How do I use 'Device Manager' to repair my flash drive?

Question

My flash drive is unrecognized by my computer, so I tried to use device manager to fix it. I know how to get to it, but how do I use it to repair the drive? I need the data off the drive. I've tried the drive on other PCs, so I know that it isn't a issue with the port.

Answer 1

The drivers that come inside of the flash drive must have been corrupted/damaged or the flash drive itself is physically broken. Try downloading the drivers for your flash drive from the manufacturers website, if that doesn't work your going to have to contact customer support.



You could also attempt data recovery if your computer even recognizes the flash drive is there.

Answer 2

I'm not sure how device manager will help you out because normally if the drive isn't being recognized is because there's flaws or bad blocks on the data and therefore unreadable. Device Manager mainly deals with drivers and from what you say, your USB port drivers are good.

Answer 3

Flash drives eventually fail, if no computer can even recognize it then there is nothing you can do. There are data recovery companies that can attempt to get the data off of the drive but it's usually expensive.

Answer 4

This has happened to me in the past and to be honest just rebooting my computer has resolved the issue. Does the USB drive work in another computer?



If is does it may be worth running a disk check on it to ensure the drive is ok.



If not it may be worth replacing as they are pretty cheap nowadays.



Hope that helps