6 Methods to Recover Files From Broken USB Drive

Storing and transmitting data on a USB stick is simple, but what happens if your flash drive becomes corrupted? The good news is that data can often be retrieved from damaged USB drives if you act quickly and follow the appropriate procedure. In this article, we will describe how to recover files from broken USB drive and fix them in a way that normal users can understand.

How to Recover Files From Broken USB Drive

In order to recover damaged USB flash drives, it is important to access data recovery methodically and step by step. This is the process:

Step 1: Resolve the file system issue to repair the harm.

First, make a backup of the faulty USB flash drive to ensure the data is safe. Once completed, you may proceed to address any file system issues that caused the harm.

For Windows users, the CHKDSK program is a dependable tool for checking and repairing locked file system issues. Here’s how you utilize it:

• Connect the corrupted flash drive to the computer.
• Press Win + X on your keyboard to launch Windows Terminal, PowerShell, or CMD as administrator. 
• Enter command: chkdsk X: / f (replace X with the letter assigned to the corrupted drive).

For macOS users, the First Aid feature in Disk Utility can fix file system problems. Follow these steps:

• Enable Disk Utility from Application -> Utility
• Select your damaged USB flash drive in the left bar and click on the first help button.
• Click the Start button and wait for the procedure to complete.

After you’ve resolved the file system issue, you may be able to access the contents of your USB flash drive and restore files directly. If you can’t find all of your files, utilize USB data recovery software to locate hidden, erased, or corrupted files.

Step 2: Recover missing files from your damaged USB flash drive

Now let’s explore the recovery process using WinfrGUI, the user-friendly version of the famous recovery tool. Follow these steps:

• Start WinfrGUI and select the damaged USB drive you want to recover. Or if you have previously created a backup, please plug the disk image to scan without emphasizing the USB drive.

• Click on the Recover Lost Data button and let WinfrGUI scan your damaged pen drive. You can scan the found files for peace. Beware of alerts that indicate that there are damaged parts.
• Select the missing files you want to recover using convenient filters, if necessary. Click on the recovery button and select the appropriate recovery target.
• Wait for WinfrGUI to complete the recovery process, and you will receive a confirmation message.
• Move to the recovery directory using the file scanner you want, and check the contents of the recovered files.

Alternative methods to recover files from corrupted flash drives

While WinfrGUI is highly recommended, there are alternative methods for recovering files from damaged flash devices. Let’s have a closer look at some of them.

Method 1: Use TestDisk to restore partition access.

TestDisk is a free, open-source software that can repair damaged partition charts and recover missing components. Even without a graphical user interface, the performance should be noticeable. Visit their official website to get step-by-step instructions. 

Method 2: Apply File History Properties in Windows

Windows 10 users may use the file history tool to retrieve data from custom folders, even those on USB sticks. However, Windows 11 users have fewer options for file history because it only backs up certain data. Follow these steps to retrieve files from the file history:

• Open the Classic Control Panel.
• Navigate to System and Security > File History.
• Select the Personal File Recovery option and enter the location of the missing file.
• To recover the chosen file, choose the Recover option.  

Method 3: Use the ATTRIB command.

In some cases, damage to the flash drive may cause the file’s properties to change, making the file invisible. To fix this, use the ATTRIB command:

• Press Win + X on your keyboard.
• Enable Windows Terminal, PowerShell or CMD as administrator
• Enter the command to recover hidden files: ATTRIB -H -R -S /S /D X:. (Replace X with the letter assigned to your flash drive.).
• Close the command tag and open your USB drive in the file scanner.

Method 4: Try Windows File Recovery

Microsoft developed Windows File Recovery, which can recover data from formatted or irreversibly damaged USB flash drives. Although it lacks a graphical user interface, it is available for free via the Microsoft Store. Enter the following commands into the Command Prompt or Windows Terminal:

• Download Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.
• Launch Command Prompt or Windows Terminal.
• Enter the command: winfr X: C:\Recovered /extensive (replace X with the drive letter and C: \Recovering with the desired recovery target)

Method 5: Search for professional data recovery.

When dealing with physical damage, it is usually best to rely on professional data recovery services. While they may be expensive, some files are too valuable to lose forever.

Understand how a flash drive can break.

In order to maintain the reliability of the flash drive and avoid a recovery situation, it helps to understand how a flash drive can be destroyed. Here are three common causes:

• Invalid release: Failure to properly empty the flash device might result in file transfer and separation issues.
• Flash drives employ NAND memory chips, which have a limited number of write and delete circuits. Excessive use of a single drive raises the risk of harm.
• File loss can be caused by user error, such as accidental file deletion or erroneous disk formatting.

Conclusion

A damaged USB flash drive may appear to be a serious issue, but with the right knowledge and equipment, recovery is usually possible. WinfrGUI and other suggested solutions offer a free way to recover files from broken USB drive. Remember to use caution when using your flash drive to prevent any risks. Good luck!

>>Also Read: 3 Ways to Recover Data From Broken Hard Drive