How can I retrieve the files from my malfunctioning flash drive?

November 13, 2015 9:34 AM

I'm trying to transfer the files from my 8 GB Sony flash drive to my computer. However, whenever I plug it in and try to open, save, or transfer a file, doing so causes my computer to freeze--which prevents me from doing any of the above. I'm thinking that something went wrong when I ejected it on a previous occasion. So, what can I do to get these files? (Ideally, I'd like to transfer them all.) Thanks!
posted by gypsyhymns to Computers & Internet (2 answers total)

Try it in another computer or through a hub if you can. Bad flash memory is often just toast. Good luck. Accessing it using a different operating system than it was written in might help. Maybe go to Best Buy and try it in some of theirs like a Chromebook or a Windows 10 system. Bring along a known good flash drive for the files.
posted by irisclara at 9:56 AM on November 13, 2015

If you have a Linux-savvy friend, ask them to boot your system in Knoppix from a disk or USBdrive. Then let them see whether they can access and copy the files that way. Success not guaranteed, but in any case it won't do further damage.
posted by Too-Ticky at 10:16 AM on November 13, 2015 [2 favorites]