Flash Drive - SanDisk Cruzer-Mini Failure

f4plt · 03-07-2006

Got a new 4.0gig Cruzer-mini a few weeks back and all initial testing went fine. It was recognized by USB 2.0 port, accepted files, and gave them back, then after it's first serious mission with some geneology files it seems to have failed. When installed, it is recognized as the "f" drive, the LCD light is on, but no data is available. Instead, I get "disk not formatted" flag, and query on whether I want to format. In desperation I say yes, but it will not complete the process.

It's not my home computer; tried in in two others, both relatively new units with XP home installed and verified as USB 2.0 compatable.

As I read other sites, this seems to be a rather common problem with SanDisk products. I've tried reformatting the mini-stick with HP software, tried the limited SanDisk downloads to no avail, and even looked into their recommended REGEDIT solution, but none of the files they ask to delete appear in my registry.

I'm not a newby, and know enough to explore the options/FAQ's etc. None has been revealing so far.

Ideally, I'd like the data back if it can be recovered. If not that, then at least make the memory recognizable to the computer again.

Any ideas out there? Most appreciated.
f4plt

cashewx · 03-07-2006

Sounds like the drive went bad, although if you want the data off of it it's good news that windows is asking if you want to format it. www.runtime.org and check out getdataback for ntfs. The program itself cost $80 , but well worth it if you need the data. It has saved my **** several times when accidently formating stuff. You can download a free trial and it will show you what it can recover, but if you want to recover anything you will have to spend the money. Get the databack then send the flash drive back if it's within a one year period and get another.

f4plt · 03-19-2006

Thanks for the reply. Have new information: While asking for warranty replacement, Sandisk required that I download a MS USB utility and check the electronic signature of this flash drive. Based on the results, Sandisk says it's counterfeit. As I web seach, I find many other Sandisk owners with a similar situation and outcome--identical explaination by Sandisk. So, either this is Sandisk's way of not honoring their warranty, or the market place is rife with knock off flash drives. Don't know which, but am addressing this with Ebay and law enforcement. Wouldn't buy another Sandisk product.

03-07-2006	#1
f4plt New Poster Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 2	Flash Drive - SanDisk Cruzer-Mini Failure Got a new 4.0gig Cruzer-mini a few weeks back and all initial testing went fine. It was recognized by USB 2.0 port, accepted files, and gave them back, then after it's first serious mission with some geneology files it seems to have failed. When installed, it is recognized as the "f" drive, the LCD light is on, but no data is available. Instead, I get "disk not formatted" flag, and query on whether I want to format. In desperation I say yes, but it will not complete the process. It's not my home computer; tried in in two others, both relatively new units with XP home installed and verified as USB 2.0 compatable. As I read other sites, this seems to be a rather common problem with SanDisk products. I've tried reformatting the mini-stick with HP software, tried the limited SanDisk downloads to no avail, and even looked into their recommended REGEDIT solution, but none of the files they ask to delete appear in my registry. I'm not a newby, and know enough to explore the options/FAQ's etc. None has been revealing so far. Ideally, I'd like the data back if it can be recovered. If not that, then at least make the memory recognizable to the computer again. Any ideas out there? Most appreciated. f4plt

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03-07-2006	#2
cashewx Bronze Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 5	Sounds like the drive went bad, although if you want the data off of it it's good news that windows is asking if you want to format it. www.runtime.org and check out getdataback for ntfs. The program itself cost $80 , but well worth it if you need the data. It has saved my **** several times when accidently formating stuff. You can download a free trial and it will show you what it can recover, but if you want to recover anything you will have to spend the money. Get the databack then send the flash drive back if it's within a one year period and get another.

03-19-2006	#3
f4plt New Poster Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 2	Thanks for the reply. Have new information: While asking for warranty replacement, Sandisk required that I download a MS USB utility and check the electronic signature of this flash drive. Based on the results, Sandisk says it's counterfeit. As I web seach, I find many other Sandisk owners with a similar situation and outcome--identical explaination by Sandisk. So, either this is Sandisk's way of not honoring their warranty, or the market place is rife with knock off flash drives. Don't know which, but am addressing this with Ebay and law enforcement. Wouldn't buy another Sandisk product.