The sudden disappearance of files from USB flash drive is a common glitch that brings a lot of inconvenience to users. This article will analyze in detail the reasons why USB flash drive files suddenly disappear and propose corresponding solutions to help users better manage and use USB flash drives.
When the files of the USB flash drive suddenly disappear, in order to keep the important files, you can take the following two methods:
1: Timely backup: In order to avoid file loss, develop a good habit of regular backup. Save files in the cloud, external hard drive, or other removable storage devices to ensure that you can recover them from elsewhere even if something goes wrong with the USB stick.
2: Use data recovery software: If the files of the USB flash drive are suddenly missing, you can try to use professional data recovery software to get back the lost files. These software are capable of scanning USB flash drive and getting back deleted or formatted files, but please note that the effectiveness of data recovery depends on the reason and duration of file loss. The steps to recover the files from USB flash drive are as follows:
The files on the USB flash drive suddenly disappeared from the recovery tool: Numbers Finder software.
Recovery Step 1] :* and open the recovery software, select the disk that needs to be recovered in the software, and then click "Start Recovery", the software will scan the data of this disk.
Recovery Step 2]: After the software scan is completed, the data of this disk will be listed, check the data to be recovered in the software, and then click "Save As" to copy the file.
The steps to recover files from USB flash drive are as follows:
The sudden disappearance of files from USB flash drive can be caused by the following 8 reasons:
Physical damage to the USB flash drive: The USB flash drive may be physically damaged by crushing, dropping, or water damage, resulting in a malfunction of the internal memory chip or circuitry, making it impossible to read files properly.
File system error: The file system of the USB flash drive may be incorrect or corrupted, resulting in file inaccessibility. For example, the directory structure in the file system may be shuffled or corrupted, causing the system to not find the file properly.
Virus infection: Some viruses or malware may infect USB flash drive and hide or delete files in it.
Misoperation: You may accidentally delete files from the USB flash drive or drag and drop files to other locations.
USB flash drive is formatted: The formatting operation will erase all data on the USB flash drive, including files. If you accidentally format the USB flash drive, then the files in it will disappear.
Insufficient storage space of USB flash drive: If the remaining storage space of the USB flash drive is insufficient, it may cause problems when writing or reading files, or even cause file loss.
Hidden or read-only files: Some files may be set to a hidden or read-only state, which makes them invisible on the USB flash drive and errors occur when trying to access them.
Other Unknown Reasons: Sometimes the sudden disappearance of files from USB flash drive can be caused by unknown software conflicts, hardware failures, or other unknown factors.
If you don't need to keep the files in the USB flash drive, you can take the following 6 methods to deal with the problem that the USB flash drive files suddenly disappear:
Format USB flash drive: By formatting a USB flash drive, you can erase all the data in it, including the lost files. The formatting operation is relatively simple and can effectively solve the problem of file loss. Note that formatting permanently deletes all the data in the USB flash drive, so make sure you don't need to keep any files before doing this.
Factory reset: Some USB flash drives have the function of restoring factory settings. By doing a factory reset, you can reset the USB flash drive and restore it to its initial state. This operation will delete all the data on the USB flash drive, including the lost files. Make sure you don't need to keep any files before you do this.
Use data erasing software: Professional data erasing software can completely erase the data on the USB flash drive without leaving any traces. These software ensure that the data cannot be recovered by overwriting and deleting the data multiple times. Note that using data erasing software will also permanently delete all the data in the USB flash drive, so make sure you don't need to keep any files before doing this.
Physical damage to the USB flash drive: By physically damaging the USB flash drive, the memory chip and circuits can be completely destroyed, making it impossible to recover any data. Note that this method will damage the USB flash drive itself, so make sure you don't need to keep any files before doing this.
Leave it to a professional: If you are not sure how to deal with the problem of the USB flash drive file suddenly disappearing, you can hand over the USB flash drive to a professional to deal with it. They can use professional tools and techniques to completely erase the data from the USB flash drive and ensure that it cannot be recovered.
Secure deletion: In some cases, even if you don't need to keep the file, it's recommended to use the secure delete feature before deleting the file. This will ensure that the files are completely deleted from the USB flash drive and cannot be recovered. Please note that the secure deletion will not cause any damage to the USB flash drive itself, but it will permanently delete the data in it.
To avoid the sudden disappearance of files from USB flash drive and loss of data, you can take the following measures:
Regular backups: Make it a good habit to back up regularly and keep important files in the cloud, external hard drives, or other removable storage devices. This allows you to recover files from elsewhere even if there is a problem with the USB flash drive.
Avoid editing files directly on USB flash drive: Editing files directly on USB flash drive may result in data corruption or loss. It is recommended to copy the file to your computer for editing, and then copy it back to a USB flash drive.
Do not plug and unplug the USB flash drive at will: When transferring files, do not plug and unplug the USB flash drive at will. Make sure to unplug the USB flash drive after the file transfer is complete to avoid data loss or corruption.
Note the read/write protection of the USB flash drive: If the USB flash drive has read/write protection, make sure that the function is enabled. This prevents accidental deletion or overwriting of files.
Identify the capacity and brand of the USB flash drive: When buying and using the USB flash drive, pay attention to identifying the capacity and brand of the USB flash drive. Choose well-known brands and formal channels to avoid buying inferior or counterfeit products.
Pay attention to the environment in which the USB flash drive is used: Avoid exposing the USB flash drive to high temperature, humidity or magnetic field interference. These factors can lead to data corruption or loss.
Update USB flash drive drivers: Update USB flash drive drivers regularly to ensure compatibility and stability with your computer.
Use the encryption function: If the USB flash drive supports the encryption function, use this function to encrypt and protect important files. This prevents unauthorized persons from accessing and stealing data.
By following these measures, you can reduce the risk of USB flash drive files suddenly disappearing and ensure the integrity and security of your data.
The sudden disappearance of files from USB flash drive can be caused by a variety of reasons, including virus infection, misoperation, file system error, etc. In order to avoid this situation, you can take measures such as regular backups, paying attention to the usage environment of the USB flash drive, and updating drivers. In case of file loss, you can choose to use data recovery software or seek the help of a professional depending on the specific situation. At the same time, you also need to be careful not to plug and unplug the USB flash drive or edit files directly on the USB flash drive to reduce the risk of data damage or loss.