. We recommend that you use only proven software products. “Flash Drive Recovery 2.0” is a powerful utility for recovering flash drives. She is capable of:
Recover information on drives of different formats and manufacturers (Silicon Power, Kingston Datatraveler, Alcor Micro, Corsair Voyager) and of any size (4gb, 8gb, 16gb, 32gb).
Work in cases where the flash drive has been formatted many times.
Recover information even on damaged memory cards.
Recover up to 100% of deleted information.
Flash drive recovery software can recover data from any type of storage device (music devices, digital cameras, flash drives, USB drivers, PC cards, etc.). This utility recovers all damaged and deleted files, even if the memory card has been reformatted.
Silicon Power was one of the initiators of the introduction of a lifetime warranty on flash drives and memory cards. However, SP drives are also susceptible to breakdowns: improper removal, viruses, accidental damage, and system errors can cause the removable drive to fail. You can restore MicroSD and flash drives yourself, without turning to specialists.
Signs of a broken flash drive (memory card):
- The media is not detected by the computer.
- The removable drive is detected but not recognized (unknown device).
- Read/write operations are not performed.
- The amount of memory is determined incorrectly (for example, 4 Gb instead of 16 Gb, 8 Gb instead of 32 Gb, etc.).
- A message appears asking you to format the drive.
The reasons for the appearance of problems of this kind can be of a software or hardware nature. In any case, recovery of an SP 8 Gb, 16 Gb or 32 Gb flash drive begins with the use of the utilities listed below.
Procedure for restoring Silicon Power drives
Recovery follows the same algorithm, regardless of the size of the SP media (8 Gb, 16 Gb, 32 Gb, etc.). It should be understood that in most cases, information recorded on a flash drive or memory card will be deleted.
Of course, if you have 16 GB of important data on a removable drive, then it is better to immediately contact specialists, otherwise you will not be able to recover this information later. If your 16 Gb SP flash drive does not contain anything that cannot be deleted, then feel free to use programs to restore the functionality of the Silicon Power drive.
USB Flash Drive Recovery
First, try restoring a memory card or flash drive using the USB Flash Drive Recovery utility developed by Silicon Power specialists. You can download the utility on the company’s official website, it is available in the “Support and Service” section.
The program does not require installation: connect a memory card or SP flash drive to your computer, run the utility and specify the drive letter. Click "Recover" to begin recovery. This method is suitable for Silicon Power drives with any capacity - 4 Gb, 16 Gb, etc.
Silicon Power UFD3.0 Recover Tool
If your flash drive runs on a controller developed by Innostor Technology Corporation, then you can restore it using another utility - Silicon Power UFD3.0 Recover Tool. The program works the same way as USB Flash Drive Recovery - you connect the SP drive, launch the utility, select a letter and press the “Start” button.
There are other utilities for working with controllers from Innostor Technology Corporation. For example, if you have a Silicon-Power Blaze B10 16Gb flash drive, then you can restore it using the Innostor 902 MP Tool program. You can find a suitable utility on the Flashboot.ru website, using the VID&PID of the drive as a filter. You can view the VID&PID of a flash drive through the device manager or in the USB Flash Drive Recovery window. 
The resulting values must be entered on the Flashboot.ru website in the iFlash section. After starting the search, a table report will appear with drives and utilities for their recovery. Paying attention to the model of the flash drive and its size (for example, Size 16 Gb), find the name of the program in the “UTILS” column. 
Download the found utility and use it to flash the controller firmware. If this method does not help return the drive to a working state, then contact flash drive recovery specialists.
Today we will look at:
USB drives from Silicon Power have a simple and elegant design. By purchasing such a stylish product, we hope that the miniature storage media will last quite a long time.
It is very unpleasant when flash drives unexpectedly fail, while the drive contains valuable information that was not duplicated. According to customer reviews, 16 GB USB drives from Silicon Power are the most vulnerable to logical errors and physical influences. Don’t despair right away; in most cases, you can restore the performance of the storage device and save the information.
Signs that a USB device has failed and needs to be repaired or restored
- Flush is periodically or not detected at all.
- When turned on, it is detected as a connected device, but a message is displayed that it is not recognized by the operating system (unknown device).
- Inability to perform file access, read or write operations, and messages are displayed: “no access to the disk”, “disk is write protected”, “insert disk”, “file or folder is damaged. Reading is impossible."
- Defined as media with reduced or zero memory capacity.
- The message “Before you can use the disk in the G:\ drive, you must format it. Format?" After several tries, it turns out that "Windows cannot complete formatting."
Causes of malfunctions
- Logical – incorrect formatting, deleting and removing a device while recording, transferring or downloading information, incorrect use of a flash drive when watching movies on TV, file system failure.
- Mechanical - shocks, falls, etc.
- Thermal and electrical – static electricity discharges, power instability during power surges and overheating.
- Software and hardware malfunctions in the operation of electronic parts of flash drives.
- Damage or removal of the driver program for device recognition by the operating system.
- , written specifically to deliberately remove or distort information.
Solutions for restoring flash drives
When restoring the functionality of USB drives, it should be taken into account that in most cases this results in a complete loss of data recorded on them.
In case of serious logical errors in the file system, the knowledge of computer specialists is needed.
In case of mechanical, thermal and electrical impacts and destruction, the device is usually not suitable for use. However, if only the body of the flash drive is damaged, there is a possibility of recovering the information in service centers.
The “driver” program can be reinstalled by downloading it from the manufacturers’ official website using the link Silicon Power drivers.
As in the previous case, the program is launched without installation through the executable file “RecoveryTool (.exe)”. Screenshot of the start and scanning start screen:
Before scanning begins, a warning is displayed stating that while the program is running there is a risk of losing data from the media. By clicking on Start, the process of restoring the flash drive begins.
SoftOrbits Flash Drive Recovery is a program for recovering information from flash drives after repeated formatting. You can download the trial version from the official website softorbits.com.
The program must first be installed. The launch is carried out through the executable file “frecover (.exe)”. The screenshots below show the process of starting the trial version of the program, where you select the media to scan, select files for recovery, hard drive space for recording them, as well as a preview window for the recovered information:
To obtain final recovery results, you must purchase a registered version of the program on the Softorbits website.
Controller firmware
If the use of the above software does not lead to the expected results, there is a more complex option for restoring flash media - this is the so-called “controller firmware”. This option consists of using special utilities to recover hardware failures of a specific type of flash drive using known unique USB device identifiers - VID and PID.
If you carefully examine the window of the running USB Flash Drive Recovery program described above, you can see that the VID and PID values are automatically recognized during operation. If these numbers are entered into the database of identifiers of known flash drives on the Iflash website , It’s easy to find in the table the model of your flash drive from the manufacturer Silicon Power and a utility for restoring it (“flashing”).
Experiments along the way of using various options for restoring the functionality of your flash drive will definitely lead to the desired results and pleasant personal discoveries.