The controller is found in most memory cards and flash drives; it is responsible for exchanging information between flash memory and an external resource, as well as for various other functions.
The controller with firmware is exposed to various external influences that can harm it:.
- power failure;
- interface errors;
- static discharges.
It happens that a blockage occurs in the controller, as a result of which the flash card does not respond to requests from the operating system. The external manifestation of this is that the flash drive is read as a drive with zero capacity or an unidentified device. After accessing it, the following responses will appear: “insert the disk into the drive”, “no access to the disk”.
And if the information is not extracted using the usual method, it is still stored on the memory chip and can be read using special equipment.
It happens that the drive is read-only. The information can be seen and read, but if you need to create a file, format or erase data, the answer appears: “disk write protection.”
The controller switches to this mode when hardware errors in flash memory are detected, in order to prevent it from other possible errors. This indicates that the drive needs to be repaired.
Some controllers support data protection by creating a hidden section that opens after entering a password. To create such a section, a special program is used.
This function is not reliable enough, since the hidden partition may become inaccessible due to any system problems. The reason for this can be both external influences on the controller and incorrect user actions, which includes incorrect formatting of the drive or the use of the wrong utility.Typically, utilities are specialized, and it is necessary to use a version designed strictly for a specific controller model.
