Flash Drive Probs

[jumpingmaniac]

My Flash Drive went through the washer and dryer about a month (or more) ago when it got left in my pocket and now it only works part of the time and I get error messages saying it is not recognizes, and that it would perform faster in a highspeed port, but it already is in one. anything I can do???????????

[Sam!]

My Flash Drive went through the washer and dryer about a month (or more) ago when it got left in my pocket and now it only works part of the time and I get error messages saying it is not recognizes, and that it would perform faster in a highspeed port, but it already is in one. anything I can do???????????
Um... anytime electronics go through the washer/dryer, you probably should think about replacing them. You said it still works from time to time, so when it's working I would copy everything on it to your computer. If you want, you can right-click ont he drive in 'my computer' and try formatting it, then putting everything back on. Personally, I would replace it ASAP--they are not that expensive any more. I wouldn't trust it. I'd copy everythign on it to my computer ASAP and then copy it all from there onto a new drive, if it was me.

[The Unknown Gomer]

That was my first thought too, when I read "anything I can do?" the first thing that went through my mind was "buy a new one". I'm surprised it actually worked at ALL.

Flash drives have come down in price so much recently, it probably won't cost TOO much to replace...

[Sam!]

for example, you can get one from ecost.com (http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=3360280&source=EWB050108EML) for $7.

[mat1583]

Um... anytime electronics go through the washer/dryer, you probably should think about replacing them.

Actually that's only partially true. Flash drives (as I'm sure you know already) are solid state electronics, which in laymen terms means that there are no mechanical parts. Solid state electronics are based solely on the semiconductor. Examples include flash drives, motherboards, video cards, etc. If a solid state device is not running and dropped in water, it can easily be dried out completely and still work fine. Devices that aren't solid state usually don't fair so well because the wires and small metal moving parts inside the device will easily corrode. Of course, if the device was on while in the water, you may not be so lucky. Water conducts electricity and can cause the device to short out if electricity is already flowing through it.

If you ever accidentally wash a flash drive or your iPod, you should disassemble the device the best you can and dry out the semiconductor and all other parts with a lent-free cloth. Allow the device to sit and dry for at least 24 hours after wiping down.

Believe me, I have washed a flash drive before, and it still works fine today. I've also completely submerged my cell phone before...it's been working for nearly 8 months after that so far.

Bottom line though...if your drive isn't working but half the time, it's probably a good idea to get a new one :) The above is just some advice for future accidents.

-washboard

[Sam!]

Actually that's only partially true. Flash drives (as I'm sure you know already) are solid state electronics, which in laymen terms means that there are no mechanical parts. Solid state electronics are based solely on the semiconductor. Examples include flash drives, motherboards, video cards, etc. If a solid state device is not running and dropped in water, it can easily be dried out completely and still work fine. Devices that aren't solid state usually don't fair so well because the wires and small metal moving parts inside the device will easily corrode. Of course, if the device was on while in the water, you may not be so lucky. Water conducts electricity and can cause the device to short out if electricity is already flowing through it.

If you ever accidentally wash a flash drive or your iPod, you should disassemble the device the best you can and dry out the semiconductor and all other parts with a lent-free cloth. Allow the device to sit and dry for at least 24 hours after wiping down.

Believe me, I have washed a flash drive before, and it still works fine today. I've also completely submerged my cell phone before...it's been working for nearly 8 months after that so far.

Bottom line though...if your drive isn't working but half the time, it's probably a good idea to get a new one :) The above is just some advice for future accidents.

-washboard

Actually, that's only partially true. There is (as I'm sure you already know) a lot more to going through the wash than submersion in water.

First of all, devices with LCD displays are susceptible to water damage. Trust me, I know.

Secondly, electronics are not designed to be immersed in detergents, bleach and other additives which can have a... negative impact. Deposits, film, corrosion from the detergents and other problems can appear on battery contacts, etc. And while these devices are based on the semiconductor they (1) have other components and (2) have delicate connections between those components.

And lastly, there's the dryer. The heat is not good and neither is the tumbling - especially at the terminal between the USB connector and the printed board, where this already stress from being inserted & removed from USB ports.

The effects will vary from device to device, and build quailty has a lot to do with it--I'd expect an iPod shuffle to do better than a Koreatech Mp3WIZZZZZARD or somesuch cheap device.

Don't get em wrong, I have a flash drive that has had a rough life. It's casing is cracked and it's been washed, dropped and stepped on. But I wouldn't EVER depend on it. It's useful for carrying files between to computers but I don't trust it.

[mat1583]

Actually, that's only partially true. There is (as I'm sure you already know) a lot more to going through the wash than submersion in water.

First of all, devices with LCD displays are susceptible to water damage. Trust me, I know.

Secondly, electronics are not designed to be immersed in detergents, bleach and other additives which can have a... negative impact. Deposits, film, corrosion from the detergents and other problems can appear on battery contacts, etc. And while these devices are based on the semiconductor they (1) have other components and (2) have delicate connections between those components.

And lastly, there's the dryer. The heat is not good and neither is the tumbling - especially at the terminal between the USB connector and the printed board, where this already stress from being inserted & removed from USB ports.

The effects will vary from device to device, and build quailty has a lot to do with it--I'd expect an iPod shuffle to do better than a Koreatech Mp3WIZZZZZARD or somesuch cheap device.

Don't get em wrong, I have a flash drive that has had a rough life. It's casing is cracked and it's been washed, dropped and stepped on. But I wouldn't EVER depend on it. It's useful for carrying files between to computers but I don't trust it.

And if you run it over with a mac truck, it probably won't work either.

iPod nano vs. washing machine: http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2005/10/4/1417

-washboard

[Sam!]

I'm not sure exactly what you're trying to say there. Obviously it's possible (and even LIKELY) that washing and drying an iPod Nano will not have any ill effect. However, an iPod Nano and a run-of-the-mill flash drive are not the same thing. Secondly, just because it works now doesn't mean it won't degrade more quickly. Thirdly, anecodtal stories that it does work doesn't mean that these activities don't regularly cause damage to other people's unit. You think Apple is going to honor the warranty if you start yoru call with "so a few weeks ago I ran my Nano through the washer and dryer..."?

I stand by that. If my cell phone goes through the wash, I'm hittin' ebay looking for a cheap replacement option just in case mine goes kaput. If regular every-day flashdrive goes through the wash, I'm going to spend $20 to replace it. If my iPod Shuffle goes through the wash... well that's a luxury item I'll have to learnt o live without. And also I'll have to learn to check my $##@ pockets!

[The Unknown Gomer]

Gee, the worst thing I've ever had in my pockets when they went through the washer and dryer was a kleenex. MAN what a mess THAT made. Had one go through about 3 weeks ago, and I'm still picking kleenex bits out of my clothes. :rolleyes:

And y'all say going through the laundry is hard on flash drives! :D

[Jason]

Worst I did was a $20. :eek:

[The Unknown Gomer]

Worst I did was a $20. :eek:

Did you get arrested for money laundering?

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/laughing001.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org) http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/laughing015.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org) http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/laughing021.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org) http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/laughing024.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

[SmileyFreak1981]

Gee, the worst thing I've ever had in my pockets when they went through the washer and dryer was a kleenex. MAN what a mess THAT made. Had one go through about 3 weeks ago, and I'm still picking kleenex bits out of my clothes. :rolleyes:

And y'all say going through the laundry is hard on flash drives! :D
There is nothing like putting on a clean pair of jeans, sticking your hand in the pockets, and coming out with a handful of disintegrated Kleenex. Oh. Yes.

Worst I did was a $20. :eek:
I've washed moneez too...the worst that happened was one time a bill ripped in half. The rest of the time they just came out really clean, and a little thinner. :D

The worst thing I've washed and dried was a stick of Carmex...spray and wash and a couple of washings later, and the Carmex oily spots came out. Needless to say, I do a better job of checking my pockets for stuff now.

[Jason]

Did you get arrested for money laundering?

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/laughing001.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org) http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/laughing015.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org) http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/laughing021.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org) http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/laughing024.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

Karen, Karen ... you're like me ... have to go for the joke even if it's a groaner.

[Jason]

I've washed moneez too...the worst that happened was one time a bill ripped in half. The rest of the time they just came out really clean, and a little thinner. :D

Yes, money is technically cloth, right?

Well if my $20 came out okay, someone in the laundry room is $20 richer.

[mercyGurl]

I actually had a flash drive go through I think at least the washer, maybe the dryer too, and it still works.

It was only 16mb and someone gave it to me free so I soon bought a bigger one (even though I only really needed it for papers). But it still works.

[jumpingmaniac]

yeah, whenever i get more money ill probably just have to replace it. the thing is i only have about 10 cents right now (no joke) and it was a 2 GB so even though the price wont be sky high it still probably wont be to very cheap. i woulda took it apart and let it dry that way but there is no screws and from what I can tell no possible way to take it apart without completely tearing it up!

[danbos]

I took my cell phone for a swim in Lake Michigan once, and it worked for another year before the screen went buggy, but by that time I could get a new one free anyways.

[The Unknown Gomer]

Karen, Karen ... you're like me ... have to go for the joke even if it's a groaner.

Yup! :D Especially when you dangle a line like that in front of me like a carrot, I just couldn't resist.

[SmileyFreak1981]

Yes, money is technically cloth, right?
I'm not sure...my understanding is that it's a mix of linen and paper of some sort. The linen is supposed to make it more durable. It isn't woven like cloth, though. ???


Well if my $20 came out okay, someone in the laundry room is $20 richer.
You may be right about that one. :eek: