Question on PC & Peripherals:

I would like to ask why my brand new Imation 8GB thumbdrive can mysteriously lose data occasionally. When I plug it into a Windows Vista machine, Windows Vista will indicate in a pop-up that there's something wrong with my thumbdrive and offer to repair it and help restore the lost files. I attempted repairing it, but the lost files were still lost, and in its place, an icon of the lost file would reappear. The icon is totally useless and can't be double-clicked.

Submitted by CNET Asia reader

Answer:

Though flash memory is hardier and stores data longer than conventional magnetic platters, it is possible that you could be one of the unfortunately few with a corrupted thumbdrive.

Windows operating system do not come with data recovery software. The best it can do is to try to fix the flash drive but, in the process, could result in data loss in corrupted areas. You can try freeware data recovery software like FreeUndelete which will read your data bit by bit and try to retrieve the lost information.

Do note that installation of any software on your PC is at your own risk and CNET Asia will not be responsible for any complications that may arise.