The process of completely cleaning a flash drive is not much different from Many users do not even think that there is any program for formatting flash drives, or that some parameters can be used. Next we will look at how standard way cleaning the drive from under the operating system, and using utilities.

What is formatting?

Before you find out what program you need to format flash drives, you need to consider what the process is. Formatting refers to the processing of information media, which is associated with the ordering of its structure. The source could be either HDD, and flash card, SD card, solid state drive. During the formatting process, the structure of access to information changes.

It is important to note that different ones have their own formatting features. So, all stored data on a flash drive is destroyed. Restoration can only be carried out using special recovery utilities, but there are no guarantees. That is why formatting can be called a rather unsafe procedure. What’s more pleasant is that when cleaning a flash drive, the system checks the structure and sometimes corrects errors.

Method for formatting a drive in the operating system

Those users who don’t even think that there is a program for formatting flash drives use exactly this method. You need to go through Explorer to “My Computer”, select the drive and right-click on it. A context menu will appear containing the desired item. Here you will need to select the file system type. Often users leave everything as default. At the bottom there is a “Start” button, when you click on it, the flash drive will be cleared.

Which file system should I choose?

What are the differences between file systems?

The NTFS system can store files larger than 4 gigabytes. The formatting process is easier. Information is compressed better, saving space.

FAT and FAT32 file systems work on all popular operating systems. When recording information in these systems, a much smaller number of disk operations are performed.

Thus, FAT or FAT32 systems are better suited for drives with a capacity of up to 32 gigabytes and in the case when the stored files weigh no more than 2 and 4 gigabytes, respectively. For all other drives, it is better to choose the NTFS file system.

Choosing a Cluster Size

Clusters are components of a storage device. The larger their size, the less efficiently the space is used. Small size slows down the drive because files are split into small pieces and take longer to read.

If you need to store large files on a flash drive, then you need to choose a larger size. Accordingly, when storing small files, the cluster size should be small.

Selecting a formatting utility

The standard formatting method is not a panacea for a drive if service information is damaged. It is worth saying that with this type of damage, data recovery becomes much more difficult.

The operating system does not always format the disk correctly. Therefore, you need a proprietary program for restoring and formatting flash drives, which you need to look for on the manufacturer’s website. But not every manufacturer has such utilities. Therefore, universal programs will be considered below.

JetFlash Recovery

This is a universal program for formatting a flash drive in NTFS, FAT and other systems. It will be useful in the following situations:

• The drive has detected failures or errors.
• The information on the drive cannot be read.
• The user does not know how to format the media correctly.

This program for formatting flash drives is very easy to install. It works with most drive models, but some may not be accepted. The advantage is that it is free.

USB Disc Storage Format Tool

This exFAT program makes it possible to correctly and quickly clear the storage media. The main functions are:

• Removing any traces of malware software, which could infect the drive.
• It makes it possible not only to clean the flash drive, but also deletes all service information and frees up space that cannot be freed using the standard method.
• Creates a volume label.
• Finds errors if they exist;
• Can create a FAT32 volume larger than 32 gigabytes.
• Scan the drive for errors before formatting.

HDD Low Level Format Tool

This is a program for a flash drive. Despite the name, it not only cleanses hard disks, but also memory cards. Has a free version. Supports a huge number of manufacturers. The utility is capable of erasing absolutely all information from a flash drive at the system level.

HP formatting software

Disc Storage Format Tool is simple program, which does not have many settings. It simply formats the disk in various file systems Oh. Its advantage lies in the speed of operation, since the user can process the storage medium in a matter of seconds without going into details. This utility has an interesting function: it can be used to create a bootable drive. Other programs cannot do this. What is this function for? Using a bootable USB flash drive, you can install operating systems on your computer without using disk drive, and also check the system for errors in recovery mode, when such a check is impossible under normal conditions.

Flash drives are a very popular storage accessory. important information or to transfer data between several computers when it is not possible to transfer it in other ways. Despite the high reliability and the possibility of repeated recording, under the influence of various factors, wear of microcircuits and memory sections occurs, as a result of which various failures and malfunctions can occur, and information can be read and written with errors. As a result, the system may require you to format the flash drive and not open it. You can try to check the disk for errors or restore the data and continue using it.

An extreme measure to restore the functionality of a flash drive is low-level formatting.

But when everything is so bad that neither recovery nor regular formatting helps, only low-level formatting will help. It will help to fully restore the functionality of the flash drive, as well as get rid of errors and failures. In this article, we will take a closer look at what low-level formatting of a flash drive is, as well as software that can help with this.

It’s worth starting with how the file system is organized. The entire file system is divided into tracks and sectors (so-called clusters) of a certain size, which, in turn, are combined into sections or directories. Depending on the file system used, their organization and location may vary. All service information is recorded in the memory of the controller, which manages requests for access to the desired location in memory. When you transfer data to storage media, the file is split into cluster-sized pieces and written to a specific sector of the disk. When reading, the controller accesses the desired sector, and you gain access to the data.

If for some reason the location of sectors is lost, for example, when writing or reading large volume data, you pulled the flash drive out of the connector, the controller cannot correctly access the required sector, since that partition is damaged. Low-level formatting allows you to delete memory sectors located on the disk and clear the controller's control information. In other words, you do full reset firmware of a flash drive or memory card and erase the file system. To continue using the flash drive, you will need to format it in the usual way.

What else is low-level formatting used for?

• Complete cleaning of various malicious files found on a flash drive, especially if they cannot be removed in the usual way using an antivirus or recovery.
• The most reliable and complete removal secret and important data to exclude the possibility of recovering them using special software.
• Prevention of errors in the presence of bad sectors and junk files that interfere with normal functioning.
• Recovery boot sector, that is, if the flash drive is physically intact, but the system cannot access the files.

In order to perform this procedure, you will need special software. Let's look at some best utilities that can help you with this. Usually they all support all major drive models, but since some of them may have their own characteristics, in such cases you will have to limit yourself to a utility tailored for use with devices from a specific manufacturer.

Review of the best utilities

A very powerful and advanced utility for low-level formatting of flash drives and other storage media. The program is capable of resuscitating them from almost any, even the most hopeless, state (well, except perhaps for unrecoverable physical damage to microcircuits and controllers), as well as completely erasing absolutely any information without the possibility of recovery. The program erases the disk partition table without leaving a trace, and then re-partitions it.

Program features:

• Full support for almost any model of flash drive or disk from popular manufacturers.
• Compatible with all possible connection interfaces.
• Detailed report on the work done.
• Limited opportunities free version and no restrictions in paid.

How to use the utility correctly?

1. Download installation file from the site, launch it.
2. When you launch it for the first time, click the Continue for free button.
3. Find your flash drive in the list of displayed media and double-click on its name with the mouse.
4. Select from a list of possible operations Low-Level Format- Format This Device - Yes.
5. After completing the procedure, open Windows Explorer, right-click on the flash drive and select “Format”.
6. After this, you can use your flash drive.

An excellent utility for performing low-level formatting with a Russian-language interface and minimum requirements to computer resources. The program does not even need installation, as it works in portable mode. How to use it?

1. Download and run the program installation file.
2. In the main window, place the cursor on the disk that you want to format, click the “Recover media” button.
3. Wait for the process to complete, click the “Finish” button.
4. Format the media as usual using Windows Explorer.

The utility is designed for use with JetFlash, Transcend, A-Data media. Maybe you'll be lucky and be able to recover another flash drive. What are the features of the application?

• Complete portability.
• The minimum number of buttons is only two - “Start” and “Exit”.
• Work in the cloud, so the load on the computer is minimal.

You need to download the installation file, run it and click the “Start” button. Very simple and fast.

SP USB Flash Drive Recovery Software

A proprietary utility from the well-known manufacturer of portable storage devices, Silicon Power. However, even if your flash drive from another manufacturer uses standard device identifiers, you can safely use it. To do this you need:

1. Download the installation file and run it.
2. Select your flash drive from the list.
3. Click the start recovery button.

In a couple of seconds everything will work as expected.

Since Kingston has a significant share of the portable media market, it also offers its customers a utility for restoring USB drives. It is also not overloaded with functions, has the most necessary functions and practically does not load the system. To format a flash drive using this utility, you need:

1. Download it and save it in a folder on your hard drive.
2. Open the archive, click the Unzip button in the automatic unpacker that opens and select the folder where you want to save the unzipped files.
3. Go to the folder where you unpacked the utility and run the program file.
4. Select your flash drive from the list of drives and folders and click Format.
5. Wait until the program finishes its work to start using your flash drive.

Universal application for formatting flash drives different manufacturers. It is completely free and is very effective in the fight against damaged partitions and sectors. In addition to formatting, the program is equipped with the following functions:

• Supports almost all existing manufacturers and models.
• Work on all the most modern versions Windows operating system.
• Checking and correcting errors.
• Quick formatting.
• Deep and traceless deletion of all recorded data.
• A detailed log of work operations.

To use the program:

1. Download the program and run it.
2. Select the flash drive and file system format from the list.
3. Come up with a name for the disc.
4. Click Format disk.
5. Wait until the procedure is completed.

Conclusion

Low-level formatting, despite the abundance of software, must be carried out with caution, as there is a risk of irreversible damage. Then you'll have to go and buy a new media. In the comments, please write what program you used to format your USB drive.

Any of the applications we reviewed effectively deletes information completely, connects via usb port To external devices, HDD, SD memory cards, etc. The most popular ones are able to find bad sectors, resize volumes, and format flash drives for Unix systems. But each special program has its own audience, so we will select the best in several categories.

We really liked the tools Flash Memory Toolkit. Using the utility is a pleasure. Its context menu gives access to all necessary functions. The developers even screwed up the benchmarks, which already deserves respect! However, it was not without its drawbacks - latest version program dates back to sometimes Windows XP, which means that the utility’s operating algorithms are outdated. Its high cost is also a deterrent.

An alternative is the combination D-Soft Flash Doctor And MiniTool Partition Wizard Free. Both tools are free. You can download programs from the official website in the latest edition; updates are released regularly; functionally they complement each other.

For home use will do JetFlash Recovery Tool – proprietary utility for flash drives and hard drives Transcend. Its interface is intuitive and simplified as much as possible. But again, the only limitation is that only branded devices and a number of compatible chips are supported.

Has no such shortcomings USB Disk Storage Format Tool. It was developed by HP, but is compatible with any equipment. The program not only restores flash drives, but also erases all information from any HDD at a low level, which will be useful, for example, as part of the pre-sale preparation of a laptop.

It's a pity, but the HP application does not always find damaged devices. For this there is a “one-button” EzRecover. The algorithm of its operation is simple - we find the device, click on it, reset it programmatically and overwrite it with default settings.

Main features of the program Low Level Format Tool professionals will appreciate it. It most likely detects a damaged drive, meticulously formats and remaps sectors, but does not know how to do banal things - create partitions. The application will be able to add functionality MiniTool Partition Wizard or Acronis Disk Director.

I would also like to draw attention to SD Formatter– this specialized service software was developed for memory cards of cameras and smartphones. He himself will select the best recovery algorithm and carry it out efficiently. Fine tuning present.

And if you are engaged not only in repairing flash drives, but also carry out testing, you cannot do without Flash Memory Toolkit. The utility is a little outdated, but its benchmarks and diagnostic methods are up to date.

Currently, one of the most common and universal storage media is a flash drive. Users know how to fill their USB drive with the necessary information, but are at a loss if the device is infected with viruses or if a question arises regarding changing the file system format. Therefore, we will devote today’s article to such an important concept as formatting.

Let's look at what programs exist today for formatting flash drives and how to use them. When formatting a USB drive, most users resort to using standard Windows tools. To do this, just insert the flash drive into the port and right-click on it, then select “Format” and determine the format of the required file system.

However, please note that using built-in operating system tools, it is not always possible to search for bad sectors, set volume labels and resize clusters. Therefore, advanced users download special programs to format your flash drives.

The name of the program	Short description
JetFlash Online Recovery	Universal program, ideal for Transcend and ADATA models. This utility will be useful in cases where your USB drive constantly produces failures and errors and does not allow information to be read. The process of the program is to scan and search for non-working memory blocks. Formatting is possible for two file systems - FAT, NTFS. There is also automatic error correction with saving data without deleting all documents from the flash drive.
HP Drive Key Boot Utility	This program is one of the most powerful programs designed to format damaged flash drives. One of its advantages is that it is designed to work with hundreds of models of USB drives. The user will have the opportunity to select a file system: FAT, NTFS or FAT32. You can also create a bootable DOS flash drive, which not many formatting programs can boast of.
USB Disk Storage Format Tool	A simple and easy-to-use utility is compatible with flash drives of different brands. It supports FAT, FAT32, exFAT and NTFS file systems. The program scans and corrects errors, sets labels for volumes, and also performs low-level formatting at high speed. Unlike other formatters, it can create bootable USB flash drive for Windows.
HDD Low Level Format Tool	Perhaps this is one of the most universal programs, capable of formatting both flash drives of different models, as well as hard drives and memory cards. The utility is different high speed works and does not require installation. If you want to “bring back” your flash drive to life, then try this program!
MiniTool Partition Wizard	One of the simplest managers that allows you to format partitions and erase clusters. TO additional features include: splitting and hiding some sections, copying, resizing and assigning letters. Compatible with tables MBR partitions and GPT. Supports NTFS, FAT, EXT, as well as Linux Swap.
Aomei Partition Assistant	This utility can be called a large free “combine” that combines a huge number of functions and capabilities for working with hard drives and USB media. The program is compatible with all popular Windows operating systems and supports the Russian language. According to the developers, the utility works using a unique algorithm, which allows it to recognize even “very problematic” media.
MyDiskFix	Using this utility, you can restore the real size of “fake” Chinese flash drives, which are often sold with an inflated amount of memory.

Choose a program that matches your request and the parameters of the USB drive. Carefully and carefully approach the issue of choosing a utility for formatting a flash drive, and then the process of erasing data will not take you more than five minutes!

After memory card failures, usually only a program for formatting ntfs, fat32, microsd, transcend, usb, kingston, sd, apacer, hp flash drives helps. There are several of them.

It is impossible to say which is the best. They are installed by default on your computer and phone, but may often be required. additional programs for formatting.

Each flash drive (memory card) contains a microprocessor responsible for its operation.

The program for formatting flash drives, in case of failure, simply closes the “broken” sectors (cells) and leaves only working ones.

This reduces the amount of memory, but the memory card remains operational.

Very good program for full formatting of flash drives ntfs, fat32, microsd, transcend, usb, kingston, sd, apacer, hp “Flash Doctor”.

It can be used for force and low-level formatting, and it's free.

Download this program for free to format flash drives

How to use? First of all, after starting, to format, find your flash drive in the panel:

A new window will open, wait until the scan of your selected drive is completed.

You will see the state of your memory card or disk (depending on what you are checking).

Formatting a flash drive and more

To format the flash drive, click “recover media”. Just be careful. All content (unless saved separately) will be destroyed.

By the way, if your flash drive does not want to be formatted, . If after this there is no positive result, then nothing will help her.

In conclusion, I will give an example from personal experience. One day my memory card completely stopped working. Whatever I did. I tried to format it with all existing programs. There were no results.

Then I started being on the phones. It was micro SD (with the rest: ntfs, fat32, microsd, transcend, usb, kingston, sd, apacer, hp, if the phone doesn’t support this option, it won’t work) and a miracle happened, everything worked.

Only not on the first one, but only on the fourth by Sonya Erickson. Before this I tried on Samsung, Nokia and LG - it didn’t help. Where am I going with this?

Sometimes, computer programs for formatting flash drives that are considered the best may not help, especially if your memory card is Chinese.