Recently my flash drive stopped working occasionally. It still lights up when i move it in the CPU and my computer does recognize that's it in the CPU. But when I go to computer it doesn't show up. I'm scared I broke it and lost all my files in Windows 8 RP. Does anyone know what's wrong with my USB? How to get them back if I lost my files?
any ideas would be appreciated.

Naru Maliko, welcome to the Forum!

First off, try out your Flash drive on another computer, a friend or family member's if necessary to see if your files are still there. Chances are it's OK, unless it's defective.

Does other devices, such as printers, work through your USB ports? If not, there may not be drivers released yet for proper operation. This isn't a complete OS yet & some devices may not work at this time. Keep checking for updates through Windows Update for them, as new ones are frequently being released for RP.

Cat

I would like to add a warning here. Never depend on a flash drive to store important data. If it's a second or third copy that's fine, but NEVER the only copy. You should always have backups of your data.

You should not be depending on a beta OS to keep important data safe. Always have back ups to your data.

Why are your data files going to a flash drive? There must be original data files somewhere on your PC. Are the files on the flash drive backups? I guess I do not understand what's happening here.

The next time you can access the flash drive, move the data to a HD or CD or whatever.

I do use Flash drives for storage, but not items of the utmost of importance. Most of what I store on them are installer (.exe) files, have one for pictures, and have one as a dedicated PortableApps.com drive.

But all are backed up, both to my one of my backup drives & to DVD's. I even backup the one in my digital camera, one to a larger one, & create a updated DVD of that one from time to time.

One cannot have enough backups, is the way I view this.

Cat

Hi all,
Thanks for the warmth welcome.
I've tested it on other computers, still can't see my files. Can someone please recommend me a antivirus software? Thanks in advance.

Sorry the hear about whatever went wrong with your Flash drive. These, along with the rest of your computer data, should be backed up on a regular basis. Though I haven't had one to go south on me, others here has, so it may have reached it's lifespan, who knows?

This question seems to be solved by the fact that it doesn't work, or it has been formatted by accident. If it were me, I wouldn't trust it any longer. But that's my opinion, if you wish to try it again, do so at your risk.

Your other question should be asked in the Security Forum. There, it will receive more exposure, & will be in line with the forum rules. One topic per thread. Post over there & I'll be happy to advise you.

Cat

Contrary, to popular belief, Flash Drives are no more permanent than a floppy disk. Remember those?
They just die of old age and they can be Zapped by static electricity on your hands.
SO, NEVER touch the connector on the end of any Flash Drive.

Also, those little connectors can become DIRTY and not make a good connection in the USB port on the PC, USB Hub or wherever. Some, but not all, can even be cleaned with a Q-tip dampened in Alcohol. Vodka is NOT recommended, as it contains too much sugar.

But if something burns out the delicate circuitry inside the Flash Drive, all bets are off. They are NOT Repairable.
So, just make sure that the information on any flash drive is backed up somewhere else. DVD's are much more secure for permanent storage. And at less than $.25 each, they are cheaper too.

Do try that flash drive on multiple PC's to see if you can find one that will read it. And if you do, get the data off of it as soon as you can.

Good Luck!
TechnoMage

And if by chance you do manage to retrieve the files, the next place for that one would be a good stomp (a hammer & stump will do), then toss it. It's no longer trustworthy.

Those actually don't cost much these days, 8GB ones can be had for what 4GB ones ran for 2 years ago. I have an assortment of USB 2.0 Flash drives, but never a USB 3 one. That's soon going to change, not only will it be USB 3, but the largest one that I have (32GB), with a Lifetime warranty. But I will backup whatever I put on it. My plan is to install a VirtualBox VM of XP Pro SP3 on my MSI notebook with twin USB3 ports, if that won't go, then XP Mode. XP Mode is an app, not a true OS, so it should work if the other doesn't.

Newegg.com - Team SR1 32GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive (Blue) Model TG032GSR1XL3

Just ordered it this afternoon, along with another of those Microsoft Mobile Mouse 1000, normally sells for $19.99, had a promo code for $10 off, making it $9.99.

Newegg.com - Microsoft Mobile Mouse 1000 2CF-00027 Blue 3 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB RF Wireless 1000 dpi Mouse for Business

MS does make good wireless mice, as I already have 2, both bought in the last month. Being that I have 3 working computers, it doesn't hurt to have one for each.

But those Flash drives are to be treated as the rest of one's computer data, back it up when changes are made. The 4 to 8GB ones can be backed up inside of 5 minutes. Todo Backup 4.5 Free does both disk imaging & file backups. I use it & highly recommend it.

Free download EaseUS Todo Backup Free to complete backup & restore Windows system and financial data - EaseUS Todo Backup Free

Cat

If you didn't backup your data and want to restore your data, you may need to use some related daat recovery software. However, I have never used this kind of software before and I dont know whether there are some data recovery software that can be compatible with Windows 8 or not.

OF COURSE there is reliable data backup software for Windows 8, just like for Windows 7, Vista, XP and even ME and 98.
It's called "Ghost" and it's been around since 1997 in one version or another.
But to back up the weird MBR in Windows 7 and 8, you would need Ghost 11.5, which still runs from a DOS boot disk.
There is also a version, Ghost32.exe that can be run from within Windows.

I use it every week, to back up my own system.

TM