Posts Tagged ‘Storage Device’

How to Repair a Malfunctioning USB Flash Drive

Last Updated on Friday, 24 December 2010 09:41 Written by databank Friday, 24 December 2010 09:41

Derek Rogers asked:

Flash memory, flash drive, pen drive and memory drive are just some of the names that are used to refer to USB flash drive. It is a compact device that was developed to be a secure and safe data transfer as well as data storage gadget. While this travel data storage device may seem to be perfect, it is still possible that it might corrupt your data. Just like in any other technology, a USB flash drive is also prone to technical problems that often lead to the corruption or loss of data. Assuming that its hardware is undamaged, doing a re-format can solve USB problems.
USB formatting is as easy as A-B-C. First, you have to right click on the removable drive corresponding to where the USB was inserted, and then click on the “format” option. Or you can try using the file system drop down, where options “FAT and FAT32″ are available. Choose the FAT option, it will reveal format utilities, then click on the “Quick format” option then press on “start” to initiate format operations. This way, all the data that the USB contains will be deleted, but the errors will hopefully be gone. Usually, errors or malfunction occurs during file transfers or data storage. For simple drive errors, scanning and re-formatting can work. In this manner, all the bad sectors of the USB will work like new.

When formatting does not solve your USB problems, you can make use of an alternate method. For more complicated USB problems, you will need to check the bios first to determine the actual problem. Before doing that, it is advised that you backup all the files from your hard drive to another hard drive, CD or DVD, and then turn off your computer. Insert your problematic USB on the drive port and turn on the computer. When the system bios are prompted, immediately press the F8 key. For some computers, it is the delete key or F2 key that initiate bios checking and take note of the operators that are listed on the screen. Using the cursor keys, navigate the bios and boot the CD drive first, save and then exit. Insert your operating system restore disk, save and restart. Simply follow the cue that initiates installation of your operating system. When the USB disk appears on the list of which drive format comes, then your USB is in the clear.

Depending on the options, you must opt out the re-installation of the operating system at this point. If it is still running, simply quit and leave the other drives alone. Try to reset the computer to boot from the disk instead of the CD drive as before. If your USB flash drive is already usable, it must now be detected in windows. If you fail to do this operating system re-installation, then just continue following the installation instructions. However, never try to install the operating system onto the USB disk drive.

Before going over your USB problems and trying out some troubleshooting tricks, have all your files backed up first, this task is something that must not be taken lightly. Although formatting seems easy, it is a lengthy process that needs to be done by somebody who fully understands the application. If everything else fails, get hold of your USB’s warranty so you can get it fixed from customer support.

Tags: Alternate Method, Bad Sectors, Compact Device, Cursor Keys, Data Storage, Derek Rogers, Drive Pen, ehow usb flash drive malfunction data recovery, F2 Key, F8 Key, flash disk malfunction, Flash Memory, Format Option, Format Utilities, how to fix a flash unrecognizable drive malfunction, how to repair the pen drive an unrecognisable pen drive, Memory Flash, Pen Drive, Removable Drive, repair usb memory flash error, Storage Device, System Bios, Travel Data, Usb Flash Drive, Usb Problems | Posted under USB Storage | No Comments

High Level Nowadays USB Thumb Drive Data Storage Devices

Last Updated on Sunday, 19 December 2010 04:39 Written by databank Sunday, 19 December 2010 04:16

New USB Thumb Drive Data Storage Devices, Faster and Bigger but more Secure?
Bruce J. Cullen

Nowadays, you can see so many companies making USB thumb drives, many of these devices are faster, bigger and more compact, but are they a safe means to hold your companies important data?

Secure USB Thumb Drives

Flash memory manufacturer Corsair says it has solved the problem of non secured flash drives by forcing you to enter a unique PIN code to enter their USB thumb drive and access your data. It’s a great idea but will it really help?

This “Flash Padlock” USB thumb drive protects file records and data with a unique PIN that you enter on the built in touchpad on the actual USB flash drive shell. You then enter the device into your USB plug on your laptop or desktop and the device operates as extra external memory. Corsair said the device is much more resistant to brute force attacks or keystroke loggers.

You see keystroke loggers record any keystroke you make on your keyboard. In other words, when you type in your password on your keyboard to unlock a secured USB thumb drive, and if a hacker has gotten a program of theirs on your device it would record your password as you type them (all of them). Every so often these keyloger programs send these simple text files via a build in e-mail program to their own e-mail inbox. This is bad!

The new Corsair device would ask that you type in your password before you plug your storage device into your computer USB flash drive port (USB port). So in essence the keylogger hacker programs would never have a chance to record your computers keystrokes and there would be no way for them to access your data.

“Featuring auto-lock hardware security, Flash Padlock is the best way to secure your data while on the go. It prevents any unauthorized access or “Brute Force” attacks to the data on the Flash Padlock. Users can program in a PIN, much like they do for an ATM machine, to lock/unlock their data. An easy to use keypad in conjunction with lock/unlock indicator lights makes the Flash Padlock easy to use. The Flash Padlock is fully plug-and-play, and requires no software or drivers to work properly.”

The Flash Padlock will auto lock after 15 seconds if removed from the computer. This ensures your data stays locked-up, if you forget to lock the device this thing does it by itself (I love things that make sense). The Flash Padlock USB storage device will work with Linux, Mac OS X and Windows based computers.

At the moment the Flash Padlock is available in 1GB and 2GB capacities starting from $29.99. For more information on this specific device visit this URL:

http://www.corsair.com/products/padlock.aspx

As we are on the topic of Corsair let’s continue. Are you a flash survivor, corsair thinks it is. “Corsair Introduces Flash Survivor — Extremely Rugged USB 2.0 Flash Drive”

Rugged USB Thumb Drives

As the owner of eProvided, a digital image recovery company which also specializes in advanced USB data recovery, we know a good idea when we see one. What this all comes down to is feedback from users that have purchased this device. If we do not see these devices come in to our labs then there is a good chance either no-one is buying them or they are not having issues of damage. The most common type of USB memory stick damage is when the USB port is broken or breaks off from the USB drive itself.

A common cause of USB thumb drive damage is from users plugging these devices into their laptop or ground based desktops and bumping the device while it is plugged in. This causes the part of the USB thumb drive that plugs into the USB slot on their computer to break off. Most of these breaks are very serious as the internal circuits and parts inside the USB thumb drive are permanently damaged. “USB Device Not Recognized” error messages may appear after such an incident.

You may also have a windows error message such as “USB Unknown Device”. This is a sign that your device has suffered serious damage to the circuitry. At this point you will need a data recovery company to assist you. Consumers need to buy devices that are more rugged and are made by larger names in the storage industry. Flash Survivor(TM) is an exceptionally tough, water resistant, drop-tested flash USB memory stick storage device.

A design made ideally for transporting valuable data such as personal files, jpeg images and personal applications without having to be bothered by the chance for damage or loss of data due to various natural elements.

So use your noggin and buy strong devices and keep the contact information of those who may be able to help you in case of data loss on USB thumb drives.

Tags: Atm Machine, data bank usb device, Data Storage, E Mail, External Memory, Flash Drives, Flash Memory, Flash Padlock, Hacker Programs, Hardware Security, is there a thumb drive to plug into usb to record keystokes, J Cullen, Keystroke Loggers, Mail Inbox, Mail Program, Memory Manufacturer, Pin Code, Port Usb, Storage Device, Storage Devices, Usb Flash Drive, Usb Plug, USB thumb drive | Posted under USB Storage | No Comments

Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery 2010 Desktop Edition with 12 Months Basic Support Reviews

Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 November 2010 08:49 Written by databank Tuesday, 30 November 2010 08:49

Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery 2010 Desktop Edition with 12 Months Basic Support

Backup desktops and laptops automatically, without disrupting employee productivity, and save to any disk storage device
Recover complete systems in minutes to same or dissimilar hardware with Restore Anyware Technology, including support for Windows 7
Restore individual files and folders in seconds using the built-in search tool or Google Desktop
Enables offsite Backup Copy to FTP location or secondary disk drive for enhanced disaster recovery capabilities
Recover what you need, when and where you need it, including individual files, folders or complete systems in minutes, even to dissimilar hardware or virtual environments

Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery 2010 Desktop Edition is a simple, cost-effective backup and recovery solution for small businesses that helps minimize downtime and avoid disaster by easily recovering individual data files/folders or complete Windows desktops or laptops in minutes – not hours or days – even to different hardware, virtual environments, or remote locations.

Rating: (out of reviews)