can't format lexar flash drive

[giwatcher]

This is a Lexar s45 32g flash with encryptalite. I think it has gotten corrupted. When I plug it in, it asks to scan and fix(recommended), which I do, it stalls, and says it can't complete the task. I have tried to format in disk man, but it won't do it. I have deleted suspicious new folders, none of which are in the encrypted folder, and they are in the trash. When I reload the drive and open it, the files are still there! It refuses to permanently delete a non-encrypted file. I have tried to repair by error check and by chkdsk, neither can complete the task. Periodically, during use, the disk appears empty, but recovers when I remove and reinsert, displaying all files. I am afraid to use as is, for fear that eventually any new files will be permanently inaccessible. Lexar tech support says there is no software they provide to reformat or wipe the disk--hard to believe. If I return it , they will have access to my files. What to do?

 

[jumanji]

1. First check and quarantine any malware on your PC using Malwarebytes Free from Malwarebytes | Free Anti-Malware & Malware Removal (After the 14-day trial expires, Malwarebytes reverts to a free version without the full real-time protection. )

Note: If you're downloading from another computer - preferred - because yours is infected (in all probability), drag the file onto a USB drive. Copy the file onto the infected computer and double click to run the program.

2. After malware removal, try to format it on your PC.

Let us know if any malware was found and after removal whether you were able to format it.

 

[giwatcher]

I have checked thoroughly for malware and viruses, there are none. Furthermore, this drive won't format on any computer.

 

[jumanji]

Try to format it with HP USB Disk storage Format Tool 2.2.3 - HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool Download. Right click on the HPUSBDisk.exe and 'Run as administrator'

 

[giwatcher]

Thanks for that. Are you sure that an hp tool will work for Lexar that is encrypted?

 

[jumanji]

It is one of the best formatting tools. Try. If that does not work we shall try to do a low level format as a last resort. Beyond that .... hmm... I have to scratch my head

 

[giwatcher]

The hp tool refuses to format the encrypted Lexar s45. Now what?

 

[jumanji]

Try HDD LLF Low Level Format Tool. http://hddguru.com/software/HDD-LLF-Low-Level-Format-Tool/

Download the Windows executable version ( works without installation)

 

[giwatcher]

hdd llf failed to work. All methods stall part way thru the process. The llf went to 3% and timed out, but, even so, I can still open the drive and all files remain visible. Is encryptstick lite so secure that it prevents all efforts at formatting? Also, I can access my secure files by password, but cannot delete, so sending it to Lexar for replacement means sending them secure files--not wise.

 

[jumanji]

Sudden flash! ( Not bad. My flash memory still works )

Create a bootable Live Linux flash drive , boot into Linux and check whether you can format the encrypted drive with it. Most linux include gparted partitioning and formatting utility.

Download Lucid Puppy (Ubuntu-Compatible Build) v 5.2.8 from here Long-Term-Supported WaryPuppy (LTS)

Use Rufus to create your bootable flash drive with that ISO. ( Use a new or an empty flash drive.All data in it will be lost when Rufus formats the drive) Rufus - Create bootable USB drives the easy way My post #8 here Is there any way of saving a completely unrecognisable hard drive? Solved - Windows 7 Help Forums

On how to use Lucid Puppy, see the relevant info in this thread Lucid Puppy way to recover files from a non-bootable computer - Windows 7 Help Forums

Of course, you will not be using it to recover data but for running gparted which you may find in System Utilities in it.