USB flash storage

A USB flash drive, USB stick, or hard drive is a portable storage drive that stores data in its memory space. It is convenient for people to take their data anywhere, using it on multiple devices. Therefore, the more frequently a USB drive is used on different devices, the more likely it is that problems will arise, such as USB corruption, which can have irreparable consequences.

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In fact, more than 90% of computer users who report a problem with a USB drive are able to fix it themselves. Below are some conventional symptoms of a repairable USB drive in Windows.

• Connect a USB flash drive to Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8/7, it does not appear in Explorer.

• Windows detects the USB flash drive but cannot open it, saying the hard drive is not accessible.

• Windows prompts you to format the removable disk before you can use it by double-clicking the drive.

• Other unknown errors like RAW, no media, etc.

In conclusion, when a USB removable disk or external hard drive showing signs of corruption, we can divide it into two scenarios: Windows may or may not recognize the connected USB drive, and the solutions vary.

Case 1 - USB device can be recognized

If your USB can still be detected or recognized by your computer, you can try to fix the logic error using the native Windows tool, the CMD, or the third-party repair tool. Then you can access your USB.

Method 1. Windows utility: check and fix the error on the corrupted USB

If your flash drive isn't actually PHYSICALLY broken, your computer can recognize it, and your computer assigns you a drive letter, follow the methods below to check and correct the logic error. Theoretically speaking, the provided methods will not cause data loss.