Recover Memory Stick

rcdk1

Yesterday I was backing up files from my 16GB Integral memory stick. I was using winRAR to compress the files into a single password protected .zip file on my C-drive. In the middle of the operation the battery on my laptop (Toshiba Satellite running Vista) died.

Now when I plug in the memory stick, the computer recognises it but it doesn't auto-play or open i.e. I get a beep to indicate it has been plugged in and it appears in My Computer as "Removable Disk (I: )" but when I try to open it, I get an error: "Please insert a disk into Removable Disk (I: )". I've also tried it on an XP computer with similar results.

I do have a reasonably recent back up at work but I would like to recover the files off the memory stick if possible. Failing that, is it possible to re-format the memory stick so I can use it in the future? (I've tried simply right clicking on it and selecting Format but get the same error).

wolfric

Check what letter the drive is (let's assume it's D) and go to start and run and type this in (changing d to whatever it is)

chkdsk d: /f

rcdk1

Hi Wolfric,

when I do that, I get: "Cannot open volume for direct access."

rcdk1

*bump*

BrokenArrows

rcdk1 wrote: »

Hi Wolfric,

when I do that, I get: "Cannot open volume for direct access."

apparently this is an issue with windows xp. It was fixed in service pack 2. The latest is SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823439

If you already up to date then you could try formatting using
http://redirectingat.com/?id=951X490024&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdownloads.pcworld.com%2Fpub%2Fnew%2Futilities%2Fperipherals%2FSP27608.exe&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.techspot.com%2Fvb%2Ftopic62237.html

rcdk1

apparently this is an issue with windows xp. It was fixed in service pack 2. The latest is SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823439

I'm have Vista Home Premium SP2 (don't think there's a Vista SP3?)

If you already up to date then you could try formatting using
http://redirectingat.com/?id=951X490024&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdownloads.pcworld.com%2Fpub%2Fnew%2Futilities%2Fperipherals%2FSP27608.exe&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.techspot.com%2Fvb%2Ftopic62237.html

Tried that but got an error "There is no media in the device"

ricman

See can you format it from another pc or laptop.you could try a windows live cd, see www.ntfs.com, active bootdisk,that runs a version of windows from a cdr disc.it has options for formating a device or file/lost folders recovery .
is it formatted in ntfs or fat32.

rcdk1

Just took a hammer to the pen drive..... very satisfying

/end thread