The PC does not recognize the flash drive. A message appears indicating that there is a data error. System hangs when connecting a flash drive
What to do if the computer does not see USB? First of all, you need to make sure that the device you need to connect is not damaged. You can check this very simply: if everything is fine when you connect it to another computer, then the device itself is working. Also, when connecting it to your PC, pay attention to whether the light bulb (LED) lights up. If the USB ports and cable may be fully functional, but you need to check the settings of the device itself and confirm the ability to exchange data between it and the computer (if this option is disabled, the device will not appear on your computer). This also applies to tablets, smartphones, MP3 players and similar gadgets.
Many people connect new devices to USB ports on the front panel system unit. However, very often the front ports do not have a connection to the power supply, or there is power, but it is not enough for correct operation. What to do if the computer does not see this situation? Simply reconnect the device to one of the ports located on the back.
Sometimes the system immediately detects a new data drive, but displays a message that the device is not recognized and refuses to read the information. Most often, the problem lies, again, in insufficient power and is solved by connecting the media to another port. However, in some cases there is a need for the easiest and most convenient way to do this using specialized programs(let's say Everest). It will help you find out the name of your board, and then download the appropriate drivers from the official websites of the manufacturers.
It is also possible that the problems occurred because Windows assigned the new device a volume label (letter) that was already in use. This can be corrected using the control panel tools (right-click on the “My Computer” shortcut and select “Manage” from the menu that appears). On the right you will see the “Storage Devices” tab, and in it - All you have to do is find the label of our device, right-click and select “Disk Path” (“Change Drive Letter”). In the window that opens, enter new symbol. After doing this, the problem can be fixed.
What to do if the computer does not see USB? Although very rare, it still happens that the ability to read data from USB devices is disabled in the BIOS. Most often, this is done in online salons and similar establishments so that people, using their media, do not infect their computers with viruses. If we are talking about a home PC, you should go into the BIOS, and then check the box that allows motherboard turn on USB devices.
If the computer does not see through USB information on your drive, this may be due to the presence of malicious virus programs on the PC itself or the connected device. Here the solution is obvious: you should download a reliable powerful antivirus and conduct a full scan of both the computer itself and the drive.
This advice most likely applies to those who cannot connect a flash drive. What to do if you have already done everything described above? You need to know that sometimes there is a conflict between the file systems of USB devices and PC. As a rule, on flash drives this is - FAT systems and FAT32. Modern hard drives support NTFS system. Using the already familiar Disk Management, you can change the file system type of the flash drive to FAT32 or NTFS.
Finally, you may just need to format the drive. This can be done if it is displayed in the list of connected devices. However, when formatting, all data stored on it will be permanently deleted.
There can be many reasons why a computer or laptop does not see a flash drive. And it’s quite difficult to determine what’s wrong. After all, the reason may be related to both the PC and the USB device itself. Exit to in this case one: try all possible options.
And to make this task easier for you, below are 8 recommendations on how to fix this problem. The tips are universal and are suitable for all PCs and laptops running Windows XP, 7, 8 or 10.
If the flash drive is not recognized by the computer, then first of all check whether it works at all? The easiest way is to connect it to another laptop or PC.
Look at the USB device LED (available on all modern models). If it does not light up, then the flash drive is probably no longer working. Although you could simply extract it incorrectly. In this case, I recommend reading.
Checking USB ports
The second reason why the flash drive is not recognized by the computer is that you connect it to a non-working USB connector. Even if it worked yesterday, it still needs to be checked. To do this, connect another device to the same port - a mouse, printer, smartphone. Or you can connect a USB flash drive to the connector on the rear panel.
Configuration update
If the flash drive is not displayed on Windows 7, 8 or 10, go to “Device Manager” (it can be opened through Start - Control Panel).
After this:
Installing a utility from Microsoft
After this, you need to open the settings (“USB Configuration”). Since BIOS versions There are so many, then in each case the path will be different. For example, in the screenshot below, the required item is in the “Advanced” section.
Open it and check that next to “USB Controller” the option “Enabled” is indicated. If this is not the case, select the appropriate item.
Changing the device letter
To fix this error:
Driver Update
If the flash drive is not recognized on the laptop, perhaps the reason lies in outdated drivers. In this case, they need to be updated. Easiest to use (they do everything automatically).
By the way, if you have an old PC, then flash drives with a capacity of 32 GB or more will not be displayed on it.
The computer may not see the flash drive for many reasons. In this article we will try to understand the main ones.
And so... let's go.
1. Device malfunction
First, check the functionality of the flash drive itself. If one computer does not see it, try inserting it into another PC - if it works on it, you can proceed to step 2. By the way, pay attention to the LED (many flash drives have it). If it does not light up, this may indicate that the flash drive has burned out and become unusable.
2. USB ports not working
Try inserting another device into the USB to which you are connecting the flash drive and see if it works correctly. You can take another flash drive, printer, scanner, phone, etc. You can also try inserting a flash drive into a different slot.
On the system unit, in addition to the front panel, there are USB connectors on the rear wall. Try connecting your device to them.
3. Viruses / Antiviruses
Often the reason for the invisibility of a flash drive can be viruses. They can also block access to the flash drive if it is found to be potentially dangerous to the computer. With a certain amount of risk, you can try to disable the antivirus and insert a new flash drive.
In principle, if you have auto-run disabled (this option is disabled in) and you will not launch anything from a flash drive, then no viruses on such media should infect your PC. If, after disabling antiviruses, the flash drive begins to appear, copy the files you need from it and check them carefully antivirus program before opening.
4. Bios Settings
It often happens that USB ports can be disabled in bios settings. They do this for various reasons, but if the computer does not see the flash drive, then it is highly advisable to look into the bios. By the way, in this case, not only the flash drive, but also other media and devices will not be read or recognized!
When you turn on the computer, press the F2 or Del button (depending on the PC model) until you see a blue table with settings (This is Bios). Next you need to find here USB settings(often it will just say Configuration USB). Since there are options bios menu There are a great many, it is unlikely to be possible to clearly indicate the path. In principle, even though everything here is in English, everything is intuitive.
In my case, I first had to go to the tab Advanced. Next select USB Configuration .
After you change the settings, be sure to save them before restarting your computer. There are two ways to exit bios: with saving settings and without saving. In the menu on the right or below there will be buttons to exit, select the one with the inscription Save and Exit .
5. Assigning a letter to an already identified device
Very often, a flash drive inserted into a USB connector is assigned the letter of an existing drive in the Windows system. To fix this error, go to control Panel and open the tab administration .
Now in the left column you need to select the option disk management . Next, in the central part, you will see all the disks and media connected to the system. The flash drive will be marked as removable disk . Right-click on it and click on function replacing the drive letter . Change to the letter that you did not have in the system before (go to my computer - and you will immediately find out which letters are already occupied).
6. Outdated drivers
A common reason for the invisibility of a flash drive is the lack of the required driver in the system. If you have old computer- then flash drives larger than 32GB cannot be read on such computers. Although why use flash drives of such sizes is still unclear (their reliability is still far from perfect).
This problem mainly applies to older operating systems. For example, Windows 95/98/ME simply cannot be seen file system NTFS. Therefore, the media on which this file system will be cannot be read in such an OS. To fix this you will need to download special programs or drivers that allow you to see such a flash drive.
8. Dirty USB input
This also happens, although rarely. Due to the fact that a flash drive is often carried in pockets, like a keychain on keys, etc., dust and plaque accumulate in its entrance. If you do not clean it, over time, on some models of flash drives, this can cause their poor readability: the flash drive will not be detected the first time, often freezing when working with it, etc.
And allows you to quickly save important files And text documents. However, sometimes users are faced with the fact that the flash drive does not appear on the computer. What to do in this situation? What could cause problems of this kind?
It is worth considering that sometimes the computer stops seeing removable media, even if there were no problems with it before. In some situations, the PC does not display the contents of folders, and sometimes it does not even “see” that the device is connected. Finding himself in such a situation, each user asks himself completely logical question: “Why isn’t the flash drive showing up on my computer?” Some begin to panic, worrying that all saved data will now be lost. But don't despair prematurely. First you need to calmly deal with the causes of the problem. There may be several of these.
Lack of power or socket problems
Typically, stationary system units have several ports for connecting USB storage devices. Some of them are located on the front part of the system unit, and they quite often stop working correctly.
In this case, you need to try inserting the flash drive into the slot located on the back of the computer. If there are no corresponding ports there, then you need to check the headphone output hole, which is usually also located on the front of the system unit. If soundtrack does not play, the problem is due to a mechanical fault in the connectors. Another possible explanation is that they were not originally connected to the PC motherboard. Developers very often make this mistake when producing systems systems.
In addition, if the computer is via USB, this may indicate that too little power is being supplied to the connector, which is why the media is constantly turning on and off. This happens due to errors by developers who do not always fit the cables as tightly as possible into the required grooves.
If the flash drive is not displayed in the “My Computer” folder for these reasons, then it will be difficult to deal with the problem on your own. It's much easier to contact service center or return the faulty system unit to the seller.
If the problem is not related to lack of nutrition or malfunction connectors, then it is worth considering other reasons for non-functioning removable media.
Drivers
Each flash drive has software installed by default, which should be automatically activated when the device is connected to the PC. However Windows system 7 does not always install the driver correctly. This is where the most common reason why a flash drive is not displayed in “My Computer” appears.
To fix this problem, you need to go to Device Manager. You can do this in two ways:
- Right-click on “My Computer” and select “Properties”. On the left in the window that opens there will be a list of available directories. From it you need to select “Device Manager”.
- Left-click on “Start” and enter the name of the required directory in the search.
If everything is done correctly, a new window will open with a list of all connected devices and a report on their operation. In this list you need to find “USB controllers”. There will be a “+” icon next to the inscription. You need to click on it and see if there is an exclamation mark next to any of the devices.
If one of the drivers does not work correctly, then you need to right-click on it and select “Update”. After this, the system will try to independently find the required software.
If this does not happen and the computer then necessary drivers can be installed manually. To do this, you need to go to the website of the manufacturer of the removable drive and download current version BY. After this, you can either run the file directly from the downloads folder, or go to the “Device Manager” again and specify the path to the folder where the necessary drivers are located.
If the computer no longer sees the flash drive, you can use other ways to solve this problem.
Windows Troubleshooters
This method is not suitable in cases where the device is not detected by the system at all. If the computer sees the flash drive, but does not open the files stored on it, then in this case Windows itself will help solve the problem.
To use standard troubleshooting tools, you need to unplug the flash drive and reinsert it. After this, the system usually notifies you that it was not possible to install the software for the device and offers to try to solve the problem.
If such a function is not available on your computer, do not despair. To do this, go to the official Microsoft website and download the necessary utility. After that, launch it and click the “Next” button. The program will automatically begin diagnosing and correcting possible malfunctions. As a result, the utility will report a verdict and offer several options to choose from to solve the problem. The user only needs to follow the program's recommendations.
In some cases standard means Troubleshooters produce a report indicating that no problems were found. This means that the functionality of the utility was not enough to work. This may also be a sign that the problem lies in the removable drive itself.
Sometimes the flash drive is not displayed in the “My Computer” folder for a number of other reasons.
Viruses
Viruses and spyware can also affect correct operation systems. In this case, errors like “Access Denied” most often appear on the screen. This means that viruses and Trojans have damaged the original device driver and replaced several files on it.
To solve this problem, you need to go to “Computer” and address bar enter the name of the flash drive (usually this is some latin letter), followed by the characters “:\”. Next you need to press Enter. On next stage, most likely an empty folder will open. To make its files visible, just go to the startup directory. To do this, select “Tools” and go to “Properties”, after which a new window will open.
In it you need to find the “View” tab and scroll the slider to the very bottom. Having found “Hide files”, you need to uncheck that option and activate the visibility of hidden files. After this, it is enough to confirm the operation, and that’s it. necessary files should appear in the flash drive folder. However, that's not all. The fact is that after these manipulations, the flash drive still does not appear in the “My Computer” folder, this is due to the fact that the file affected by the virus has not yet been deleted.
To get rid of it, you need to find a document called autorun.inf and delete it. After this, all that remains is to scan the system for possible malware. It is possible that your computer may have residual files viruses.
If nothing helps and the flash drive is not visible to the phone and computer, then you can try more complex manipulations.
You can also try disconnecting all devices from the computer and restarting the PC. After this, you need to scan it for viruses, turn the device off and on again, and only then connect the flash drive. The fact is that the virus may not be on the PC itself, but on some additional device connected to it, so they need to be disabled.
Formatting media
If the device is not visible not only on the PC, but also on the smartphone, then the problems may be more serious. As a rule, in this case, a message appears on the monitor stating that the installed disk needs to be formatted. When starting to fulfill the requirements of the system, you need to understand that this operation will destroy absolutely all data from removable media. But along with the necessary documents Malicious or incorrect software will also be removed.
To activate this process Just click on “Format” and wait until the system cleans the flash drive.
To start the formatting process manually, just perform the following manipulations:
- Go to “Properties” by right-clicking on “My Computer”.
- In the drop-down menu, activate the formatting function.
- Choose a file system that will fully match your PC.
- Check the box next to “Quick”. In this case, the files may be saved, but the “broken” folders will not disappear along with them.
- Click "Start".
There are other reasons why the flash drive does not appear in the My Computer folder.
Partition conflict
This happens when for some reason the system cannot recognize the name of the flash drive. The fact is that several disks can be installed on a computer. If the user assigned the name “K” to one of them, and at the same time removable media If the default index is the same, it will fail. Solving this problem is very simple.
To do this, you need to go to the “Control Panel” and make a selection by category (this will be more convenient). After this, you need to find the administration panel and select “Computer Management”. In this case, all manipulations must be carried out exclusively on behalf of the administrator. Otherwise, all operations will be in vain, since the system will not accept the changes made.
There are 3 categories in the administration panel. From these you need to select “Storage devices”. After opening a new window, a list of all disks registered in the system will be displayed on the right. This list will also include an unnamed device - a flash drive whose name “does not please” the OS.
To correct this small oversight, just assign a new index to the drive. To do this, you need to right-click on the nameless flash drive and select “Change letter”.
After this, a new window will appear on the laptop computer monitor, and the system will offer to change the letter. It is not recommended to use the letter “A” for a flash drive, as it only applies to floppy disks. For the same reason, you should not use the symbol "B". Index "C" is usually assigned to the main system partition hard drive. The letter "D" is responsible for the second logical partition, so it doesn't fit either.
All other symbols can be safely used for the drive.
Continuing to understand why the flash drive is not visible on the computer and how to solve this problem, it is worth considering several more options.
Replacing an extension cord
All kinds of splitters are often used for USB ports. Such wires very often fail. The same thing happens to them that constantly happens to headphones - the contacts come off or break, making it impossible to use the accessory correctly.
This can happen if too many devices are connected to the PC at the same time. In this case, it is recommended to try connecting the flash drive directly to the computer. If it works correctly, then it's all about the extension cord. It's also worth trying to use the splitter with another device to check its functionality.
However, sometimes it happens that even after all these manipulations the computer does not see USB flash drive. What to do in this situation? Don't despair. Perhaps the connectors for removable drives just turned off.
How to enable USB ports
Sometimes sellers, for unknown reasons, disable connectors using “fine” system settings. Perhaps this is done so that buyers turn to them for paid services. However, you can handle everything on your own.
To do this you will need to go into the BIOS. After this, you need to go to the section responsible for controllers and activate the connectors if they are actually disabled. As a rule, necessary settings are in the Advanced section. To enable controllers, just use the arrows on your keyboard to select Enable next to the USB Controllers line. Next, just press F10 to save changes made. After this, all that remains is to boot the computer in normal mode.
There is also a simpler explanation why Windows computer Doesn't see the USB flash drive.
Mechanical damage
The miniature device could fall on the floor or into the water. Its fragile parts are very easily damaged by impact.
To check the functionality of the flash drive, just insert it into the appropriate slot on your PC. If the indicator light on the drive does not light up and the computer does not make the characteristic “duck-duck” sound, then the accessory may be damaged.
In this case, it will be very difficult to “reanimate” the flash drive yourself. Of course, you can try to take it to a service center, where a specialist can restore the data. That is why it is better not to store information on only one miniature media. Experts also recommend saving important data not on flash drives, but on removable ones. hard drives. They break much less often and last longer.
Specialized programs
If the user purchased a flash drive from popular manufacturers Kingston, Verbatium and others, then it is worth familiarizing yourself with software that these companies offer. If you look at their official websites, you can find specialized utilities there that will help you quickly restore the operation of your device. You can also search the Internet for something else from other manufacturers.
However, you should not download such programs from sites that are not related to the company that produces flash drives. In this case, you can get dangerous malware on your computer.
Knowing why the computer does not see the flash drive, what to do and how to solve this problem, you can try to deal with it yourself. However, in the future you should make it a rule to use several drives at once. This is the only way to be sure that important data and files will not be lost at the most unexpected moment. It is also recommended to promptly clean your PC registry and check it for viruses. Some of them may be located in system files. Therefore, do not forget about OS security.
The computer does not see the flash drive. Technology cannot work forever. There may be several reasons:
1) the front connectors on the PC are not connected to the motherboard;
2) there is not enough food;
3) system driver failure;
4) viruses;
5) file system conflict;
6) hardware failure of the drive.
Almost all problems can be “treated” with improvised means, namely system utilities computer. Let's look at each breakdown in detail.
Reason 1: Inactive sockets and lack of power
If your flash drive does not open on your computer when connected to the front connectors of the system unit, additionally check the jacks for connecting a headset (headphones).
If they are silent, it means that the manufacturers did not bother to connect the socket block to the motherboard when assembling the PC. If the computer is under warranty, feel free to complain to the seller about poor quality assembly. Alternatively, use the rear ports.
The second nuance is insufficient power supply to the connectors, which is why the flash drive “blinks”, i.e. randomly recognized/disappears. Most likely, the assemblers are to blame for cheating when connecting them to system board, not completely recessing the cable into the corresponding groove.
In this case, you again need to visit the service center or seller. But if you have experience building a PC, try doing it yourself.
If after all the manipulations absolutely nothing happens, the problem lies elsewhere.
Reason 2: drivers
Each flash drive initially stores a driver in memory, which is automatically installed when the device is connected. But Windows can periodically crash, causing the average user to suffer. To correct the situation, the following set of manipulations will be required.
To begin, right-click on “My Computer” and go to “properties”.
A list of several tabs will be displayed, from which you need to select “Hardware” and go to “Device Manager”.
Scroll through the list until we find USB controllers. Expand the list by clicking on “+” and see full list devices that are connected or have been connected once through the required connector.
Next, you will have to play the so-called attentiveness test. We connect the drive and wait until the list of drivers blinks. One of the components will change its name. This is our culprit and must be eliminated.
To do this, right-click on it and select “Delete”. Confirm your intentions, and then reinsert the flash drive. The driver will be picked up automatically. In the vast majority of cases this helps.
Reason 3: viruses and trojans
Although the system requires checking devices for spyware, few people do this, and they pay for it by causing the system to malfunction. It’s very simple: the virus replaces the “native” autorun driver with a modified one, which can result in the message “Access denied” appearing.
Therefore, if the flash drive does not boot , we do the following.
Open “My Computer” and enter the device letter in the address bar (everything is as in the screenshot, preserving the characters). Your drive letter may vary.
So, you got inside. But now you have to do hidden files visible to get to autostart. To do this, select “Service”, and from the list that opens, select “Folder Options”.
We are interested in the “View” tab. Scroll the slider to the very bottom until you find the “Hide” setting system files..." We uncheck this item, simultaneously switching the system to the ability to show hidden files.
Have you checked? Great. Re-insert the long-suffering device and continue working.
Reason 4: Partition conflict
Other incidents also happen. For example, you inserted a drive into your computer. The system recognized him and issued the corresponding “tyn-dyn.” A characteristic icon has appeared on the taskbar at the bottom, but for some reason Windows refuses to assign a partition letter. How to deal with this?
To get started, click Start and go to Control Panel.
On the left side of the window, for ease of use, select “Switch to category view.” Although if it is already turned on, there is no need to perform any manipulations. We need to get into “Administration”.
Important: all manipulations must be done only on behalf of the administrator. Otherwise, the system will not accept the changes.
Select "Computer Management" double click mouse and move on.
Before us " reverse side» systems with different settings. Do not under any circumstances engage in ad-libbing if you do not understand it. Just follow our advice.