My computer does not see the USB flash drive? To understand the causes and eliminate the consequences

Determining the cause and who is wrong: USB flash drive or a computer

When connecting an external storage device, be it USB flash drive or removable hard drive in the system defined processes occur. At first, she tries to determine the type of connected device, based on its chips. Then, realizing that it is connected to, the system searches for the driver to operate the device, which will enable it to know how to apply to the device. If the driver installed on the system, the device is started, if not, a window will appear asking to install them.

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If the drive can not be read, it means that one of the initialization and searching steps in the driver system is broken. This may occur because of the rather extensive list of problems. In any case there may be only two perpetrators: computer or other devices. Next we will look at each option individually to understand why the computer does not see the stick.

The main reasons why the flash drive is not detected: the problems in the computer

Unfortunately, your computer is not always and not everyone manages to maintain a fully serviceable condition. Sometimes this is due to ignorance of the PC operating principles, sometimes the nature of work involves low protection against external and internal influences. As a consequence - the work computer is compromised either hardware or software. Consider the common problems and solutions to them if the computer does not see the stick.

Inactive sockets, USB is disabled in the BIOS

This question concerns the category to include probation. Just sometimes USB can be disabled either by the user or as a result of failure. Why would anyone want to disable USB? Perhaps it was necessary to get rid of all devices in the system, consuming at least some amount of energy. It may not be enough power unit when connecting a new video card or additional modules.

The USB port may be inactive, and because of the banal failure. Then the computer ceases to see the stick. This can occur as a result of a failure in the motherboard, power supply to the wrong port or by connecting the failed devices in the connector. One solution can serve as install an expansion card with USB.

driver

As mentioned earlier, almost all modern systems support all types of removable media. That is, as such drivers to install is not required. But sometimes it does happen that a modern operating system on your computer or laptop does not see the stick. Usually this is accompanied by a warning such as «USB device not recognized". The first thing to do in this situation - is to try the USB-device to a different port, preferably located directly on the motherboard back of the system unit. It is also necessary to exclude the use of various hubs and extension leads have been due to increased length of the conductor resistance can increase and that ultimately affect the operation of the device.

If the steps taken have not helped, you can try to look for the driver for the media on the official website of the manufacturer.

viruses

In fact, viruses - the source of many problems with your computer. Decline in performance, lack of system resources, and more. Viruses often simply blocking access to a variety of plug devices - USB flash drive or removable hard drives. At the same time they can also infect the device. One solution may be to check Antivirus system.

Conflict sections when assigning a flash drive is already occupied by the letters

This problem was urgent on Windows XP. Especially on those systems, involving network drives. For some reason, the connected USB flash drive can assign a letter already occupied. You can fix this by going to the option "Manage" the context menu of "My Computer".

"Disk Management" section here we are interested in. In it you need to find our nameless stick and change the drive letter to any desired. This is the responsibility of the same name from the shortcut menu.

Mechanical damage ports

Perhaps the saddest version of the outcome of events. Fix at home is unlikely to succeed. To solve the problem will have to buy a separate PCI expansion card type USB-ports. Installing it is not more difficult to install a new video card or network.

What should I do if my computer can not see all of the stick

Certainly, if a row alternately The attached USB drive can not be read, the problem with your computer. Briefly, the test algorithm might look like this:

1. Switch the flash drive in the other ports.
2. Check in the BIOS, if the USB mode is disabled.
3. Look, if not received the flash drive has been taken by the drive letter.
4. Scan your computer for viruses.

If none of the steps taken did not lead to success, it is likely to have a problem with a USB controller, and it is necessary to put a new expansion card or carry the computer serviced.

The main reason why computers can not see a single flash: problem in the vehicle

Flash drives can also generate a lot of technical reasons to not be defined in the system and do not read. The most common reason why the "My Computer" do not see the stick, is considered a failure after the withdrawal of the device from the port at the time of recording. But this and a few other interesting little more faults will be discussed below.

USB flash drive is formatted in a different file system

The file system is a mechanism for placing data on the recording medium. It is responsible for access to files, free space and work with data. If the flash drive will be formatted in a format unsupported operating system, then, of course, it will not be read. Interestingly, the file system, which supports OS Windows, FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, calmly read from Linux distributions or Mac.

But of Windows, turn, does not see any other file systems such as ext4, ext3, ext2, and others. Therefore, format the USB flash drive, if you plan to use it on Windows, you need the FAT16 file system, FAT32, or NTFS.

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Mechanical damage to the carrier

The term mechanical damage is more suited to a situation where the computer does not see the external hard drive. Inside the carrier does have moving parts, and can break the surface of the magnetic disk. Usually recover such a device is difficult. It is that you can try to "pull out" of it sensitive data.

As for flash drives, the moving parts within them there. But it may mechanically damage the controller or memory circuit itself. Restoration of such a device can not be.

viruses

In fact, the virus can not physically affect the operation of most flash drives or damage it. Their danger is that they are being placed on a carrier can deny access to it from your computer. Danger still lurks in the fact that viruses from this flash drive is still can get into the operating system, waiting for a new flash drive to infect the victim.

Therefore, you should always carefully monitor your PC: time to update the antivirus, do not walk on suspicious links or connect media from unreliable sources.

Other problems

Modern TV sets are not only translates the device. This is a media center that can replace the personal computer. So often there is a situation when the TV does not see the stick. Most often, this problem occurs because of a mismatch of the file system. TV mostly Supports NTFS and FAT32. Therefore, for the work you need to format the media in them.

MicroSD format usually involves the use of a special adapter and the appropriate connector on the PC or laptop case. Therefore, if the computer does not see the SD-card in the first place is to check the stick on yet another adapter. The problem still lies in the fact that such a USB flash drive can easily be played on a mobile device - tablet or smartphone.

Despite the fact that structurally the SD-card is different from the usual USB-stick, and if the computer does not see a MicroSD flash card one, then all the methods described above are also relevant for this type of media. The most universal way to check it is possible to name the connection of any device that reads MicroSD. For example, if the computer does not see the memory card directly, you can try to insert it into your smartphone or tablet and connect it to a PC. And after the device to access the data.

Program for the restoration of flash drives

There are two types of programs to restore flash drives. On the Internet, this term is, for the most part, refers to a means for data recovery. But at the same time, there are programs that can reflash the controller, restoring the operation of the stick. Consider both types of programs.

JetFlash Online Recovery

The utility can both recover data from flash cards and try to return to her performance. Developed by Transcend and is focused on working with its production units. Download program on the official site.

SP Recovery Tool Utility

Utility companies from Silicon Power. With it you can try to recover the device of this brand. Working in online mode. That is, it scans the flash drive, is a problem and offers to download additional software to fix the problem.

Restoration of "dead" flash drives

What if the stick does not see any computer? Perhaps there was a software error in the microcontroller. Unfortunately, a universal program for working with all known controllers do not exist. Each has its own utility. In general, the recovery algorithm can look like:

1. We find out what type of controller to a flash drive.
2. We are looking for the right tool.
3. We produce firmware.

The most difficult thing in this process - to determine the type of controller. This can be done, revealing the flash card and physically looking marking on the chip or by using software. Programming techniques are also two: using tools like CheckUDisk, ChipGenius or the like, either by using the system. The second method is suitable if the computer sees a flash drive, but does not see the contents. To do this, go to the manager, find your device, and go to its properties. On the "Information" should be in the drop-down menu select the "hardware ID". The first line will contain the VID codes and PID.

Having defined VID and PID, you can access databases on the Internet. For example, on flashboot.ru site has a service for the determination of the controller. In addition, enthusiasts spread here and utilities for their firmware. Finding the right model for your program, you need to download it and run.

Programs are many and they are all different, but they work on the same principle: the definition of the stick and her subsequent firmware. In general, practically every tool comes with detailed instructions. Of course, that is no guarantee for a full recovery device one can not give. Yes, and define the controller properly if the computer sees a flash drive, but does not display content that is not always possible. It may be that the problem is much more complex than just a software controller failure. In this case, even the rarely helps repair.

The situation - the system completely hangs when connecting the stick

The situation is quite rare, but the reasons can be many. Here's a quick list:

• the system does not have enough power;
• swelling of the capacitors on the motherboard;
• Use USB ports not directly, e.g., on the front panel;
• Fault south bridge;
• operating system malfunction;
• static electricity.

If the system does not have enough power, you should try to connect to a PC more powerful power supply, or to turn off the test something out of the active equipment. For example, if you have two video cards in the system - integrated and discrete, you can try temporarily disabling a second. Faulty capacitors can be eliminated only by replacing them. This will help an experienced specialist.

The front USB-ports, one way or another, are connected to the motherboard. You need to disable them altogether and try to connect all your USB-devices via the rear panel. Fault south of the bridge to eliminate in the home is difficult, unless you are a specialist service center.

Operating system problems described above in the article. But in some cases, this is a serious problem, as it is a complete freeze, usually leads to a complete reinstallation. As surprising as it may sound, static can be the cause of problems in USB operation. However, it is important for inexpensive or old models of motherboards that do not give due attention to the protection from drops and surges. For solutions you can try to touch the contact of the stick and the USB port before turning. As an alternative - to use a USB-hub.

Finally

Problems associated with USB, very much. But most of them can be avoided by properly using a computer and drive. It is necessary to monitor the state of the system, turn off the device before you remove it, and do not insert your device into a new computer. If you have experience in the restoration of flash cards, share them in the comments and tell me about their treatments. This will help less experienced users in solving this problem.