FirstChip FC1178BC SanDisk 64GB TLC Flash ID 453E9803766C MPTool Recovery Guide

User question

Controller Vendor: FirstChip
Controller Part-Number: FC1178BC
Flash ID code: 453E9803766C - SanDisk - 1CE/Single Channel [TLC] -> Total Capacity = 64GB

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

• Your report decodes as: FirstChip FC1178BC controller with SanDisk TLC NAND, Flash ID 453E9803766C, single CE/channel, genuine capacity ≈ 64 GB. (usbdev.ru)
• To initialize/repair this stick you need a FirstChip Mass‑Production Tool (MPTool) build that recognizes FC1178BC and your SanDisk Flash‑ID; start with the newest public bundle and fall back to older FC1178/FC1179 builds if needed. (usbdev.ru)
• Low‑level re‑initialization with MPTool is destructive (all data is erased). If data matters, stop and pursue chip‑off recovery first. (elektroda.com)

Detailed problem analysis

• What the identifiers mean
  • FC1178BC is a USB 2.0 FirstChip controller widely used in low‑cost and “expanded-capacity” drives. Its firmware stores the Flash Translation Layer (FTL); when corrupted the device often enumerates in ROM/loader mode as VID=FFFF, PID=1201 until a PC tool reloads firmware and rebuilds the map. (usbdev.ru)
  • The Flash‑ID 45 3E 98 03 76 6C is a SanDisk TLC entry commonly listed by community tools as “1CE/Single Channel” with 64 GB user capacity. (usbdev.ru)
• Why MPTool is required
  • MPTool packages include the executable, controller loader images and a flash‑ID database. During “factory/clear” scan they: erase NAND, identify the exact die, map bad blocks, program the controller firmware and create a fresh user LUN. (usbdev.ru)
• Version choice (as of January 29, 2026)
  • The most recent public line is “FC1179 MpTools V1.0.7.2 (2024‑02‑21).” Although branded for 1179, it has been repeatedly used to recover FC1178/BC devices because the bundled flash tables and loader support overlap. If it fails to see your stick/ID, step back to the combined “FC1178/FC1179 MpTools V1.0.5.2 (2022‑06‑01),” and only then to the legacy “FC1178BC MpTools V1.0.2.x (2016–2018).” (usbdev.ru)
• Entering/forcing ROM (test) mode
  • If the stick isn’t detected by MPTool, many FirstChip PCBs can be forced into test mode by momentarily shorting NAND data pins or controller test pads while plugging in. This is board‑specific and risky; the approach is documented generically for USB flash devices and should be attempted only if you understand the hazards. (usbdev.ru)

Current information and trends

• Current community practice is to try the newest 2024‑02‑21 bundle first (broader flash‑ID coverage, better 3D TLC handling), then fall back to 2022 builds if the ID is missing. Field reports show success with FC1178BC even when using the “1179” package. (usbdev.ru)
• Your exact Flash‑ID string has been observed with FC1178BC and decoded as SanDisk 64 GB TLC; this confirms the capacity claim you saw. (usbdev.ru)

Supporting explanations and details

• Recommended workflow (Windows 10/11, Administrator privileges)
  1. Preparation
     • Use a motherboard USB 2.0 root port; avoid hubs and front‑panel cabling. Close antivirus during the session (these tools often false‑positive). (elektroda.com)
  2. Tool selection
     • Try “FirstChip_MpTools_20240221” first; if it does not recognize the stick/ID, try “FirstChip_MpTools_20220601,” then a dedicated FC1178BC 2018 bundle. (usbdev.ru)
  3. Detection
     • Launch MPTool, insert only this drive. Healthy ROM‑mode devices appear as FFFF:1201 in a slot. (usbdev.ru)
  4. Parameters (only if manual entry is needed)
     • Enter Settings (typical passwords: blank/320/123456). Leave Flash/ECC on Auto if the ID is found. If you must enter geometry, use the profile matched to your SanDisk ID; avoid guessing. Start with a full “Clear + Factory scan” to force a fresh map. (elektroda.com)
  5. Run and verify
     • Start mass‑production. On PASS, re‑plug and format (exFAT for >32 GB). Verify end‑to‑end with H2testw/F3; only a full‑device write/read pass proves the real, stable capacity. (elektroda.com)
• Typical symptoms and meaning
  • “USB2DISK”, 0 MB, or re‑enumeration loops usually indicate FTL damage; MPTool rebuild fixes this if NAND is serviceable. (usbdev.ru)
  • If the tool reports “Unknown/Not Support Flash” or fails at 0%, the ID may be missing from that build’s database, or the NAND is defective. Try another build before concluding hardware failure. (usbdev.ru)

Ethical and legal aspects

• MPTools are factory utilities distributed via community mirrors; verify checksums and scan before use. Some bundles also allow altering VID/PID, serials and claimed capacity—using that to misrepresent a product is fraudulent and may violate consumer‑protection law. Use these tools strictly to restore correct operation/capacity. (elektroda.com)
• Mass‑production re‑initialization erases any recoverable data; obtain consent if the media is not yours. (elektroda.com)

Practical guidelines

• Implementation notes
  • Keep “Fix capacity” unchecked; let the tool compute capacity from the die. If it returns <64 GB, that is likely the real usable size of your NAND on this PCB. (usbdev.ru)
  • If a new build still misses your ID, step down one version; each package ships a different flash‑ID database and that often decides success. (usbdev.ru)
• Common pitfalls and remedies
  • Not detected at all: try a different PC/port; then, and only if skilled, consider the test‑mode method documented for flash devices. (usbdev.ru)
  • PASS but later verify errors: retire the device—TLC blocks are worn or of poor grade; further reflashes won’t make it reliable. (elektroda.com)

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

• The FC1179 2024 package has broader coverage but is not guaranteed for every FC1178BC board; success depends on the bundled flash table matching your die. If none of the public bundles list your ID, professional recovery or replacement may be more economical. (usbdev.ru)

Suggestions for further research

• Check the usbdev.ru FirstChip section for refreshed MPTool bundles and user feedback; look up forum threads that mention your exact Flash‑ID for a known‑good profile. (usbdev.ru)
• If data is important, read up on chip‑off recovery and FTL reconstruction before running MPTool. (elektroda.com)

Brief summary

• Your stick’s hardware decodes to FC1178BC + SanDisk TLC 64 GB (ID 453E9803766C). To restore it, use a FirstChip MPTool—prefer the 2024‑02‑21 build first, then 2022, then legacy FC1178BC builds—and perform a full factory scan/initialization, accepting the capacity MPTool calculates. Verify with H2testw/F3; if it fails, the NAND is degraded and the device should be replaced. (usbdev.ru)

If you can share the current behavior (e.g., FFFF:1201 vs. wrong capacity) and which MPTool build you’ve tried, I can suggest exact scan level and profile steps for your case.

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.