FAQ
The specialists answer to you
FAQ : USB key
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- Remove the key from your computer without closing the program
- Don't take to pieces the USB key on your own
- Don't format it
- Don't force the plug in the socket if there's any resistance
When your USB key doesn't work anymore, it can be two different kinds of breakdown, physical or software. At any rate, don't try to repair it by yourself. The more you try to repair it, the more you risk to damage irreversibly your data.
Symptoms
If your USB key is detected by your operating system, it could be a software problem with partitionning. In a few cases, the problem can come from a physical damage of the memory chips or controller.
What to do about them ?
Try to plug your USB key on another computer to see if it's detected. Check if the LED light is visible. If the LED is off or blinking, then your USB device must be defective.
Symptoms
If your USB key isn't detected by the operating system, it may either mean that the partition of the key is damaged (software problem) or that the controller is damaged (physical problem).
What to do about them ?
Try to plug your USB key on another computer and see if it's detected. Also check if the LED is igniting normally. If not, or if it's blinking, then your key is defective.
Symptoms
The LED of your USB key doesn't ignite anymore, or is blinking. It's an internal problem. This may be due to an alimentation problem, but more probably to an internal component problem.
What to do about them ?
You can't go any further by yourself without risking to damage more your USB key. Please contact a specialist who will be able to detect the exact problem and fix it.
Symptoms
Your USB plug is broken. Dont try to force your USB to plug in and don't open the key to repair it on your own. If you do so, you may damage an electronic component of the USB key.
What to do about them ?
Remove carefully the USB key from your computer if it's still plugged in, then call an electronics specialist.
Symptoms
If your USB key is so damaged that it's broken in pieces, it's really important to avoid touching the pieces as much as possible. Don't try to patch it up or to take the components out of the USB key.
What to do about them ?
Pick up all the pieces, put it in a sachet. You can then ask a professional to try to recover the data that was on the USB key.
Symptoms
If your USB key has been through fire or flood, you're facing a physical problem.
What to do about them ?
Don't dry your USB key with a hairdryer, and don't open it to clean possible soot stains. Don't try to repair or plug your hard drive on your own.
Contact a specialist who will be able to determine the problem and to act consequently in a suitable environment.