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    Memory stick problem

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by minimadj, Jul 3, 2009.

  1. minimadj

    minimadj Notebook Consultant

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    I have a 16Gb memory stick, whiched used to work just fine. But i've now encountered a problem.
    I put something on it, remove it from the computer, then when I re-insert it back in (or onto another machine) nothings on there!
    It just completely wipes everything!
    Is this a common problem... and if so, how do I overcome it?
     
    minimadj, Jul 3, 2009
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  2. de.1337

    de.1337 Notebook Evangelist

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    No this doesn't sound common. I've only had a file disappear from a flash drive once or twice. Have you tried reformatting the drive? Maybe the filesystem on it is screwed.
     
    de.1337, Jul 3, 2009
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  3. mrtoshko88

    mrtoshko88 Notebook Enthusiast

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    It is possible that the memory stick has become corrupt. If you have lost any files on the stick that you want to get back you can try data recovery software.

    if you dont have any data on your memory stick, or even if you do and want to try this - copy your files off onto your computer hard disk to back them up, and Format your memory stick.

    Do this by right clicking on the memory stick drive icon in 'My Computer' so that a menu comes up and select Format. For the filesystem pick FAT32 - this is the default filesystem as it is the very compatible with different operating systems (windows, osx, linux, etc.)

    Hope this helps.
     
    mrtoshko88, Jul 3, 2009
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  4. minimadj

    minimadj Notebook Consultant

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    Am just re-formatting it as we speak... hope it works! :D Thanks
     
    minimadj, Jul 3, 2009
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  5. garetjax

    garetjax NBR Freelance Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    Are you properly ejecting your thumbdrive every time you remove it? You can do this in Windows XP by going to My Computer, right clicking on your thumbdrive storage device, and selecting Eject.

    This, in effect, will "turn off" your thumbdrive for safe removal. You can tell if your thumbdrive is safe to remove when the activity light on it is extinguished after you eject it.

    Alternatively, you can double click on the Safely Remove Hardware icon in Windows XP taskbar which brings up a dialogue box. This allows you to pick a device and stop by it clicking on the "Stop" button, then selecting your thumbdrive and clicking the "OK" button. You'll get a balloon tip on your taskbar saying that the device is then ready to be removed.

    I know some people that have experienced corrupted or missing files on their thumbdrives when they do not properly eject it from their system. This might be something to try out once you start using your thumbdrive again.
     
    garetjax, Jul 3, 2009
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  6. minimadj

    minimadj Notebook Consultant

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    Its all sorted and working fine now (after formatting it) thank you!!
    And yep... I always safely remove the memory stick - I have no idea why it went all funny!
    Never mind though, its working now... thanks everyone
     
    minimadj, Jul 3, 2009
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