Flash drives are portable data storage devices that allow you to transfer documents and media from one computer to another. While they are made to be robust—often sliding into a protective plastic sleeve or fitting into a cover—damage can still occur, potentially leading to information loss. While a data repair specialist may be able to retrieve your files, the following guide offers tips to prevent similar circumstances in the future. 

Why Did My Flash Drive Stop Working?

1. Early Removal

Your flash drive acts as a temporary hard drive once it is hooked up to your computer’s USB port.

When trying to retrieve a file—or save a file—from or to it, the data is converted into binary, a numerical language where all information is translated into a series of 0s and 1s. If your flash drive is still in the middle of this process when you remove it from the computer, this sequence of numbers may be incomplete, leading to a corrupted file that can’t be opened. 

To prevent this, eject the flash drive according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, this involves waiting for a light to go off or for your computer to inform you that it is finished with its task.

2. Exposure to Heat, Moisture, or Both

Heat causes objects to expand. Most electronics contain countless delicate parts soldered together and the stress caused by high temperatures can cause disconnections. Additionally, heat may prompt destructive reactions within the chemicals inside flash drives.

While water is also potentially destructive to thumb drives—leaving behind minerals that can affect the circuits in chips so that they short when plugged in—heat is a more serious danger. Therefore, if you accidentally get yours wet, dry it using non-heat-based methods, such as packing it in a plastic bag with uncooked rice for 24 hours.

While they are a little more expensive, you should consider purchasing a flash drive that is both water and temperature-resistant to avoid the need for data repair.

3. Repeated Usage

Like most technology, flash drives have a finite life span. After a certain number of read/write cycles—usually ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 depending on the model—the drive will no longer be operational. If you primarily use flash drives as a backup method and rotate between several different ones, this likely won’t be an issue. However, if you want a more reliable flash drive, look for one that is industrial grade. 

When you run into data repair issues, turn to Saint Paul, MN’s IT support experts, Techie Dudes. This team offers a combined 65 years of experience helping individuals and businesses. Their data recovery service applies to computers, laptops, and network equipment and they also offer a free assessment of whether data can be recovered before you’re quoted a price. Visit them online to learn more about their capabilities. Call (651) 330-6483 to schedule service.