It’s one of the most annoying things one could encounter with memory sticks (or
flash disks, depending on what one would prefer to call them). You’ve finally
finished that nagging assignment that had given you sleepless nights for hours
on end, and managed to save on it on that memory stick you so much trust. The
last thing on your mind would be getting to meet your boss and the flash just
won’t open your treasured document… In most cases, the document gets corrupted
and can’t open; usually giving you a message that reads like the document could
not be opened.
It’s in such circumstances like these that you will need to have a close look at your flash. If this happens 2-3 times, then you can be sure your flash is gradually getting faulty, and you run the risk of losing your most valued data. At times, this also happens to new memory sticks that have not really been used for storage before. In such cases, the problem is usually with the manufacturers, when a particular batch goes awry during production. You may not be able to do much in this case, and the best option in this case is doing away with the flash, since the settings on the flash may not be easily re-engineered --unless one is very conversant with the technology used-and has the means to do so!
Other common features of flashes that have manufacturers’ issues include the following:
• The data on the flash disk gets corrupted-due to bad sectors most or all the time.
• On coping pictures, music or other media files, only a limited amount or 512MB of data will remain intact-sometimes irrespective of the flash’s size. Don’t be surprised to find your 256 MB size stick reading 4 or 5 GB, none of which is accessible for storage!
• You cannot format the Flash disk-you will most certainly get that annoying message that reads like Windows was unable to complete the format.
• Windows Disk Check utility will hang if run on the flash disk.
If you’ve experienced any of the above, it’s high time you ditched that memory stick and got yourself a better brand. You’ll have no alternative.
However, do not rush to throw away your memory if it has any of the following signs:
• If, in windows explorer, the flash disk appears like another of those folders on your hard drive. This is caused by a virus/worm attack on your flash, and may at most times be gotten rid of without losing data. A strong anti-virus would sort this out. Another alternative means could be via command prompt (some call it ‘DOS’), but you’ll need to be proficient enough in this to rid your stick of unwanted malware.
• On double-clicking the flash to open, you are prompted to choose a program that you would like to use to open it. The reason for this is usually because some viruses tend to create batch processes that make create certain files on the flash (such as autorun.inf), making it behave that way. Again, a strong anti-virus will get rid of this.
Caution:
Flash disks should only be used for temporary data storage. Due to their mobility, flash disks tend to be used for transferring small files data between computers, and therefore have high chances of getting infected with viruses/worms or Trojans… This could result into data loss, so it is recommended to always leave a copy of one’s work on the machine on which you are working. If possible, purchase a flash disk that has a provision of being set into read-only mode. You’ll find this in handy, especially if you don’t have a personal printer and occasionally print your documents from any secretarial bureau you come across. It helps you to avoid getting unwanted viruses/worms or Trojans. Again, always remember to leave of your work on the computer from which you were working!
It’s in such circumstances like these that you will need to have a close look at your flash. If this happens 2-3 times, then you can be sure your flash is gradually getting faulty, and you run the risk of losing your most valued data. At times, this also happens to new memory sticks that have not really been used for storage before. In such cases, the problem is usually with the manufacturers, when a particular batch goes awry during production. You may not be able to do much in this case, and the best option in this case is doing away with the flash, since the settings on the flash may not be easily re-engineered --unless one is very conversant with the technology used-and has the means to do so!
Other common features of flashes that have manufacturers’ issues include the following:
• The data on the flash disk gets corrupted-due to bad sectors most or all the time.
• On coping pictures, music or other media files, only a limited amount or 512MB of data will remain intact-sometimes irrespective of the flash’s size. Don’t be surprised to find your 256 MB size stick reading 4 or 5 GB, none of which is accessible for storage!
• You cannot format the Flash disk-you will most certainly get that annoying message that reads like Windows was unable to complete the format.
• Windows Disk Check utility will hang if run on the flash disk.
If you’ve experienced any of the above, it’s high time you ditched that memory stick and got yourself a better brand. You’ll have no alternative.
However, do not rush to throw away your memory if it has any of the following signs:
• If, in windows explorer, the flash disk appears like another of those folders on your hard drive. This is caused by a virus/worm attack on your flash, and may at most times be gotten rid of without losing data. A strong anti-virus would sort this out. Another alternative means could be via command prompt (some call it ‘DOS’), but you’ll need to be proficient enough in this to rid your stick of unwanted malware.
• On double-clicking the flash to open, you are prompted to choose a program that you would like to use to open it. The reason for this is usually because some viruses tend to create batch processes that make create certain files on the flash (such as autorun.inf), making it behave that way. Again, a strong anti-virus will get rid of this.
Caution:
Flash disks should only be used for temporary data storage. Due to their mobility, flash disks tend to be used for transferring small files data between computers, and therefore have high chances of getting infected with viruses/worms or Trojans… This could result into data loss, so it is recommended to always leave a copy of one’s work on the machine on which you are working. If possible, purchase a flash disk that has a provision of being set into read-only mode. You’ll find this in handy, especially if you don’t have a personal printer and occasionally print your documents from any secretarial bureau you come across. It helps you to avoid getting unwanted viruses/worms or Trojans. Again, always remember to leave of your work on the computer from which you were working!
-Dan B. Atuhaire
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