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FirstChip chipYC2019 USB Flash Drive Recovery with FC_MPTool v1.0.7.2 – 0MB “No Media” Fix

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User question

what can ido to recover my flasdrive based on that information shared

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

• Because your USB stick uses a FirstChip (chipYC2019) controller, ordinary OS-level format or data-recovery utilities will not repair it.
• You must re-flash (Mass-Production, “MP”) the controller with a FirstChip MPTool build that exactly matches the controller revision, the VID/PID the device currently reports, and the NAND-flash ID that is fitted on the PCB.
• If re-flashing finishes with status = PASS the drive will enumerate again with its true capacity; if it repeatedly fails the flash or controller is physically damaged and the only remaining option is professional data-recovery (NAND off-chip read).

Key points

  1. Identify precise controller, VID/PID and NAND ID with ChipGenius or USB Device Tree Viewer.
  2. Download a FirstChip MPTool version that lists that controller/NAND pair (typ. FC_MPTool v1.0.7.x for chipYC2019).
  3. Run the tool on Windows 7/10 (32-bit preferred) on a rear-panel USB 2.0 port, load the default parameter set, select full-erase/low-level-format and press Start.
  4. After a PASS, unplug/re-plug and quick-format in Windows, then verify with H2testw.
  5. If the tool never detects the stick, reports HW ERR, or shows capacity far below expected, the hardware is defective → professional lab or replacement drive.

Detailed problem analysis

  1. Why standard tools fail
    • The FirstChip controller stores its own mapping tables, wear-levelling and VID/PID in internal SPI ROM pages. When these pages corrupt the boot ROM drops into a “boot-strap” device that appears with VID=FFFF / PID=1201 (often labelled USB2DISK, 0 MB). At this point the NAND is invisible to the host, so DiskPart, chkdsk, TestDisk, Recuva, etc. cannot access any sectors.
  2. Mass-Production (MP) principle
    • Factories ship empty boards, clamp them to USB test racks, and the MPTool pushes a small loader, scans the NAND for bad blocks, writes a new FTL (Flash Translation Layer) plus the desired descriptors, then returns PASS/FAIL.
    • Exactly the same process is needed in the field once the original firmware is lost.
  3. Matching tool to hardware
    • chipYC2019 is a family designation; internal revision may be FC1178, FC1179, FC1180, etc. The MPTool build number (e.g. 1.0.7.2, 1.0.6.9) contains burned-in support tables for specific NAND IDs.
    • A mismatch causes “SCAN NAND NG” or endless loop at 0 % because the controller cannot initialise the flash.
  4. Safe working environment
    • Use direct motherboard USB 2.0 port; USB 3 hubs can brown-out the controller during the erase stage.
    • Disable antivirus and Windows Defender’s “USB block” features; they can interrupt low-level I/O and brick the stick mid-flash.
    • If possible flash from a virtual machine snapshot so you can revert and retry different tool versions rapidly.

Current information and trends

• Latest public build supporting chipYC2019 appears to be FC_MPTool v1.0.7.2 (Jan 2024, seen on usbdev.ru).
• NAND tables now include Kioxia 96-layer BiCS4 TLC and SK-Hynix 128-layer TLC parts that earlier 1.0.6.x builds lacked.
• Community trend: users crowd-source “parameter.ini” files with correct VID/PID so that Windows treats the fixed stick as removable rather than fixed-disk, solving Windows-To-Go issues.

Supporting explanations and details

Example procedure:

  1. Run ChipGenius → Controller = FirstChip FC1179, VID FFFF, PID 1201, Flash ID 983C98B3766B (Kioxia 64 GiB TLC).
  2. Download “FC1179_MPTool_v1.0.7.2.7z” → extract.
  3. Launch UTools.exe → Settings (pwd “FCMASTER”).
  4. On “NAND” tab leave Auto; on “Scan” choose “Erase-All & LLF”.
  5. Save, click Start; after 8-15 min status turns green PASS.

Ethical and legal aspects

• Re-flashing destroys all existing user data. Obtain owner consent if the drive is not yours.
• Tools are factory property; some builds are leaked. Check local copyright / licence restrictions before downloading.
• Never ship drives with potentially sensitive data to overseas labs unless a data-processing agreement is in place (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.).

Practical guidelines

• If data, not the drive, is valuable → skip MPTool, send to professional lab that will chip-off the NAND and read it on a programmer (costly but preserves evidence).
• Always run H2testw or F3 after rebuilding; if it shows write/read errors or size mismatch, retire the device—its flash is worn-out.
• Keep two versions of MPTool on hand; some sticks only pass with an older build.

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

• Some “2 TB” sticks bought online really contain 64 GB NAND; after honest re-flash they will show the smaller true capacity. This is not a fault of the tool but of counterfeit marketing.
• A controller in permanent boot-strap mode that overheats within seconds is usually shorted; software cannot solve it.

Suggestions for further research

• Monitor usbdev.ru and mydigit.net for newer YC-series MPTool releases.
• Investigate open-source NAND readers like OpenSSD’s “FlashFTL” for learning about FTL concepts.
• Look into WinUSB custom driver signing if you plan to automate MP flashing in a repair shop.

Brief summary

Re-animating a FirstChip chipYC2019 flash drive is a controller-firmware issue, not a file-system one. Use a matching FirstChip MPTool, perform a low-level erase/scan/format, then verify capacity. If the tool cannot finish or capacity collapses, the hardware is defective and only chip-off data recovery (or replacement) remains.

User question

how do i actually send it to a professional lab?

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

  • Open a case with a reputable data‑recovery lab, get a case/RMA number and their packing instructions, then ship the device in an ESD‑safe package inside a rigid box via a tracked courier. Include the case number and a short problem description in the box. Do not power the device again before shipping.
  • Key points
    • Stop using the device immediately.
    • Choose a lab that does in‑house “chip‑off/NAND” flash recovery.
    • Start the job on their website/phone to get the RMA and forms.
    • Pack in an antistatic bag + padding, use a small box (not an envelope).
    • Include documentation: case number, contact details, symptoms, priority files.
    • Ship with tracking/signature; follow any temperature or “do not bend” notes.
    • Wait for evaluation/quote, then approve before recovery starts.

Detailed problem analysis

  • Why a lab and which kind

    • USB flash failures with FirstChip/FCxxxx or similar controllers are commonly controller‑level faults; recovery requires direct NAND reads (“chip‑off”) and flash‑translation‑layer reconstruction—tools and know‑how only pro labs have.
    • Prefer labs that explicitly list “USB flash/monolith/chip‑off” capability and perform the work in‑house. Ask: “Do you do chip‑off in‑house and have PC‑3000 Flash or equivalent?”

  • Intake (what you do before shipping)

    • Contact the lab to open a case. Provide:
    • Media: “USB flash drive, capacity (e.g., 64 GB).”
    • Symptoms: e.g., “Shows 0 MB/unrecognized; FirstChip controller suspected; no physical cracks.”
    • Critical targets: list folders/types you must have (e.g., “Photos/2023, .docx, .pdf—top priority”).
    • Any encryption: BitLocker/Veracrypt/passwords if applicable.
    • Get a case/RMA number and any special forms (service agreement, chain‑of‑custody if needed).

  • Packaging (how to physically prepare it)

    • ESD protection: Place the drive in an antistatic (ESD) shielding bag. If you don’t have one, wrap the drive in plain paper and then aluminum foil (Faraday cage), keeping foil off the connector, then add bubble wrap around that bundle.
    • Mechanical protection: Put the wrapped drive in a small rigid box with at least 1 inch (25 mm) of padding on all sides. Do not use a flat or padded envelope—sorting equipment can crush it.
    • Multiple pieces: If the connector has snapped off or the casing is in pieces, place all parts in a small zip bag inside the ESD bag so nothing is lost.

  • Documentation to include inside the box

    • Printed case/RMA number and lab name.
    • Your contact info (name, phone, email, return address).
    • Device description (brand/capacity), symptoms, and what success looks like (e.g., “recover Thesis folder + family photos”).
    • Any passwords/keys (or note that you’ll provide them by phone/portal).
    • Preferred return medium (download <X GB, or new USB/HDD).

  • Shipping method (United States focus)

    • Use a tracked courier (UPS/FedEx/USPS Priority Mail with tracking). Add “Signature required” if the lab advises.
    • Insurance only covers hardware value, not data; tracking and correct address matter more.
    • Mark the outside with the case/RMA if instructed by the lab. Optional “Fragile—Electronics; Do not crush.”
    • If you must ship internationally, customs description: “Defective electronic media for diagnostic/recovery; no commercial value.” Declared value typically $10–$20 to avoid duties (confirm with the lab).

  • What happens after the lab receives it

    • Check‑in: They confirm receipt and associate your device with the case.
    • Diagnostic: Microscopy/board inspection; identify package type (standard PCB vs monolith), controller, NAND type; determine method (connector repair vs chip‑off).
    • Quote: You receive a firm price and turnaround estimate. You approve in writing before work starts.
    • Recovery: NAND dump(s), ECC correction, XOR/scrambler removal, interleave/bank reconstruction, FTL reverse‑mapping, file system rebuild.
    • Verification: You typically get a file listing or sample files to confirm success.
    • Delivery: Data returned on new media or via secure portal; original device often remains nonfunctional (chip‑off removes NAND).

  • Special device notes

    • Monolith USB sticks (one-piece epoxy/plastic) are harder: access is via micro‑probing or micro‑wires after milling, which increases complexity, cost, and time.
    • Don’t attempt more power‑on cycles; each attempt can exacerbate controller/FTL corruption or stress failing NAND.

Current information and trends

  • Service models
    • Most reputable labs offer free or low‑cost evaluation, “no data, no fee,” and options for expedited turnaround (often 24–48 hours for simple cases; complex chip‑off takes longer).
  • Price expectations (why quotes vary)
    • “Starts at” pricing you see online often covers simple connector/PCB repairs. True chip‑off/monolith cases commonly price higher due to manual labor and FTL work.
    • Practical expectation in 2025–2026 US market: simple USB repairs can be a few hundred dollars; chip‑off flash recoveries often range from high‑hundreds to low‑thousands depending on monolith vs standard PCB, number of NAND packages, encryption, and prior damage.
  • Data return
    • Increasingly common: secure portal download for moderate data sizes; otherwise, data shipped on a new drive.

Supporting explanations and details

  • ESD rationale: Controller/NAND structures are sensitive; ESD events can create latent faults, reducing dump reliability. Shielding bags or foil reduce this risk.
  • Why a rigid box: USB devices are small; postal machinery can shear/bend them. Mechanical strain can crack the NAND package or internal bond wires, escalating the job from connector repair to chip‑off.
  • Information the lab finds useful:
    • Exact failure timeline (e.g., “worked on Friday, January 16, 2026; Monday it showed 0 MB”).
    • Any software you tried (e.g., MPTool/formatters) so they know what to expect in FTL metadata.
    • Whether the stick was used heavily (write‑intensive use raises ECC/retention issues).

Ethical and legal aspects

  • Privacy/confidentiality: Ask for written confidentiality terms; for protected data (HIPAA/PII), ensure documented compliance (e.g., HIPAA BAAs).
  • Chain‑of‑custody: If evidence‑grade handling is required, request sealed‑bag handling, serialized tamper seals, and signed chain‑of‑custody forms from pickup to delivery.
  • IP/sensitive materials: Clarify deletion policies and retention window for recovered images on lab systems.

Practical guidelines

  • Quick checklist before you ship

    • Stop using the device; do not try additional software/tools.
    • Open a case; get RMA and packing instructions.
    • ESD bag → padding → small rigid box.
    • Put printed RMA and problem description inside.
    • Choose tracked shipping; confirm delivery address and hours.
    • Keep your case number and tracking number handy.

  • Template note to print and include

    • Case/RMA: [XXXXXX]
    • Name/Contact: [Name, phone, email, return address]
    • Device: [Brand/Model], [Capacity], [File system if known]
    • Symptoms: [e.g., “No detect/0 MB on January 18, 2026; controller likely FirstChip”]
    • Priority data: [e.g., “Photos/2023; Thesis.docx; QuickBooks 2024”]
    • Encryption/passwords: [BitLocker recovery key: …] or “Will provide via portal/phone”
    • Return method: [Secure download if <100 GB / Ship on 1 TB USB HDD]

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

  • Original device condition: Chip‑off typically renders the donor device unusable. Expect the original not to be returned in working condition.
  • Success is not guaranteed: Severely worn or physically damaged NAND can limit recovery; labs will advise likelihood during evaluation.
  • Cost variance: Marketing “from $150” adverts often don’t apply to chip‑off/monolith work; rely on the written quote after evaluation.

Suggestions for further research

  • Get written quotes from two or three labs that perform in‑house chip‑off to compare scope, turnaround, and terms.
  • Ask each lab how they handle monoliths and whether they maintain their own XOR/translator libraries for your controller family.
  • If data is highly sensitive, research labs’ security certifications and data‑handling/erasure policies.

Brief summary

  • Start a case with a reputable in‑house flash‑recovery lab, follow their RMA instructions, pack the drive ESD‑safe in a rigid box with your case number and details, and ship via a tracked courier. Approve the post‑diagnostic quote before work begins; expect data back on new media or via secure download. Avoid further power‑ons to maximize recovery chances.

If you want, tell me your country/state and whether the stick is a standard PCB or a “monolith” (tiny, one‑piece plastic). I can suggest nearby labs and tailor the packing/shipping details.

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