How to Clear BIOS Password

A BIOS or CMOS password is set and entered from a DOS-like prompt after a computer is powered on and before Windows or another operating system loads. If you have a computer with a BIOS password that has been forgotten, or is unknown, you will not be able to get past the password prompt to boot the operating system or even view what is on the hard drive. Fortunately, there are several methods that can be used to bypass a BIOS password and gain access back to your computer.

Method 1 

 Resetting Jumpers

1. 
   1
   Disconnect everything from your desktop tower. Before opening your desktop's case, it's recommended that you detach all of the cables that are currently attached to the back.^[1]

   • Make sure that the power cable has been detached.
   • You may be able to perform this method on a laptop as well, but it will require removing the protective case from the back of laptop. You will usually need to remove all of the other panels as well as the battery to get access to the motherboard.
2. 
   2
   Press the power button after unplugging the computer. This will dissipate any charge remaining in the motherboard's capacitors, reducing the risk of electrostatic damage.
3. 
   3
   Remove the screws on the back to access the inside of the case. Most desktops have thumbscrews, though you may need a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen or remove the screws.

   • You may find it easier to lay the desktop on its side on a table or workbench so that you can easily access the inside without having to bend over.
   • Click here for more detailed information on opening a desktop computer.
   • Click here for more detailed instructions on opening a laptop computer.
4. 
   4
   Ground yourself. Before touching anything inside your computer, you should ground yourself to discharge any built-up static electricity. If you discharge when touching a sensitive component, it could damage or destroy it.

   • You can quickly ground yourself by touching a metal water tap. Click here for detailed instructions on grounding yourself.
5. 
   5
   Locate the BIOS reset jumper. This jumper is typically two pins, and is almost always blue. It is usually located near the silver CMOS battery (it looks like a watch battery), but this certainly isn't always the case. Refer to your computer or motherboard's documentation if you are having difficulty finding it.

   • The jumper may be labeled CLEAR CMOS, CLEAR, CLR, JCMOS1, PASSWORD, PSWD, etc.^[2]
   • If you don't have a reset jumper (and not all computers do), skip down to the next section.
6. 
   6
   Move the jumper one pin over. Most BIOS jumpers are installed on two of three available pins. Moving the jumper over by one pin will reset the password.

   • For example, the jumper is covering pins 1 and 2. Move the jumper so that it is covering pins 2 and three.
   • If there are only two pins available, removing the jumper completely will reset the password.
7. 
   7
   Wait about thirty seconds. This will ensure that the BIOS sees the changes made by the jumper and clears the password.
8. 
   8
   Return the jumper to its original location. After waiting for about thirty seconds, you can return the jumper to its original position.
9. 
   9
   Close up your computer and reconnect any cables. You shouldn't need to get back inside the computer after this, so make sure to close it up completely.
10. 
    10
    Power on the computer and enter the BIOS. Press the BIOS setup key as the system is booting up. Since you've reset the BIOS, things like your system clock will need to be adjusted. Any settings changes that you previously made in the BIOS, such as drive assignment or boot order will need to be set again.

Method 2

Removing the CMOS Battery

1. 
   1
   Know when to use this method. It's recommended that you use the jumper method above if possible. If you cannot find or don't have a reset jumper on your motherboard, you may be able to accomplish the same thing by removing and reinserting the CMOS battery.^[3]

   • The CMOS battery looks like a watch battery, and it powers the motherboard even when the computer is off. This is how the password is stored on your motherboard along with the system time and your computer's BIOS settings. Removing and reinserting the battery will clear all of these settings.
2. 
   2
   Disconnect the computer, open it, and ground yourself. See the Steps 1-4 of the previous section for more details.
3. 
   3
   Locate the CMOS battery. It will be silver and is typically located along the edge of the motherboard. The battery is about 1/2 inch in diameter.
4. 
   4
   Carefully remove the battery. Most batteries are held in by one or two small clips. Gently pull the battery out of the socket and set it to the side.

   • Note: Some batteries may be soldered to the motherboard and are not removable. If this is the case and you don't have a reset jumper, see the next section.
5. 
   5
   Wait for about thirty seconds with the battery out of the socket. This will ensure that the BIOS settings are completely cleared.
6. 
   6
   Reinsert the battery. After waiting about thirty seconds, you can return the battery to its socket. Make sure you are inserting it with the correct side facing up.
7. 
   7
   Close up your computer and reconnect any cables. You shouldn't need to get back inside the computer after this, so make sure to close it up completely.
8. 
   8
   Power on the computer and enter the BIOS. Press the BIOS setup key as the system is booting up. Since you've reset the BIOS, things like your system clock will need to be adjusted. Any settings changes that you previously made in the BIOS, such as drive assignment or boot order will need to be set again.

Method 3

Finding a Backdoor Password

1. 
   1
   Know when to use this method. If you don't have a jumper and your CMOS battery is not removable, or you are using a laptop where you can't access the motherboard, you may need to find and use the "backdoor" password to access the BIOS>

   • A "backdoor" password is a password built-in to the BIOS by the manufacturer. It is hidden, so you'll need some special software to find it.
2. 
   2
   Turn on the computer and fail the password three times. This will lock the computer and display a "System Disabled" message. Don't worry, when you reset the computer it will go back to normal and no data will be lost. You need to do this in order to see the code required to find the backdoor password.
3. 
   3
   Note the code displayed when you are locked out of the computer. When you see the "System Disabled" message, you'll see a series of numbers and letters. Write this down, as you'll need it to find the password later.
4. 
   4
   Visit the password generator website. Open bios-pw.org/ on another computer's web browser. This website can generate backdoor passwords based on the code that was displayed.^[4]
5. 
   5
   Enter the System Disabled code and click "Get password". The website will attempt to generate a password that matches your computer. You may be given several passwords to try.

   • Note: If you didn't get a code when the system was disabled, your computer may use its own serial number to generate a backdoor password. Click the "More details" link at bios-pw.org/ and follow the instructions to download and run the correct script for your computer's manufacturer.
6. 
   6
   Change your BIOS settings. After entering the correct password, make sure that your BIOS settings are correct so that you won't be locked out again. Unlike the jumper and CMOS battery methods, entering the backdoor password will not reset your BIOS settings.

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How to Change a Computer Password Using Command Prompt

A command prompt is a command you issue to your computer using a built-in program. To change a computer password using Microsoft Command Prompt, follow these instructions. 1. Open command prompt: To do this just click or press the windows start button on your PC and type in command prompt...then click the command prompt icon when it shows or hold the windows start button and press R to open the windows run menu then type in cmd to open command prompt 2.To change a user's password at the command prompt, log on as an administrator and type: net user user_name * /domain When you are prompted to type a password for the user, type the new password, not the existing password. After you type the new password, the system prompts you to retype the password to confirm. The password is now changed.

Alternatively, you can type the following command: net user user_name new_password When you do so, the password changes without prompting you again. This command also enables you to change passwords in a batch file.

Non-administrators receive a "System error 5 has occurred. Access is denied" error message when they attempt to change the password

Steps

1. 
   1
   Reboot the computer
2. 
   2
   Right after the bios is finished, hit F8 (or F2,F10,F12)
3. 
   3
   Select 'Safe mode' or 'Safe mode with networking support'
4. 
   4
   Windows will boot up to the login screen. Click administrator, 9/10 there is no password.
5. 
   5
   Open Command Prompt. You can go to Start > Run and type cmd.exe or simply search for cmd using the Windows search function.
6. 
   6
   Type net user and press Enter. This will bring up a list of user accounts. Look here for the name and exact spelling of the account whose password you wish to change.
7. 
   7
   Type net user name goes here *. Do not neglect any of the spaces (particularly the one before the *) or the command won’t work.
8. 
   8
   Press Enter. Once submitted, the command will give you the option of typing a new password for the user.
9. 
   9
   Carefully type the desired password and press Enter. The characters will not display as you type, so make sure the Caps Lock isn’t on and be very thorough with the spelling and punctuation.
10. 
    10
    Retype the password to confirm. This should weed out any typos.
11. 
    11
    Press Enter. The new password should go into effect immediately. If you get an error message or your access is denied, the account you’re working on doesn’t have high enough authorization to change any passwords. See Tips for possible solutions.

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How To Repair Corrupted Pen Drive or SD Card In Simple Steps?

Lonetouts: In this article, I am going to tell you about various methods which will help you to repair your corrupted SD card or Pen drive. Very often we face this problem of a corrupted storage device and this guide will surely answer all your questions.
Dealing with a corrupted SD card or pen drive is a tedious task. We spend hours to get back our storage into working condition but get nothing. This article comprises of various methods which will help you repair your corrupted pen drive or SD card. For SD card, you will have to insert it into the slot provided in your computer or by using a card reader. Use adapter if you have a microSD card. It will not work if you connect some device having the SD card like a smartphone or a camera. Check out these different methods.

Change the drive letter

Sometimes your computer is unable to assign drive letters (like C, D, E) to your storage media. Due to this reason the files on it can’t be accessed. To resolve this issue, you can assign the drive letter to your device.

Here are the simple steps to fix the corrupted pen drive or memory card by assigning a correct drive letter:

1. Connect your storage media to your computer.
2. Right Click on My Computer/ This PC. Click Manage in the drop down menu.
3. Click Disk Management in the left side and wait for a few seconds so that Windows can load the Virtual disk service.
4. Right Click on your storage media and click Change Drive Letter and Paths.
5. Click the drive letter (it will turn blue) and click Change.
6. Select the drive letter from the drop-down list. Click Ok.

Try to use it on another PC

Maybe the issue is specifically on your PC. Try connecting your SD card or pen drive to another computer. Hopefully, it may work and you’ll be able to backup your data from it.

Reinstall the drivers

There are times when the drivers that runs your pen drive get corrupted and our PC will not be able to detect your storage media. You can reinstall drivers by these simple steps:

1. Right click My Computer/ This PC. Click Manage.
2. Click Device Manager on the left side.
3. Double-Click Disk Drives in the list. Right Click on the name of your pen drive.
4. Click Uninstall. Click Ok.
5. Disconnect your storage media and restart your PC.
6. Connect your pen drive again. Your PC will detect it.

Also Read: Speed Up Internet Using CMD (Command Prompt)

Repair corrupted SD card or Pen Drive using Windows Explorer

This is the most commonly used procedure to repair a connected storage media to your computer.

1. Open My Computer or This PC.
2. Select the corrupted drive and Right Click.
3. Click Format in the drop down menu.
4. Click Restore Device Defaults in the popup window.
5. Click Start to begin the format process. You can uncheck the Quick format option if you want the computer to deep scan the drive/card for errors but this will take time. So, uncheck it only if you fail in the first attempt.
6. Click Ok in the next dialog box which will warn you that the data will be lost. The format process will complete in a few moments and you will have your error free SD card or pen drive.

Repair corrupted Pen Drive or SD card using CMD

This process involves Windows command prompt which is commonly known as CMD. In this, you have to enter some CMD commands and Windows will forcefully format your corrupted pen drive/SD card.

1. Connect the corrupted pen drive or SD card to your computer.
2. Hover your mouse on the Start button and Right Click.
3. Click Command Prompt (Admin). A CMD window will open.
4. Type diskpart and press Enter.
5. Type list disk and press Enter. A list of all the storage devices connected to your computer will be displayed.
6. Type select disk <the number of your disk> and press Enter. (Example: select disk 1). Important: Make sure you enter the number correctly. Otherwise, you may format your internal hard drive. You can type list disk again to check whether you are going correctly. There will be a star (asterisk symbol) before the name of the selected disk.
7. Type clean and press Enter.
8. Type create partition primary and hit Enter.
9. Type active.
10. Type select partition 1.
11. Type format fs=fat32 and press Enter. The format process will finish in a few minutes. You can write ntfs instead of fat32 if you want to carry files larger than 4 gigabytes. Don’t close the CMD

Recover your lost data

You can use Sandisk Rescue Pro to recover your data in case you have deleted your files or formatted your SD card/Pen Drive by mistake. The SD card needs to be in working condition to perform the recovery process. Other notable data recovery software is Recuva by Piriform. For more information on data recovery, check out our list of the top data recovery software.

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You can fix an Undetectable USB Flash Drive:

Recover Files after USB Drive Corrupt or Unresponsive

Oliver Powell Updated on December 7, 2016 Data Recovery Software 67 Comments

USB Flash Drive Structure

A USB flash drives stores all its data in the memory similar to a hard drive. The operating system can, later on, fetch this data when required to be accessed.

Whenever your USB drive becomes corrupt or unresponsive try our USB Windows data recovery software.

There can be various issues that may turn your USB drive data inaccessible. Such as if the drive is unmounted improperly from the port then it can lead to data corruption. Another reason for the stores data corruption can be invalid data in the Master Boot Record (MBR) or Partition Boot Record (PBR) or directory structure on the USB drive.

There can be various other reasons that may turn your USB not working. This may happen either due to physical corruption or logical corruption. The common hardware/physical issues are broken stems and connectors, dead drives (no power supply), broken circuit or NAND gate, not recognized, RAW, need to format, not accessible, and Dead Drives, etc.

Recover Data using Professional Recovery Tool

Simple to most complex USB data loss issues can be handled with USB Recovery Software. You can free download such program and install it on your PC to begin scanning the device and recover data. Try Stellar Partition Recovery software that supports scanning of large capacity USB drives and traces inaccessible or formatted files with their attributes and size intact.

Steps to recover data from corrupt or inaccessible USB drive:

• Download and install Stellar Phoenix Windows data recovery – professional.
• Connect the problem USB drive you’re trying to recover data.
• Under ‘Drive Recovery‘, your problem USB device will be listed with the predefined label on it D:\ or E:\.

• Click on the drive and select ‘Advanced Recovery‘ (keep the radio button selected to FAT32) and let software begin scanning the drive.
• The software scans the media and lists all the recoverable files as well as lets you see the preview of files ready to recover.
• Choose any or all the desired files and folders and click on ‘Recover’ button.

Dealing with inaccessible/corrupt USB drive?

To recover data from an inaccessible USB or Flash drive, first you must be able to identify the exact reason leading to the problem while reading the USB drive.

Recovering from Physical Issues:

If you have a physical error such as a broken connector, circuit board, NAND memory chip of the drive, then the hardware needs to be replaced to repaired. Doing-it-yourself can lead to even worse situations. Better you get help from the experts in this area. You can hire any of the companies that are specialized in recovering the USB drive from physical corruption. They will easily get your hardware repaired using the special hardware and tools they have.

Broken Stems and Connectors, & Dead Drives (no power to the USB):

A common indication of the physical errors is some kinds of error messages or troubles that you after connecting the USB. Common error messages are “Please Insert Disk into Removable Disk” or “USB Device Not Recognized or Malfunctioned“, “you need to format the disk before using it”, RAW partition, dead or unresponsive drives, and damaged controller chips and/or circuit boards.

If the silver USB connector is broken or the circuit board is damaged it leads to power supply cut-off to the USB.  In such case, soldering and circuit repair are required. It’s not advised to do it yourself as if anything goes wrong, you may permanently lose access to your USB. It’ll reduce the chances of getting your data successfully recovered or sometimes impossible. To deal with above physical errors, specialized equipment and expertise are required. So better you hand over it to some professional and let him deal with the chaos.

The error: “Please Insert Disk into Removable Disk”:

This error occurs when the flash drive controller software becomes corrupt. It can also happen if there are some issues with the NAND memory. The above error can be caused by low grade or generic NAND memory chips. With a frequent number of reads and writes, the state of the drive turns worse.

The error indicates that there is some issue with the NAND memory chips. Most probably the metadata stored inside the NAND memory is corrupted or wiped and it can’t be mounted then, thus turning the drive unreadable. Whenever you try to read the drive, you will get the error message “Please insert a disk into Removable Disk”. Also, if you try to check the drive size, it usually shows its capacity as 0MB. As the device cannot be mounted on windows so, if you check Device manager under Disk drives, a different name for the USB drive will be listed. Also, the Disk Management shows a drive letter with No Media.

In such case, you need to search for manufacturers that perform USB data recovery or flash drive data recovery.

Recovering files from logical issues:

If there are some logical/software errors with the USB drive, you can easily fix it. You need to repair the file structure so that the USB flash drive can be used again.

This is how you can scan the problems using Windows:

• Insert the USB drive into the USB port of your system
• Go to My Computer>Removable Disk Icon.
• Right click the Removable Disk Icon  and open its Properties
• Click on the Tools tab.
• Click Check Now button.
• You will be given two check disk options “Automatically fix file system errors” and “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors”.
• Check both check boxes.
• Click Start. This will initiate the scanning process.
• Click Close after the scan process is completed.

If you are using windows 7 then carry out the following steps to repair the USB Flash Drive:

• Insert the USB drive into the USB port of your system
• Go to My Computer>Removable Disk Icon.
• Right click the Removable Disk Icon  and open its Properties
• Click on the Tools tab.
• Click  “Rebuild” button
• Let the scan process get completed. Close the scan window once it’s completed.
• Right-click the icon of the USB flash drive and “Eject”. Then remove the drive from the USB port.

Hopefully, this would help you solve your problem.

If you require reformatting your disk, try out the following steps:

• While formatting the disk choose NTFS file system and then format.
• After this, format again with FAT32. For more information about formatting USB flash drives, read more

To fix an Undetectable USB Flash Drive:

Test the USB port: You may not be able to use your USB drive because of some problems with the USB port, not with the USB drive. So, before performing any repair of the USB drive also make sure that the USB port is working fine.

Steps to test the USB port: Remove the USB drive, reboot your computer, and test the USB drive again. See if it works. It is possible that one port may not be working but all others are working fine. So try each port of your computer. If this doesn’t help, try the USB drive on some other computer.

Sometimes, the Installed copy of Windows OS may not be able to recognize your USB drive due to some USB version limitations.

You can fix an Undetectable USB Flash Drive:

Drive Recognition:

• Go to Start> Control Panel> Device Manager
• Expand the list next to “Disk Drives” option.
• You can see a down facing arrow over your USB drive. Double click it and choose the option to “Enable Device”.
• Click Next.
• Click ‘Next’ again.
• Finally, click Finish.

After this, you need to assign the drive letter. To do so follow given steps:

• Go to Start>Control Panel>System and Security>Administrative Tools then choose “Computer Management.”
• Right, click the USB drive. Select the option to “Change Drive Letter and Paths.”
• Click ADD and then click OK.
• Now, assign any available drive letter to the USB drive by clicking it.
• Right, click the USB to designate it as “Online.”

If this fails, use the Windows automated “Fix it For Me” service can resolve the issue. If this also doesn’t help, then modifying the system registry will help you tackle the issue. I wouldn’t suggest you to go for this option as it may harm your OS.

If none of the remedies proves helpful for you, then the last option for you is to try Flash Drive data recovery tools, USB or any other external storage media as mentioned at the beginning of this article. You can try Stellar tools for free and see if your inaccessible documents are still there and can be recovered.

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HOW TO REMOVE WRITE PROTECTION IN USB FLASH

What is 'write-protection'?

'Write protection' is a type of security measure which places a 'lock' on digital files. The locking action prevents modifications from being made to the stored data, and is a simple way to avoid changes being made to important files without your permission. So far, so logical; but occasionally these security measures can backfire, essentially locking you out of your own home.
Write-protection is often a physical (rather than a virtual) security measure; lifting it usually involves flicking a switch on the mass storage device. The trick is to first find the switch, and or to change the virtual settings on your computer to accept the physical changes.

Changing security on a USB memory stick

Trying to change a write-protected files often generates messages such as 'Drive can't be written on. Please, remove write-protection'?
Most memory sticks have simple switches on the side to amend write permissions.  USB sticks are slightly different.  Some may have switches at the side, like in the illustration below, but these are just to extend the USB connection rather than a write protection switch.
Have a look at the SD card's exterior; is there a small switch on one side? Changing the positioning should turn write protection off and let you change the contents.

If not, then try the following:

• Insert the memory stick into the computer
• Go to My Computer and under Devices with Removable Storage look for your card reader
• Right-click on it and click Properties
• In the pop-up box, sometimes there's an option to Remove write-protection. Change the status of this option and try again.

Still no luck?

• Remove your memory stick from the drive
• Click Start > Run...
• In the box type regedit and press OK
• A new window will appear. Go to:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies
• If you can't locate StorageDevicePolicies then you will need to create this folder
  • Right-click on Control and click on New > Key. Name this StorageDevicePolicies
  • Right-click on the new folder you created called StorageDevicePolicies and click New > DWORD Value.
  • Name this WriteProtect
• Double-click on Write Protect and change the Value Data to 0 and then click OK
• Close the Registry Editor and insert the memory stick into your computer

Changing security on an SD card

SD (Secure Digital) cards are usually sold pre-protected; removing the write-protection is a fairly simple process and can be sorted out in a matter of minutes.
As with a USB stick, most SD cards have a flip-switch located on their side; flip this to change the write-protection from 'on' to 'off'.
Still can't access your files? There are still a couple of options:
There may be an issue with your card reader, rather than the card itself.  Card readers can be purchased fairly cheaply from most electrical retailers, but ensure the one you buy is compatible with the make of card you want to use.
To use the Reader:

• Simply slot the SD card into the drive provided
• A pop-up wizard will prompt you to install the Reader's software; follow the steps as delineated by the installation wizard
• There may be a write-protect switch on your card reader as well.  Make sure this isn't in the write protect position
• Try once again to access your data

If your card reader fails to access the data, try removing the write-protection settings manually.  Please note that this process will format the card and remove anything stored on it.  This is a "last resort" option as all files on the card will be lost:

• Go to the Control Panel
• Proceed to the Administrative Tools section
  
  

If you can't see the Tools section, start typing Administrative Tools into the search box and Windows will find it for you
From here, select Computer Management, followed by Disc Management
Search the list of storage devices (highlighted in red below) for your SD card

• Now right-click on the SD card and select Format
• A new pop-up will appear, showing the available formatting options
• From the drop-down menu, select FAT32
• Check the Quick Format option
• Click OK to finish

The write-protection setting should now have been lifted; test the accessibility by trying to save a file onto your SD card.

If you are still having issues, the card itself may be faulty.  This is especially likely if you can't open files stored on the card.
 

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HOW TO FIX USB FLASH

Do you have a USB flash drive that just won't work anymore? Assuming the hardware is undamaged, and you don't mind losing all your files, you could try formatting the USB drive.

Method 1 Repairing Physical Damage

1. 
   1
   Decide if your files are unimportant enough to risk a DIY attempt at data recovery. If your decide your files are too important to risk, you will want to find a flash drive data recovery company.
   

   • These companies have special hardware and tools designed to repair circuit boards. The more advanced companies have the tools to remove the NAND memory chip from the circuit board in order to extract and unscramble the raw data stored inside.
   • The prices for data recovery can vary from $20 - $850 based on the severity of damage done to the drive, and the type of recovery required.
   • Some data recovery companies offer solutions for minor to moderate physical/internal damage costing under $200.
2. 
   2
   Get the tools. If you decide you are comfortable risking your files, you will need:
   

   • A soldering iron with solder and flux
   • An old USB cable
   • Wire cutters/strippers
   • A small flathead screwdriver
   • A magnifying glass or jeweler's loop
   • Note: These steps only apply if your flash drive has a broken connector.
3. 
   3
   Using the flathead screwdriver, carefully remove the flash drive's outer casing.
4. 
   4
   Use the magnifying glass to inspect the circuit board (PCB) and solder pads. If the PCB itself is damaged or the solder pads are lifted, you will probably need the help of a professional.
   

   • Note: Solder pads are the 4 bits of solder that connect the prongs of the USB connector to the copper lines in the circuit board. If the connector has broken away without causing damage to the PCB or solder pads, continue to the next step.
5. 
   5
   Set the flash drive on a hard surface with the connector end facing toward you and the solder pads facing up.
6. 
   6
   Use the wire cutters to cut one end off of the USB cable. Cut the female end if it's not male-to-male.
7. 
   7
   Use the wire strippers to expose about 0.25 inch (0.6 cm) of each of the four wires inside the cable. Or, if you do not have a spare USB cable to use, you may solder pieces of small gauge electrical wire to each of the prongs on the broken USB connector; this will create your own mini USB cable.
8. 
   8
   Solder each of the four wires to the four solder pads. The colors from left to right are black, green, white, red. They should attach to the solder pads in that order, from left to right, when you're holding the USB so that the two cutout rectangles are facing up and away from you.^[1]
   

   • Do not mix these up or your flash drive (and files) are toast.
   • If you used your own individual wires instead of a cable, simply solder each wire straight across to the corresponding pad regardless of what color the wire is.
9. 
   9
   Plug the other end of the USB cable into a computer and cross your fingers.
   

   • If it registers, great! Just save your files to your computer.
   • If it's still not being recognized, it's likely that there is a different underlying problem that can't be seen with the naked eye. Either consider sending it to a professional recovery company, or use it as a Christmas Tree ornament that reminds you to always back up your important files.

Method 2

Scanning for Problems (Windows)

1. 
   1
   Insert the drive into the USB port on the computer.
2. 
   2
   Open My Computer and right click on the Removable Disk Icon. Choose the Properties option.
   
   
3. 
   3
   Click on the Tools tab.
   
   
4. 
   4
   Click on the Check Now button.
   
   
5. 5
   
   

   

   Click on both “Automatically fix file system errors” and “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors” check boxes. Click Start.
   
   
6. 
   6
   Wait for the scan to complete. Click Close when finished.
   
   

Method 3

Reformatting the Drive

1. 
   1
   Format with NTFS instead of FAT32.
2. 
   2
   After this, format again with FAT32.

Method 4

Testing the USB Port

1. 
   1
   Sometimes it is the USB port that does not work properly, not the USB drive.
2. 
   2
   Remove the USB drive, reboot your computer, and test the USB drive again. If it works, problem solved. If not, try the next step.
3. 
   3
   Test the USB drive with another computer. If the USB drive works, then you have a problem with the port on the other computer.
   

   • Sometimes one port will work on a computer, while another will not. Test each port on the first computer, then likewise on another computer, before giving up on this possibility.

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