Flash drive detected as 8MB

[pclab]

Hi

I got this flash drive from a client to get the files out. It's a no brand flash drive (I don't know where he bought it).
The drive is detected but as 8MB. After reading in this section and by watching the flash memory (as you can see in the picture), can this be a fake?

Does the 2 legs not solder, be the cause?

Thanks

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[Vulcan]

Does the 2 legs not solder, be the cause?

IMHO no - the pins which I think you mean (pins 45 & 46 - in your picture, the ones 3rd & 4th up from the bottom on the left side) are unused on typical byte-wide (8-bit) NAND flash in 48-pin TSOP packages.

[pclab]

Thanks Vulcan

What about the complete lack of info of the chip??
Weird....

[Vulcan]

Thanks Vulcan

You're very welcome

What about the complete lack of info of the chip??
Weird....

In my limited experience, such chips are often the rejects which did not meet full spec after testing. Therefore I expect this is low quality flash, but some parts of the chip might work OK. Other people with more experience may have extra info about this.

If you have a programming tool which can issue the NAND "Read ID" command, then the "original" NAND type might be found e.g. byte 0 of the Read ID response = maker (0x29 is Micron, for example), then byte 1 of that response = device ID given by the manufacturer.

Good luck!

(Edited to add: P.S. This type of behaviour (reported as 8MB) can sometimes be a controller fault e.g. can't detect flash. I expect the easiest way to attempt recovery is to remove the flash and then try to read it in a suitable reader.)

[hddguy]

8MB is probably size of cache.

What markings do you see on the controller? This will give a better idea of the likelihood of a recovery with specialist tools like Soft Center. When you have an idea about how recovery chance you can make better decision about how to deal with it

[pclab]

Hi Hddguy

Here's the controller picture.

Thanks

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[hddguy]

This is rebranded Chipsbank controller. Should not be too much problem to assemble the data from a dump of the NAND.

Lack of markings on NAND and Controller is common with cheap unbranded models.

Did you try to repair electrically ? Do you have access to Flash recovery tools?

[pcimage]

hddguy is correct, rebranded Chipsbank controller (CBM2090 from memory) which uses Bank tables.

Common in cheap Chinese USB sticks, or promotional "giveaway" sticks.

Little trickier than normal, but should be recoverable

[pclab]

Hi

I don't have Flash recovery tools or tried to repair it.
Gonna need someone to outsource it.

[pcimage]

You can try dmarques on this forum, he's in Lisbon I believe.

[bitozoid]

I have the same problem. I tried to contact dmarques without success. Can anyone help me or point me out how to do it myself?

Thanks in advance

[ici_lemmy]

If you don't have Flash recovery tools, you'll have to outsource it !

[pcimage]

If you're prepared to post to UK, then PM me.

[hddguy]

Can anyone help me or point me out how to do it myself?

Assuming the device is physically damaged, DIY repair is impossible.

Pcimage can handle this for you, he comes highly recomended here

[bitozoid]

I'll try to contact pcimage then.

Thanks for the prompt answers and sorry for the late response.