How to recover all data files from a corrupted or formatted USB flash drive ?

Recovering data from a corrupted or formatted USB flash drive on a Mac using Tenorshare 4DDiG Mac Data Recovery is a straightforward process, as the software is designed to handle various data loss scenarios, including corruption, formatting, accidental deletion, and file system errors.

Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide tailored to your request, assuming you’re using a Mac (potentially on macOS Sequoia, based on your prior questions).

I’ll also include precautions, troubleshooting tips, and context to maximize recovery success.

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Important Notes Before Starting

• Stop Using the USB Immediately: Writing new data (e.g., saving files, reformatting) risks overwriting the lost data, especially on a formatted drive, making recovery harder or impossible.
• Corrupted vs. Formatted:
• Corrupted: File system issues (e.g., APFS, HFS+, FAT32, exFAT errors) may make the drive unreadable or files inaccessible, but data often remains recoverable.
• Formatted: A quick format removes the file table, but data persists until overwritten. Full formats are rare but tougher to recover from.
• Physical Damage: If the USB isn’t detected (e.g., no light, clicking sounds), software like 4DDiG won’t help—consider professional recovery services (Step 6).
• 4DDiG Overview: Supports 2000+ file types (photos, videos, documents, etc.) and works with USB drives, SD cards, and Mac drives on macOS Sequoia to 10.12. It’s user-friendly with a high success rate for logical issues.
• Backup Post-Recovery: Save recovered files to a different drive or cloud (e.g., iCloud) to prevent future loss.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Recover Data Using 4DDiG Mac Data Recovery

Step 1: Prepare the USB Drive

• Connect the USB:
• Plug the USB into your Mac using a reliable port or cable. Try a different port if it’s not detected.
• Check Detection:
• Open Finder—does the USB appear (even if unmountable)?
• Or check Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility)—look for the USB under “External” (e.g., “16GB SanDisk”).
• Outcome:
  • Detected: Proceed to Step 2.
  • Not Detected: Skip to Step 6 for physical damage checks.
• Avoid Writing:
• If the USB mounts in Finder, don’t save files to it.
• In Disk Utility, select the USB volume (e.g., “Untitled”) > Click Unmount to prevent macOS writing logs.

Step 2: Download and Install 4DDiG Mac Data Recovery

• Get the Software:
• Visit the official Tenorshare 4DDiG site: 4ddig.tenorshare.com.
• Download the Mac version (free trial allows scanning/preview; recovery requires a license, ~$89).
• Install:
• Open the .dmg file from ~/Downloads.
• Drag 4DDiG Mac Data Recovery to /Applications.
• If macOS blocks it (“unidentified developer”):
  • Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Open Anyway.
  • Or run:
    sudo spctl --master-disable open /Applications/4DDiG\ Mac\ Data\ Recovery.app sudo spctl --master-enable
• System Requirements:
• Compatible with macOS Sequoia, Sonoma, Ventura, etc., on Intel or Apple Silicon (M1-M4).
• Ensure ~500MB free disk space and stable internet.

Step 3: Launch 4DDiG and Select the USB

• Open 4DDiG:
• Launch from /Applications or Spotlight (Command + Space, type “4DDiG”).
• Select USB:
• In the 4DDiG interface, you’ll see a list of drives (e.g., Mac’s SSD, external devices).
• Locate your USB drive (e.g., “SanDisk 16GB” or a RAW/unlabeled disk).
• Click it to highlight. If it’s not listed, see Troubleshooting.
• Optional Settings:
• Click the gear icon (top-right) to choose file types (e.g., Photos, Videos, Documents) to speed up scanning. Default scans all types.

Step 4: Scan the USB Drive

• Start Scan:
• Click Scan (or “Deep Scan” for formatted drives—takes longer but finds more files).
• Scanning time depends on drive size and condition:
  • 16GB USB: ~5-15 minutes (quick scan), ~30-60 minutes (deep scan).
  • 128GB USB: ~20-60 minutes (quick), ~1-3 hours (deep).
• Monitor Progress:
• 4DDiG shows found files in real-time, sorted by type (e.g., Deleted Files, Existing Files, RAW Files).
• Use the “Tree View” (folders) or “File View” (types like JPG, MP4) to browse.
• Pause/Stop:
• If you see critical files, click Stop to preview/recover early (saves time).

Step 5: Preview and Recover Files

• Preview Files:
• After scanning, click files to preview (e.g., open JPGs, PDFs, or play MP4s).
• Ensures files are intact (corrupted files may not preview correctly).
• Use the Filter (top-right) or search bar to find specific files (e.g., “vacation.jpg”).
• Select Files:
• Check boxes next to files/folders you want.
• Or select “Recover All” for everything (needs more storage on your Mac).
• Recover:
• Click Recover (bottom-right).
• Choose a save location on your Mac (e.g., ~/Desktop/Recovered) or another external drive—not the corrupted USB to avoid overwriting.
• Free trial requires a license here (~$89 for 1 month, $99 lifetime). Enter key if prompted.
• Verify:
• Open the recovery folder (e.g., ~/Desktop/Recovered).
• Check files for integrity (e.g., photos open, videos play).
• Note: Formatted drives may lose original file names (e.g., “IMG_001.jpg” becomes “FILE0001.jpg”).

Step 6: Handle Undetected or Unrecoverable Drives

• If USB Isn’t Detected in 4DDiG/Disk Utility:
• Try Another Port/Mac: Test on a different Mac or PC to rule out hardware issues.
• Check Cable/Hub: Use a direct connection, not a hub.
• Physical Signs: No LED, clicking, or heat suggests hardware failure.
• Professional Recovery:
  • Contact services like DriveSavers (drivesaversdatarecovery.com, ~$300-$2000) or Ontrack.
  • They use cleanrooms for physical repairs (e.g., damaged NAND chips).
  • Avoid further DIY to prevent permanent loss.
• If No Files Are Found:
• Run a “Deep Scan” if you used quick scan (select in Step 4).
• Try another tool (e.g., PhotoRec—free but technical, see below) to cross-check.
• If the drive was formatted and heavily overwritten (e.g., new files saved), recovery may be impossible.

Step 7: Backup and Reformat the USB

• Backup Recovered Data:
• Copy files to your Mac’s SSD, another external drive, or iCloud:
  • Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Drive > Upload.
• Verify all critical files are safe.
• Reformat USB:
• Open Disk Utility, select the USB (top-level device, e.g., “SanDisk”).
• Click Erase:
  • Name: “USB”.
  • Format: exFAT (Windows/Mac compatible) or APFS (Mac-only).
  • Scheme: GUID Partition Map.
• Click Erase—USB is now usable.
• Test: Copy a small file to confirm it works.

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Troubleshooting

• USB Not Listed in 4DDiG:
• Force detection in Terminal: diskutil list
  • Note the USB’s identifier (e.g., /dev/disk3).
  • Mount manually:
    sudo diskutil mountDisk /dev/disk3
  • Relaunch 4DDiG.
• Update macOS: System Settings > General > Software Update.
• No Files Found:
• Ensure Deep Scan is used for formatted drives.
• Check if the drive was overwritten (e.g., post-format usage).
• Try PhotoRec (free):
  • Install via Homebrew:
    brew install testdisk sudo photorec
  • Select USB, recover to ~/Desktop/Recovered.
• Files Corrupted Post-Recovery:
• Partial overwrites or severe corruption may damage files.
• 4DDiG’s repair feature (for photos/videos) can help:
  • In 4DDiG, select Repair > Import damaged files > Save repaired versions.
• Else, try another scan with EaseUS Data Recovery ($69.95/month).
• 4DDiG Crashes:
• Ensure macOS is updated (Sequoia 15.4 recommended).
• Free up ~10GB on your Mac’s SSD.
• Reinstall 4DDiG from 4ddig.tenorshare.com.

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Additional Tips

• Success Rate: 4DDiG claims a high recovery rate (~90% for logical issues). Corrupted drives often recover better than formatted ones unless overwritten.
• Speed: USB 2.0 drives scan slower than USB 3.0—use a fast port.
• File Types: Supports JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV, DOCX, XLSX, PDF, etc. RAW files or niche formats (e.g., ARW) may need Deep Scan.
• Cost: Free trial for scanning; license needed for recovery. Compare with Disk Drill ($89, similar features) if budget’s a concern.
• Prevention:
• Always eject USB safely: Finder > Click ⏏ next to USB.
• Backup regularly to iCloud or external drives.
• Avoid sudden removals during transfers.

Sources: Steps adapted from Tenorshare’s official guides (4ddig.tenorshare.com) and user reviews, ensuring macOS Sequoia compatibility.

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Follow-Up: What’s your USB’s brand/capacity (e.g., 32GB SanDisk), and is it corrupted or formatted? Any specific files you need (e.g., photos, videos)? What Mac/macOS version are you using? I can tweak this further or help with post-recovery steps?