How to Reset a Flash Drive

The process of resetting a flash drive is called "formatting." When you format a flash drive, it permanently erases all data that was previously stored on it. It also performs a reinstall of the drive's file system, which is the architecture that allows it to store files in the first place. If you want to reset a flash drive, you can do so in seconds using the Windows Explorer file browsing system in Windows.

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Instructions

- 1
  
  Plug your USB flash drive into your computer. If it is not already powered up, turn on your computer.
- 2
  
  Click "Start."
- 3
  
  Click "Computer."
- 4
  
  Right-click on your flash drive's icon. Click "Format." Select the file system you want to use on your flash drive from the "File System" drop down menu. Don't make any changes if you aren't absolutely sure what file system you should use. Click "Start." This will format the flash drive and return it to its original settings.

KnowledgeBase: About Windows Explorer

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How to Reset a Flash Drive

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