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FirstChip MPTool: Steps After Drive Detection, Flash Profile Selection, Low-Level Format, H2testw Verification

User question

After FirstChip MPTool detects the drive—what do I do next?

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

• Enter the “Setting” menu, load or create the correct flash-parameter profile, and confirm the NAND Flash ID and ECC parameters.
• Select a full “Low-Level / Mass-Production” format, then press “Start”.
• Let MPTool erase, scan, re-flash the firmware and rebuild the translation layer; when the slot turns green (“PASS”), unplug/re-plug the stick and verify capacity with the OS and a tool such as H2testw/F3.

Key points
– Work with the exact MPTool build that supports your FirstChip controller.
– Do not change Flash-type parameters unless you are certain; a wrong choice can brick the device.
– The procedure destroys all data on the drive.


Detailed problem analysis

  1. Controller state after detection
    • VID FFFF / PID 1201 indicates ROM-boot mode; the controller waits for firmware.
    • Successful listing in MPTool proves the USB interface and FirstChip boot-ROM are alive.

  2. Factory-level repair sequence (“Mass Production”)
    a. Flash parameter binding
    – The controller must know the exact NAND vendor code, die organisation, page size, block size and required ECC strength.
    – MPTool’s internal database (FCParam.BIN) is indexed by Flash-ID; an unmatched ID must be added manually or with “Auto-Create”.

    b. Firmware download
    – The tool uploads the proper firmware blob to the controller’s SRAM, then programs it into the reserved system blocks.

    c. Bad-block scan & LUT creation
    – A low-level scan maps bad blocks; the translation layer (FTL) skips them.
    – Capacity optimisation chooses between keeping maximum size (risking speed) or sacrificing extra blocks for performance.

    d. Logical device build
    – FAT32/exFAT/NTFS partition tables are created, and the device VID/PID, iProduct, iManufacturer, serial string and any CD-ROM/secure partitions are injected.

  3. Typical time line
    Initial download (1–3 s) → Erase + full-chip scan (several minutes) → Verify (seconds) → Final format (seconds).


Current information and trends

• Latest public builds (e.g. FC_MpTool v01.27.00.106, 2023-Q4) add FC1178BC/FC1179C support and larger 1 Tbit TLC dies.
• Community forums (Elektroda 2023–2024 threads) report that many “128 GB” sticks with these controllers are actually 32 GB or 64 GB dies; after a genuine MPTool run they expose the real capacity.
• Microsoft’s driver-signature enforcement introduced in Windows 11 may block the WinUSB filter driver in some MPTool versions; users disable it via Advanced Startup → “Disable driver signature enforcement”.


Supporting explanations and details

• Passwords: most current MPTool packages ship with a blank password; older ones use “320” or “12345678”.
• ECC rule-of-thumb:
– ONFI 1.x / 2 K page SLC → 1-bit ECC / 512 B
– ONFI 2.x-3.x / 4 K page MLC → 24-bit ECC / 1 K
– Latest 3D TLC → 60–80 bit BCH or LDPC (tool auto-sets).
• H2testw / F3 verify algorithm: fills device with pseudorandom pattern → reads back → mismatches = bad translation layer or counterfeit chip.


Ethical and legal aspects

• Counterfeit capacity: reflashing a knowingly oversized descriptor to resell the stick is fraudulent.
• Corporate environments may forbid use of unverified low-level tools; always comply with IT security policy.
• Firmware binaries can be copyrighted; distributing modified images without licence may violate IP law.


Practical guidelines

  1. Preparation
    – Use a direct USB-A port (rear I/O); avoid front-panel or hubs.
    – Disable antivirus/Defender real-time scanning for the session.

  2. Implementation checklist
    □ Launch MPTool → detect device.
    □ Setting → Flash tab: confirm Flash-ID / “Auto Create” if unknown.
    □ Scan/Format tab: select “Full Scan / Low Level”.
    □ Vendor tab: leave VID/PID default unless you know originals.
    □ Save → Start → wait for “PASS”.

  3. Troubleshooting
    • Error 0x05 / “Open fail” → USB power glitch → use rear port.
    • Error 0x27 / “Unknow FlashID” → try newer or older MPTool package.
    • Slot shows 8 MB after pass → fake capacity; repeat with smaller target size.


Possible disclaimers or additional notes

• A NAND with excessive factory-bad blocks may finish with drastically reduced capacity or fail; at that point replacement is cheaper than further repair.
• Not all FirstChip sticks are supported by public MPTool releases; some OEM-specific controllers need private factory builds.


Suggestions for further research

• Analyse the PCB to read NAND markings; cross-reference with FCParam lists for manual entry.
• Explore open-source NAND research tools (e.g., Sigrok + fx2lafw) to capture controller traffic for education.
• Monitor developments in LDPC-based firmware that increases endurance on QLC parts.


Brief summary

Once MPTool recognises the FirstChip device, enter the Setting dialogue, bind the correct Flash parameters, and run a full Mass-Production (low-level) format. The tool will re-flash firmware, map out bad blocks and create a fresh file system. Wait for a green “PASS”, re-insert the drive, and verify capacity with H2testw/F3. Using the right MPTool build and exact NAND profile is critical; all data will be lost, and drives with counterfeit or failing flash may show reduced capacity or refuse to complete.

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Disclaimer: The responses provided by artificial intelligence (language model) may be inaccurate and misleading. Elektroda is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the presented information. All responses should be verified by the user.