How to Fix To Resolve ‘USB Flash Drive Not Formatted’

If you're someone who regularly uses USB flash drives, you might have encountered the 'USB Flash Drive Not Formatted' error at some point. This error can be frustrating and could lead to data loss if not addressed properly. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to fix this error and recover your files.

Reasons for USB Flash Drive Not Formatted error

Before we dive into the steps to fix this error, let's understand why it occurs. Here are some common reasons:

- Corrupted file system: The file system of your USB flash drive can become corrupt due to sudden power loss, improper ejection, or other factors.

- Virus or malware infections: Malware or viruses can infect your USB flash drive and cause damage to its file system.

- Physical damage to the USB flash drive: A physically damaged USB flash drive can also cause this error.

- Incorrect ejection of the USB flash drive: If you have removed your USB flash drive without properly ejecting it, it can lead to errors.

Symptoms of USB Flash Drive Not Formatted error

The following are some of the common symptoms of the 'USB Flash Drive Not Formatted' error:

• Error messages displayed: Your computer might display error messages such as "You need to format the disk before you can use it" or "Disk not formatted".
• Inaccessibility of files and folders: You might not be able to access your files and folders stored on the USB flash drive.
• Data loss or corruption: The error can lead to data loss or corruption of files stored on the USB flash drive.

Precautions before fixing the error

Before fixing the 'USB Flash Drive Not Formatted' error, it's essential to take some precautions:

• Backup important data: Before attempting any fix, make sure to back up all your important data from the USB flash drive.
• Disconnect other external devices: Disconnect all other external devices from your computer except the USB flash drive you want to fix.
• Use trusted antivirus software: Use trusted antivirus software to scan the USB flash drive for malware or virus infections.

Steps to fix USB Flash Drive Not Formatted error

Here are three methods to fix this error:

Method 1: Using Command Prompt

• Step 1: Open Command Prompt

Press Windows + R keys and type cmd, then press Enter key.

• Step 2: Identify the USB flash drive

Type diskpart and press Enter. Then type list disk and press Enter. Identify your USB flash drive by its size.

• Step 3: Run CHKDSK utility

Type chkdsk /f X: (replace X with the letter of your USB flash drive) and press Enter. Wait for the process to complete.

• Step 4: Format the USB flash drive

Type format X: (replace X with the letter of your USB flash drive) and press Enter. Wait for the process to complete.

Method 2: Using Disk Management

• Step 1: Open Disk Management

Press Windows + R keys and type diskmgmt.msc, then press Enter key.

• Step 2: Locate the USB flash drive

Locate your USB flash drive in the list of drives.

• Step 3: Format the USB flash drive

Right-click on the USB flash drive and select Format. Choose the file system and allocation unit size, and then click OK to start the formatting process.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Software

• Step 1: Download and install the software

Download and install a trusted third-party software like EaseUS Partition Master Free.

• Step 2: Launch the software

Launch the software and select your USB flash drive.

• Step 3: Scan and fix the USB flash drive

Click on the Scan button to scan the USB flash drive for errors. Then click on the Fix button to fix any issues found.

In conclusion, the 'USB Flash Drive Not Formatted' error can be fixed by following the steps mentioned above. However, it's important to take precautions and backup your data before attempting any fix. By doing so, you can avoid any potential data loss.