Hi,

I have a 8GB flash memory (imation) that doesn't work anymore. If i open "my computer" there is an icon with the memory stick (G:) but if i want to open it, there is no memory or data available. If i open disk management there is no memory stick available (it doens't find the G partition. I tried to acces the stick with file recovery software, the software finds the stick but also gives 0GB memory space. So are there other things to try on a software level before i start with the hardware?
If there is nothing more to try on a software level then i will open the stick and look for bad solderings or cracks. I bought a new stick, identical with the one that is broke. If the memory chip is intact of the broken one can i solder this memory chip on the new memory stick? Shall this work for reading the data?

thanks

It might.. depending on:

1. Are the controllers the same with exactly the same revision.
2. If there is no 'logical' soft /hard damage inside the flash chip ,that has corrupted the block maps.

Send a photo of the inside of the device with chip numbers BEFORE you desolder, lets take a look.

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I will open the memory stick if i am sure that there is no solution on a software level. Do you think this could be solved with software or not?
When i open the hardware casing i am a little bit worried about esd, are these chips very vulnerable for esd, do i have to open these in an esd proof environnement?

LOL,
You get just as much "ESD" when you plug in/out the stick into a computer, or put the stick it into your pocket.

Just don't man handle the chip legs or PCB, until you ground your charge.


most of these devices clip together, so there is usually no need to force them or damage the case.
If they are glued/welded it is usually at the plug end, with a very gently prying, you can usually split the welds

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So i have opened the casings and take a picture of both the flash device.
The text on the controller of the bad device is:
PHISON
PS2233-F
UT0924
AKJAF388

The text on the controller of the new device is:
PHISON
PS2251-3388-F
UT0933
AKLAW3

The 2 devices have also different placing of some of the components (capacitors???).

So both devices have a different controller, does this mean that i cannot change the flash memory chips?
If i do change the flash memory chip and i try to acces the data with file recovery software. Could this work?

Swapping the flash chip onto that PCB will not work.

The flash chip needs to be removed, read into file(s) and the raw data decoded into actual data.

All of this requires very special tools, software and knowledge.

We can do this in UK, or dobrevjetser in Belgium, or pepe in Hungary

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O.K,
Your controllers are different, it would be very unwise to attempt a chip swap.


You need to make a decision.

1.If the data is critical and you REALLY want it back, then you will need professional assistance.
OR
2. You want to 'play about', you REALLY DO NOT want the data back, after playing about you CLEARLY understand that a professional recovery house may NEVER be able to get the data back.

_________________
Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Article 19