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Summary: This article discusses methods for recovering data from a flash drive. It highlights common reasons for data loss and emphasizes the importance of regular backups. The manual recovery method using a hex editor is cautioned against for non-experts. The recommended approach is using Kernel for Windows Data Recovery software for safe and efficient data retrieval from a corrupted or accidentally deleted USB flash drive. The article underscores the significance of safeguarding data on portable storage devices.

Introduction

Flash drives, USB drives, external hard drives, and similar devices are essentially smaller counterparts of a computer’s hard disk. These external drives offer finite storage capacity, allowing users to store files just like they would on their computer. Upon connecting one of these drives to the computer, they appear alongside the system’s internal drives. Users can access and manipulate their data, as well as add new files. Occasionally, when attaching an external drive, the antivirus software may detect and remove malicious files. In this article, we will explore methods for data recovery from a flash drive.

A USB flash drive is a portable and reusable storage medium, offering greater data security compared to a floppy disk, with reduced risk of data loss.

Similar to other storage devices like hard disks, USB flash drives can also experience data loss for the following reasons:

  • Accidental files deletion from USB flash drive
  • Malicious virus infection
  • Accidental formatting of USB flash drive
  • Corruption of USB flash drive
  • Power surges
  • Application Failure
  • Physical Damage
  • Other Unknown Reasons

Losing your valuable data can occur for various reasons as outlined above. To safeguard against such data loss, it is highly advisable to maintain backups of the information stored on your USB flash drive on alternative storage devices. While many data loss scenarios can be resolved through manual or automated methods, the recovery of data from a physically damaged hard drive is exceedingly challenging, if not impossible. Therefore, it is prudent to take preventive measures to protect your data.

When a USB flash drive becomes corrupted, your computer system is unable to access the data stored on it, and it prompts a message saying, “Drive cannot be read and requires formatting.” Typically, in response to this message, most users choose to format the USB flash drive, leading to data loss.

However, occasionally, when you connect a USB flash drive to your computer, the installed antivirus/antispyware software may flag certain files as suspicious if they potentially pose a threat to your system. In such instances, the antivirus/antispyware program will offer the option to quarantine or remove the file, which can unfortunately lead to data loss.

No matter the cause of data loss, whether it’s due to a virus infection, accidental deletion, or formatting, you have the capability to effortlessly retrieve your lost data. When files are deleted from a USB flash drive, they are not permanently erased but instead marked as deleted. Consequently, you are unable to access them until they are overwritten by other files, you can recover lost data from USB flash drive with little efforts.

Manual Method to Recover Lost Data from USB Flash Drive

Recovering lost data using a hex editor is possible but carries significant risks. It is not recommended for individuals without technical expertise or a solid understanding of the process. Improper execution of this method can potentially worsen the data loss situation. If you are determined to pursue manual data recovery, it’s advisable to seek assistance from someone with a strong grasp of the subject matter to avoid further complications.

To perform the manual procedure, you’ll require several items: the corrupted drive, a computer system, a hex editor such as WinHex, an additional drive to store the recovered data, and the exact name of the deleted file.

Begin by connecting both drives to your system and launching the hex editor. Follow a three-step process that begins with scanning the disk, allowing you to pinpoint the deleted files. Next, identify the cluster chains associated with the deleted files, ensuring you locate the relevant one. The final step involves recovering the clusters containing the deleted files. If you are uncertain about this procedure, it is strongly advised to seek guidance from someone knowledgeable about its intricacies due to its critical nature.

Automated Method

The easiest way to recover lost data is with the help of a recovery tool. Data lost from USB flash drive can be easily and perfectly recovered using Kernel for Windows Data Recovery software. The software repairs the USB flash drive if corrupted and recovers data with full accuracy. In case, the USB flash drive is not corrupted, but you have lost data due to accidental files deletion, virus attack, or formatting, then the software is the best solution to recover lost data in no time.

  1. Launch the software and figure out which scan method you need and select it, like Quick Scan.
  2. Launch the software

  3. Select the Flash Drive from the left-hand side of the screen and click on Next.
  4. Select the Flash Drive

  5. On the next window, you will see all of your drive’s information. Click Next.
  6. previews of drive  information

  7. The process will start, in case of any doubt, you can stop it anytime by clicking on Stop.
  8. process strat

  9. If there is any specific folder you want to recover, then select it and click on Recover. Or you can recover the whole flash drive.
  10. recover the flash drive

  11. Now, choose the destination for your file and click on Ok.
  12. choose the destination

  13. The recovery process will take place. When it is done, click on Ok.
  14. recovery process

Conclusion:

A USB flash drive can accommodate a substantial volume of data due to its portability and robustness. This makes it a popular choice for securely transporting encrypted data. Consequently, safeguarding your drive becomes imperative. To ensure its safety, consider creating backups or installing a data recovery tool such as Kernel for Windows Data Recovery.

Kernel for Windows Data Recovery