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Resolved USB Thumbdrive won't format

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by Rob Allen, 2011/12/05.

  1. 2011/12/05
    Rob Allen

    Rob Allen Inactive Thread Starter

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    Just discovered that a USB Thumb drive will not format. Tried the normal route and keep getting a message that windows cannot complete the action. Running XP Pro for an OS. Googled the problem and found an HP program that's supposed to fix the problem..it didn't work either. Not familiar enough with DOS to go that route...don't know the correct commands. No name on the drive except that it came from Micro Center (8GB). I need to clean it for a new application.
    Rob
     
    Rob Allen,
    #1
  2. 2011/12/05
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    My initial reaction is that the drive is dead - have you tried a format on another computer?
     
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  4. 2011/12/05
    Rob Allen

    Rob Allen Inactive Thread Starter

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    The drive has info on it now. Can only delete certain files or photos...can't format so I can have a fresh start. Tried to format on 2 different machines...same result.
     
    Rob Allen,
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  5. 2011/12/05
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    This rather confirms my suspicion that the drive has failed internally. However I gleaned this from the internet which some people claim will format the drive when Windows cannot .....

    http://files.extremeoverclocking.com/file.php?f=197

    Edit - I se you tried the HP solution and it did not work.
     
    PeteC,
    #4
  6. 2011/12/05
    retiredlearner

    retiredlearner SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Pete, I've seen other reports that people can't Format Thumb/Pen Drives. I wonder whether the icon on the lower right of screen wasn't used when removing the drive from USB connection.:eek:
    If the Safe Removal process is not used - it may be the cause of damage to the drive circuitry which prevents it from being Formatted. Neil.
     
    retiredlearner,
    #5
  7. 2011/12/06
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Neil

    Although I always use the 'safely Remove Hardware' icon when removing USB drives - of any sort, by default they all seem to set themselves up for 'Easy Removal', i.e. can just be pulled out. With this setting Write Caching is disabled and unless the drive is still active no data will be lost.

    I would not have thought that simply pulling the drive out would damage it. USB thumb drives are not rock solid, especially unknown makes and my guess remains that it has failed.
     
    PeteC,
    #6
  8. 2011/12/06
    retiredlearner

    retiredlearner SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    I just mentioned that process as a warning will remind you if you haven't closed the Files before you pull the Drive out of the USB.
    It tells you that data may be lost if you don't close the file first. I don't like pushing the bundle too far. I do agree with your suggestion that his drive may have gone South. Cheers Neil.
     
    retiredlearner,
    #7
  9. 2011/12/06
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Hi Rob. Adding to what has already been stated in this thread, its obvious that the flash drive has most likely failed as Pete and Neil have stated above.

    I've pulled out flash drives without using the Safely Remove Hardware Wizard before and have yet to experience a USB drive actually fail on me. My guess is that the flash drive in this case either wasn't of good quality or that it could have been a few years old and suffered too much wear and tear.
     
    Evan Omo,
    #8
  10. 2011/12/07
    Rob Allen

    Rob Allen Inactive Thread Starter

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    I Contacted the store where it came from and they are going to replace it. Apparently it's dead.
    Thank all of your for your response and help in this matter.
    Rob
     
    Rob Allen,
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  11. 2011/12/07
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Please mark your thread as 'Resolved'.

     
    PeteC,
    #10
  12. 2011/12/07
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    Thanks for the update. :)
     
    Evan Omo,
    #11

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