FAQ
TL;DR: Firmware "repairs" aren’t safe in 100% of cases; "pendrives with important data are not repaired, but data is recovered." If tools can’t see the drive and you get Code 43, go chip‑off, not software. [Elektroda, kaleron, post #19310869]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps anyone facing “USB device not recognized” choose safe steps that protect recoverable data.
Quick Facts
- If DMDE can’t read the device, a post‑sector copy isn’t possible at home—stop DIY and reassess. [Elektroda, mati211p, post #17047204]
- Chip‑off recovery = desolder NAND, read it with a programmer, then rebuild the logical image. [Elektroda, kaleron, post #19310869]
- Reprogramming firmware to “fix” the stick carries high, irreversible data‑loss risk. [Elektroda, kaleron, post #19310869]
- Log detections with USBLogView to see exactly how the OS enumerates the device. [Elektroda, pidar, post #19314513]
- Code 43 means Windows stopped the device due to reported problems. [Elektroda, odddellarobia, post #17047408]
How do I recover data when my USB shows “USB device not recognized”?
Treat it as a hardware failure. Skip software repairs. Move straight to chip‑off recovery: desolder the NAND, read it, and rebuild the image. This approach minimizes further damage and maximizes data retrieval chances. Avoid repeated re‑plugs and driver tinkering when detection fails. [Elektroda, kaleron, post #19310869]
What does Device Manager “Code 43” mean for a pen drive?
Windows stopped the device because it reported problems. This is not a driver you can install for the stick. If Code 43 persists and no tool sees the drive, suspect device‑side failure. Prioritize safe data recovery, not repairs. [Elektroda, odddellarobia, post #17047408]
DMDE and Flash Drive Information Extractor see nothing—what does that tell me?
In this case, two tools reported no device. That points to a controller that fails to enumerate. Software recovery won’t help when the OS can’t access media. Stop DIY and consider chip‑off methods to read the memory directly. [Elektroda, odddellarobia, post #17047274]
ChipGenius doesn’t list my drive; should I try other software?
No. If enumeration fails, “we won’t do anything here programmatically.” Further scans add risk without benefit. Focus on hardware‑level recovery instead of chasing detection with more utilities. [Elektroda, pidar, post #17047387]
Is reinstalling drivers or using DevManView worth trying?
You can try the suggested cleanup once, then replug and test. If the device still shows as unknown or Code 43, stop. Driver changes won’t revive a failing controller; pursue hardware data recovery. [Elektroda, pidar, post #17047426]
What is chip‑off recovery, in plain terms?
It’s a lab process: “desolder the memory chip(s), read on the programmer,” then reconstruct the logical structure from the dumps. This bypasses the failed controller and accesses raw NAND data safely. [Elektroda, kaleron, post #19310869]
How do I triage at home without risking data?
Follow this quick check:
- Open DMDE and see if the stick is readable.
- If readable, make a full post‑sector copy immediately.
- If not readable, stop DIY and move to lab recovery.
[Elektroda, mati211p, post #17047204]
My flash drive gets very hot—what should I do?
Disconnect immediately and avoid further power cycles. Heat suggests severe internal issues. Do not attempt firmware “repairs.” Move to chip‑off recovery, which reads the NAND outside the failed electronics. [Elektroda, kaleron, post #19310869]
Why test on multiple computers or ports?
It rules out host or port issues. If the stick still shows Code 43 or remains undetected on other machines, the fault is on the device. Proceed to hardware‑level recovery. [Elektroda, melanchel, post #17059936]
Can firmware reprogramming save my files?
It’s risky. Such “repairs” “carry a high risk of irretrievable data destruction.” If the data matters, do not reflash. Perform data recovery instead, typically via chip‑off methods. [Elektroda, kaleron, post #19310869]
What logs should I capture to get better help?
Use USBLogView to record connect/disconnect events and enumeration details. Share whether the device shows as Unknown, error codes, and timestamps. These logs help confirm controller failure versus OS issues. [Elektroda, pidar, post #19314513]
What if the stick appears as “Unknown Device” but no drive letter?
That means it failed to enumerate as mass storage. It’s not a filesystem problem; the controller is not presenting a disk. Treat it as a hardware fault and avoid software fixes. [Elektroda, odddellarobia, post #17047408]
When should I stop DIY and call a lab?
Stop when it overheats, stays undetected in tools, or repeats Code 43 across PCs. Those signs indicate controller failure. A lab can extract the NAND and rebuild your data safely using chip‑off techniques. [Elektroda, kaleron, post #19310869]
