Losing data from a USB flash drive can be frustrating and stressful, especially when it comes to important files or information. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to recover lost data. In this article, we will discuss step-by-step how to recover data from a USB flash drive, what tools are available, and provide some useful tips to help you avoid data loss in the future.

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Causes of data loss from pendrive

Before starting the data recovery process, it is worth understanding why data may be lost. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Accidental deletion: You may accidentally delete files or format your flash drive, thinking you are moving them to the trash, just like you would on a computer. This is one of the most common causes of data loss, especially when you are in a hurry or don't pay attention to what you are deleting.

• Hardware failure: Physical damage to the flash drive, such as damage to the USB port or internal component failure, can result in data loss. In such cases, the data may be physically inaccessible, often requiring more advanced recovery methods.

• File corruption: Flash drives use the FAT32 or exFAT file system, which are more susceptible to file corruption than traditional hard drives. File corruption can occur for a variety of reasons, such as the computer suddenly shutting down while writing data.

• Unplugging without safe removal: Failure to safely unplug the flash drive can result in data corruption or file system corruption. Secure erasure allows all write operations to be completed, minimizing the risk of data loss.

• Viruses and Malware: Flash drives are often used to transfer files between computers, which increases the risk of infection with a virus or malware that can delete or encrypt data. Infected files can spread viruses to other devices, further complicating the situation.

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How to Recover Data from a Flash Drive?

1. Use data recovery software: Programs like StrongRecovery are designed to scan flash drives and restore lost files. This software uses advanced algorithms that analyze the data structure and restore as much information as possible.

2. Follow the software's instructions: After installing the program, select your flash drive and run the scan. The program will scan the drive for lost data. Depending on the size of the flash drive and the amount of data, the scan can take from a few minutes to a few hours.

3. Select files to recover: Once the scan is complete, the program will display a list of files that can be recovered. Select the ones you want to restore and save them to a safe place on your computer. It is important not to save the recovered data on the same pendrive to avoid overwriting data that has not yet been recovered.

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Tips to avoid data loss

To avoid the stress of losing data in the future, consider the following tips:

• Regular backups: Regularly back up your important files to another medium or to the cloud. In the event of data loss, you will have easy access to your backup, allowing you to quickly restore your files.

• Safely remove: Always safely remove your flash drive before disconnecting it from your computer. Safely remove allows you to end all write operations and close the connection between the device and the computer.

• Virus protection: Use antivirus software to protect your devices from malware. Regularly scanning your flash drives and other external devices can prevent the spread of viruses.

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Data recovery

There are many data recovery programs available on the market, but not all of them are effective or safe. It is worth choosing software that has good reviews and is trusted by experts.

Here are some trusted programs you can consider:

• StrongRecovery: StrongRecovery software offers a comprehensive solution for data recovery from pendrive. StrongRecovery supports all major file systems, including FAT32, exFAT, NTFS, and can recover various file types, such as documents, photos, videos, and music.

• Recuva: Recuva is a popular and easy-to-use data recovery program that supports recovery from pen drives, memory cards, and hard drives.

• Disk Drill: Disk Drill is a versatile and advanced data recovery software that offers a variety of features, including recovery from disk, recycle bin, and even iOS and Android devices.

• EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: EaseUS is another popular program that offers a simple three-step recovery process. Supports recovery from various devices, including pen drives, hard drives, and memory cards.

• PhotoRec: PhotoRec is a free and open-source software that specializes in recovering photos, videos, and documents from various devices, including pen drives.

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Step 1

Run StrongRecovery, and from the list select the disk (flash drive) on which the data was lost. If the partition on the flash drive was lost and you cannot select the disk with the file system or letter assigned to this flash drive, then proceed as here.

Step 2

After selecting the pendrive, the program starts analyzing, it is possible to browse the visible directory structure while the program is running (scanning) and recover interesting data, you can also use thumbnail mode of photos (menu -> view or F12 key):

Step 3

Now you can select files and folders from your pendrive to recover them - via the "Recover" option from the main menu or the file list context menu (right mouse button). Then you will have to choose the target directory for the data being copied from the pendrive, select the disk to which you want to copy it, remember, the disk should be designed for data copying (without the risk that you can overwrite/destroy previously lost or deleted files on it):

Step 4

StrongRecovery also scans the pendrive for raw files - RAW (files to be recovered +). If the scanning process has been completed or RAW files have been found to a satisfactory degree (photos or other multimedia), then they can be dumped/recovered. RAW files are searched for by detecting header information (file format), this is done independently of the file system, so in the event of file system corruption or loss of file data (allocation data, name, date, attributes), it is possible to recover them.

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Summary

Losing data from a pendrive does not have to be catastrophic. With the right tools and knowledge, data recovery is possible. Be sure to choose trusted software like StrongRecovery, which offers a comprehensive and safe data recovery solution. Moreover, by following the given tips, you can reduce the risk of data loss in the future.

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FAQ

1. Can I recover data from a flash drive that was accidentally formatted?

Yes, most data recovery software like StrongRecovery can recover data from a formatted flash drive, as long as the new data has not been overwritten over the original files.

2. What programs are best for recovering data from a flash drive?

Popular and effective programs include StrongRecovery , Recuva, < a class="underlinelink" style="color:#0195FF" href="https://www.cleverfiles.com/data-recovery-software.html">Disk Drill, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard and PhotoRec.

3. Can I recover data from a damaged pendrive?

If the pendrive is physically damaged, data recovery may require specialist assistance. In the case of logical damage (e.g. damaged file system ), you can use data recovery software.

4. Can I recover data from a virus-infected pendrive?

Yes, data recovery software can recover virus-infected files, but after recovery, they must be scanned and cleaned with antivirus software.

5. How long does it take to scan a pendrive for data recovery?

The scanning time depends on the size of the pendrive and the amount of data. It can take from a few minutes to a few hours.