Reformatting a USB Stick

[ZeeOSix]

I was copying some files to my Lexar 128 GB USB stick today, and in the middle of the file transfer the USB stick wasn't being "seen" by the computer anymore. I removed it, and plugged it back in and it said the USB stick needed to be formatted. Apparently, something went wrong with the USB stick and couldn't even be recognized by the computer.

I tried a "quick format" and I could see it again, so tried to copy files to it again. It started out OK, but then got some strange messages about not finding the target files, or something like that. I figured the stick was acting up again. So I'm trying to reformat it again, but not using the "quick format" option. It's taking forever to reformat, and seems stuck in the reformatting process. Maybe a sign this stick is smoked.

If it does compete the reformatting and seem to work again, should I continue to trust this USB stick, or is it always going to have some problems?

 

[123Saab]

I'd get a new one. No point in using a unreliable USB drive.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Originally Posted By: 123Saab
I'd get a new one. No point in using a unreliable USB drive.


Yeah, that's what I was leaning towards too. Was curious if anyone has ran into this before, and if a reformat fixed it.

I don't think the reformatting is going to finish anyway, it sure seems stuck in the process. Been going well over an hour at least. Guess I'll let it run for a while longer and see if it finishes. If not, then it's obviously toasted.

 

[demarpaint]

I had the same thing happen, the USB stick is shot. Destroy it and start fresh with a new one. I tried to troubleshoot it by using it on another Win 10 PC and a Linux PC and it failed on those machines as well.

 

[spackard]

newegg has this 250GB external SSD for $98
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147642

Typically it comes with encryption software, in case you misplace the SSD.

 

[ZeeOSix]

I reformatted the USB stick to the NTFS file system, then did a CHKDSK on it, and didn't find any errors. Seems to be working OK again. This USB stick is kind of a back-up of a back-up so won't be relying on it as the main backup source. If it flakes out again it will get the hammer treatment.

 

[JustinH]

Try a different USB port, if this is a desktop PC try a rear port.

I have weird problems with the front ports on my Desktop PC.

 

[thescreensavers]

Likely the USB controller is overheating and shutting down which is why it disappears, id chuck the drive its not reliable.

Yes you may not use it for anything important but then you will by accident

 

[ZeeOSix]

Originally Posted By: thescreensavers
Likely the USB controller is overheating and shutting down which is why it disappears, id chuck the drive its not reliable.


The controller in the PC or in the stick? I tried the stick after everything should have cooled down, and the computer said the stick needed to be formatted - apparently the computer couldn't "see" the stick.

After reformatting the stick to NTFS protocol, it seemed to work. But today I did a 'chkdsk' on it after putting a bunce of files on it, and the 'chkdsk' found file errors, so it looks like the stick is flakey. The 'chkdsk' corrected the errors and I could still access and see all the files, but definately not a memory stick worth trusting at this point.

 

[SirTanon]

Considering that you can buy a brand new, quality METAL 128GB USB3.0 Samsung Flash drive for $35, why would you even want to take any kind of chance with the one you have now?

Personally, once a flash drive that I own starts exhibiting instability, it either gets relegated to "Car Music USB drive" duty, in which case it doesn't matter if it totally [censored] out, or it gets destroyed. USB drives are too cheap nowadays to risk losing anything important.

 

[ZeeOSix]

^^^ Yeah, I wouldn't use it for anything important at this point. Probably will end up breaking it open just to see what it looks like inside.

I did some more testing on it by putting copied files on it. It would sometimes just hang half way through the file transfer. Remove and reinstall it into more than one USB port, and it can't be recognized, and Windows message pops up saying it nrrds to be formatted. It's definately very flaky.

Amazon has a lot of 3.0 USB type 1TB external HDs for $50~55. More bang for the buck than a USB stick, but not quite as small in size, but pretty darn small for a 1TB HD.