How to Check a Flash Drive for Errors

Errors cropping up in any storage device can cause these devices to run slower than normal or even to lose data. Interior hard drives are easy to check with programs such as Windows ScanDisk, but that won't work with a flash drive. Some flash drives come with similar programs installed, but if your flash drive doesn't have its own maintenance programs, you can find error-checking software online.

Things You'll Need

• Error-checking software
• Flash drive

Instructions

1. Download and install a freeware flash drive utility, such as Checkflash if your flash drive does not have its own maintenance utilities.

2. Open the error-checking program you chose. Directions differ with each error-checking program, but most operate with a setup similar to that found in Checkflash.

3. Select "Use Temporary File" as your access type and "Write and Read Test" as the action type.

4. Select your USB flash drive as the drive to scan. Set the test length to "One Full Cycle" and then click "Start."

5. Wait for the test to complete. After it is finished, a log file will be displayed that notes any errors found.

Tips & Warnings

• If there are a number of errors in the drive, you can format it by opening "My Computer," right-clicking the flash drive and selecting "Format." This will erase all saved data, so save anything you want to keep on your computer before formatting. This action will fix many corrupt-file errors.

• Basic error-checking software will usually check for errors but not fix them. Many programs that fix errors must be purchased.

References

• The Life Digital: Scan the flash drive for errors

Resources

• Makeuseof: 5 Apps to Check the Speed of your Flash Drive