Data Recovery: How to Recover Data from USB Flash Drives

USB flash drives, also known as USB sticks, are convenient for daily file-transferring. They are generally preferred over other types of storage media when transferring files due to their small size, fast speed, and relatively large capacity. However, just like other forms of storage mediums, they are not immune to corruption and degradation. When a USB flash drive fails, we might lose all the valuable data stored on it.

However, if we know the causes of USB flash drive failures, we might be able to gain a better understanding of how to avoid damage and protect our data.

The Common Causes of USB Flash Drive Data Loss

1. Incorrect removal of USB flash drives. 
One of the most common reasons for USB flash drive data loss is removing the media from the computer incorrectly. Removing a USB flash drive when it is reading or writing data can lead to logical file system damage, causing data corruption or data loss.The unsafe removal can also make USB flash drives unreadable or unrecognizable. It is very important to use the Safely Remove Hardware notification icon to remove the device from the system. Even if you have enabled the Quick Removal, it is not recommended to unplug a USB flash drive while it is reading or writing information.

2. Operational/Human Error
 When we delete a file from external storage devices like a USB flash drive, it will be deleted from your storage devices immediately without first making a tour to the recycle bin. If we accidentally deleted some useful files, we cannot go to the recycle bin and restore it. Unintentional formatting a USB flash drive can also lead to disastrous data loss.

3. Virus Infections
People use USB flash drives to transfer data between computers and colleagues. This potentially increases the chance of the USB flash drive being exposed to different viruses. Virus infection jeopardizes not only the data on USB flash drives but also those on computers and other devices.

4. Hardware Degradation or Damage
The key component of a USB flash drive, the memory chip where data are stored, can not last forever. The total read/write cycle of a memory chip is finite and will lose the ability to retain data eventually. However, It would take so long before a USB flash drive dies of old age that we might already have upgraded to a newer device. The chance of a USB flash drive being physically damaged is actually much higher.

Reduce the Impact of Data Loss

1. Recover data from previous backup files
If you are in the habit of regularly backing up important files then you can restore information from backups. Good backups are essential to counter the risk of human error and hardware breakdown.

2. Turn to Professional Data Recovery Companies
Massive data loss caused by physical damage is very hard to recover. Professional data recovery companies have the tool and expertise to perform examinations and possible data recovery. However, the service fee can be high and you might want to weight between the options according to the value and importance of your data.

3. Utilizing Data Recovery Software
A professional data recovery software would be sufficient to recover data from accidental deletion or formatting. It is important to choose a piece of software that is capable of scanning and recovering data from USB flash drives, like Hdata Recovery. Its unique algorithm can deep scan the file structure and recover files free from corruption. If you should have any problem regarding this software, be sure to contact the 24/7 online support team for advice.