I have been storing it for around 1.5 years with a friend without usage. I have recently decided to use it again, But noticed that some of my files are missing , parent folder available but files are gone.. , and then I discovered I cannot format it too, quick or regular . I went in device manager to delete the volume but it could not.. i also made a chkdsk D: /r and /f , it found many corruptions.. It took two days to complete , it doesn’t seem like it fixed anything, and still my aforementioned problems still stand.. The available files are readable but, when I delete them, THEY REAPPEAR after re-connecting it. I suspect internal components corruption.. This was a relatively new flash drive, )Patriot Rage pro 512GB) I got it around just 2.5 years ago. so that kind of thing shouldn’t happen.. Made some quick tests (SMART), and interestingly, it tells me its in good condition. It doesn’t end there, it also loses all newly added files copies to it as soon as i eject.. Can just storing it actually result in damage? I sure hope my freind didn’t mess with it.. Tried to Clean using the DiskPart CMD, tried to format in the Computer Management.. Nothing works, i wonder if i reinstall its driver this may help? Perhaps a special tool exists for this purpose?
"looks like your flash drive went bye bye, thats what all ssds nvmes do when theyre end of life theyre read only. Only because of you left it for 1.5 years unused shouldn't damage it unless you left it in a wet or to hot place." I also decided to delete the actual volume altogether using Disk Management.. I succeeded but I cannot make a new one lol. Crystaldisk cannot even recognize it.. I would love to get to the cause of the corruption, because I have also discovered that my friend has been also complaining of very short life span of his drives which were also stored in the same cupboard.. Im just speculating now, but could magnets do this? perhaps they happen to be near by.. I think the culprit is something near by..
100% magnets aren't responsible, only heat and humidity could damage your flash drive but also time without electrons flowing through it, myself not even once i had issue with a flash drive and been using them for many years. but i never left one unused for a year. i think thats the reason your flash drive have died because of you simply didnt use it. sometimes people manage to recover them sometimes not and there are tones different ways, just google it and try some Don't leave flash drives unused for a year. plug it into usb for a min, once in a while so it gest some electrons flowing through it then it would last much longer.
Since the last post, I was not completely satisfied with that conclusion.. So just recently, an idea popped into my head; I will take that case to AI (one of the free ones available on the web).. I asked several questions and I will be posting the last two because they are important.. This is the short story of how AI helped me reach a definitive conclusion to my case. To summarize the previous questions; I asked it the factors that can lead to flash drive corruption, and it mentioned many things that do not apply to my case, like extreme temperatures, I asked it what are the safe temperature range, (it was stupid) because no city on earth live outside the safe temperature range (-40 --> 85 Celsius).. One of the mentioned factors did apply... Humidity.. I live in a region that contains a high degree of humidity all year round, and especially in the summer, it is way too humid in the summer! What comes next is just a matter of asking the correct questions:... " Q: Should I store my flash drive in a sealed container or leave it exposed to air? A: When it comes to storing flash drives, it is generally recommended to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. While flash drives are designed to withstand a range of temperatures, exposing them to excessively high temperatures for prolonged periods can potentially affect their performance and lifespan. There is no specific temperature threshold universally defined as "too high" for storing flash drives. However, it is advisable to avoid exposing them to temperatures above 85 degrees Celsius (185 degrees Fahrenheit) to minimize the risk of damage. High temperatures can potentially cause the flash memory cells to degrade, leading to data corruption or loss. Additionally, it's worth considering the impact of humidity on flash drive storage. Excessive moisture can also be detrimental to the drive's functionality. To mitigate this, you may consider storing the flash drive in a sealed container with desiccant packets or oxygen scavenging inserts to help remove moisture from the air inside the container. Ultimately, the goal is to maintain a stable and moderate environment for your flash drive storage. If you anticipate extreme temperature conditions, it may be beneficial to explore alternative storage options, such as climate-controlled environments or specialized storage solutions designed to protect against temperature and humidity fluctuations. Q: It doesn't make sense to store flash drives in sealed containers if the air already contains a high degree of humidity, because the humidity in the air will be trapped in the sealed container .. A: You are correct, storing flash drives in a sealed container in a high-humidity environment can potentially trap moisture inside the container, which may lead to condensation and increase the risk of moisture-related damage to the drive. While it's generally advisable to store flash drives in a cool, dry place, the use of a sealed container in a high-humidity environment may not be the best approach. In such cases, it is better to focus on finding a storage location with lower humidity levels or using alternative storage solutions that help control moisture. If you are concerned about humidity, you can consider the following suggestions: Use a storage container with moisture control: Instead of a completely sealed container, opt for a container or storage solution that allows some airflow and incorporates moisture-absorbing materials like desiccant packets or silica gel. These materials help absorb excess moisture and reduce the risk of condensation. Choose a suitable storage location: Look for a place with lower humidity levels, such as a climate-controlled room or a dry area of your home or office. Avoid storing flash drives in areas prone to high humidity, such as bathrooms, basements, or areas near water sources. Regularly inspect and maintain the storage environment: Periodically check the storage area for any signs of moisture or condensation. If you notice excessive moisture or humidity, consider using dehumidifiers or other moisture control measures to create a more favorable environment. " -------- My flash drive was stored in a small sealed container! So basically I figured out a common practice that probably leads to the degradation and ultimately, the corruption of your flash drives.. That, is seldomly mentioned on tech websites, tech shows, newsletters, or users.. Users are free to repost my findings wherever..
Flash drives are so cheap now why even bother, i seen flash driver fall to the floor and get wipe out , never keep important data in them.