Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Repairing physical damage
• Method 3 of 3: Reformat the USB stick
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Do you have a USB stick that no longer works? If the hardware is not damaged and you don't mind losing the files, you can try formatting the USB stick. Here we tell you how.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Repairing physical damage

1. Wait for the scan to finish and click "Close" when you're done.

Method 3 of 3: Reformat the USB stick

1. Format with NTFS instead of FAT32.
2. Then format again with FAT32.

Tips

• Look for a program to reformat your drive beforehand. Reinstalling an operating system should not be taken lightly.
• If nothing worked and your data NOT important, ask the maker of the USB stick via email or a forum. They may have a program to reinstall the stick's firmware and do a so-called "low level format" of the damaged stick.
• If your USB stick WELL contains important data that you would like to get back, DO NOT format the drive. Even though there is no sign of damage, it is possible that one or more internal components have failed. In general, it is necessary to use advanced and special tools to determine the exact problem, but one thing you can investigate is a possibly blown fuse. To do this, first remove the case from the device and look through a magnifying glass at the small, clear, cube-shaped components on the circuit board. If these fuses are black instead of clear / transparent, they have blown and it is necessary to have the data restored by a professional.
• If you choose to use the services of a professional data recovery company, make sure you describe the issues as best you can to make sure they have the capabilities and experience to get the job done.
• USB sticks are cheap and widely available. Consider getting a new one rather than reinstalling the operating system as that will likely take less time and avoid headaches.

Warnings

• Formatting will erase all data on a USB stick.
• When it comes to a stick with important data, don't let just anyone who happens to own a soldering iron try to fix the drive.
• Backing up data and drivers, formatting drives and reinstalling operating systems is a lengthy process that should only be done by someone who knows what he or she is doing.

Necessities

• The (recovery) drive of your operating system.
• The activation code of your operating system.
• A USB drive that does well for comparison and testing purposes.