How to Check the Functionality of a Flash Drive

USB flash drives also function as key ring accessories.

Flash drive manufacturers commonly build an LED light into the body of the storage unit. This blinking light is usually the first sign that the drive is functional. However, some drives don't include any indicators that let you know that it is at least securely connected to the PC. If you are using flash drives for basic storage purposes, you might want assurances that all "circuits are connected." Also, modern flash drives can multitask, performing duties beyond data storage. If you are using a Windows PC, you can use its drive reading utilities to check the full functionality of the flash drive.

Instructions

1. Insert the flash drive into a USB port on the PC.

2. Click the circular "Windows" orb logo in the bottom-left corner of the desktop (also known as the "Start" button). Type "Computer" in the search box at the bottom of the "Start" menu. Press "Enter" to open the "Computer" folder. If Windows has assigned the USB flash drive with a drive letter (E, F, G), then it is functioning on the PC.

3. Right-click on the USB flash drive's letter. Select "Properties" from the menu to open a dialog box.

4. Click the "General" tab. Use the information on this tab to determine to total storage capacity on the flash drive, as well as the free and used space.

5. Click the "Hardware" tab. Look at the "Device Status" under the "Device Properties" section. If the message reads, "This Device is Working Properly," then Windows is having no technical difficulties and functional issues with the drive attached to the PC. If an alternate message states the flash drive is having problems, click the "Properties" button in the "Device Properties" section to see additional hardware details, such as the driver information.

6. Click the "ReadyBoost" tab. If this tab is showing, then the flash drive can possibly function as extra "memory" resources for the PC. Click "Use This Device" and then move the slider to instruct Windows how much flash drive storage space should be converted to memory. Click "Apply" after all selections have been made.

7. Click the "OK" button to close the "Properties" dialog box.

References

• Microsoft: Windows 7: Working With the Computer Folder
• Tech FAQ: TopBits.com: How to Use a Flash Drive
• Tech FAQ: TopBits: How Does a USB Flash Drive Work

Resources

• Microsoft: Windows 7: Start Your Computer From a Windows 7 Installation Disc or USB Flash Drive
• Tech Republic; Secure Your USB Drives With BitLocker To Go for Windows 7; Greg Shultz; May 13, 2009