HP Flash Drive Recovery: Recover Lost Data from HP USB

Looking for HP flash drive recovery solutions? This guide will walk you through 2 methods to recover data from HP flash drive. Included is how to create and use an HP Recovery USB.

By @Lori Last Updated December 25, 2024

HP USB flash drives are renowned for their reliability, durability, and impressive storage capacities, ranging from gigabytes to terabytes. However, data loss is a common concern, whether due to accidental deletion, corruption, or physical damage. Losing essential files can be frustrating, but don’t worry - HP flash drive recovery is possible!

In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of data loss, frequent errors with HP flash drives, and step-by-step solutions to recover data from HP flash drive. In addition, you can learn how to create and use an HP Recovery USB if your computer won't boot.

Part 1. How to Recover Data from HP USB Flash Drive

There are effective methods to help you recover your files. Let’s dive into the best recovery options and step-by-step instructions to get your data back.

Before starting the recovery process, follow these dos and don’ts to maximize your chances of success:

  • Stop using the HP flash drive immediately. This prevents overwriting lost data, which would make recovery impossible.
  • Avoid adding new data to the flash drive. Writing new files could overwrite the space where your lost data is stored.
  • Do not format the flash drive. Formatting will erase partitions and all the data on the drive, making HP flash drive recovery recovery more challenging.

Way 1: Recover HP USB Flash Drive Data with Software

MyRecover is a most powerful HP USB recovery tool which allows user to recover permanently deleted files from HP USB flash drive. It even works for recovering data from not recognized flash drive.

๐Ÿ‘Here’s why MyRecover stands out:

  • Supports all HP USB models, including HP OTG USB, HP x765w USB 3.0, HP x740w USB 3.0, HP 750X, HP 720, HP v221w, and more. And other brands of USB, such as Kingston, SanDisk, Samsung, Crucial, etc.
  • Recovers over 1,000 file formats, including Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PPT presentations, JPG images, MP4 videos, and more.
  • Handles various data loss scenarios, such as accidental deletion, formatting (eg: recover data from formatted drive), corruption, virus infections, or system crashes.
  • Compatible with multiple file systems, such as NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS, across Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server.
  • Free edition available that recovers up to 500MB of data.
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Now please download the best HP flash drive recovery tool - MyRecover to get started.

Step 1: Scan the HP flash drive.

Connect your HP flash drive and be sure your system recognizes it. Open MyRecover, it will display all the available drives. Hover over your HP flash drive and click Scan to begin the process. 

Step 2: Preview deleted or lost files.

MyRecover will perform both a quick and deep scan to locate all recoverable files. Use these methods to filter and preview files:

  • Click Filter and select a file type (e.g., Documents). Use the search box to find specific file names or extensions.
  • Expand the Deleted Files or Other Missing Files tabs to browse folders containing your lost files.

Step 3: Recover data from HP flash drive.

Select the files you want to recover and click the Recover x files button. Choose a new location for the recovered files (do not save them back to the original drive to prevent overwriting).

โš ๏ธNotes:
  • The recovery button will display the total size of the selected files. Avoid saving files to the original location to prevent corruption or overwriting.

  • The free edition allows recovery of up to 500MB. To recover larger volumes of data, upgrade to an advanced editions.

  • This software also applies to Samsung, Toshiba, Seagate, etc. USB flash drives as well as external hard drive data recovery.

Way 2: Recover Lost Flash Drive Data Using Command Prompt

The Command Prompt (CMD) in Windows is a powerful tool that can help recover files from HP flash drive in some cases, especially when dealing with file system errors or corruption.This method can recover files that have been hidden due to file system errors but will not recover files that have been deleted or overwritten.So, you can use it to recover lost data from HP USB flash drive.

Step 1. Plug your HP USB drive into the computer. Open Command Prompt as an administrator. (Search for “cmd” in the start menu, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”.) 

Step 2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to check for file system errors: chkdsk F: /f (Replace F: with the letter corresponding to your USB drive.)

Step 3. Wait for the process to complete. It will automatically attempt to fix file system errors on the drive. If the problem persists, type the following command to make files visible if they were hidden: attrib -h -r -s /s /d F:\ and pres sEnter. After the scan completes, check if your files are accessible.

Part 2. How to Create and Use a HP Recovery USB

Creating a recovery USB flash drive allows you to troubleshoot and repair your computer, even when the operating system cannot boot. By copying the HP recovery partition to a USB flash drive, you can use it to recover your computer in case it doesn't start or encounters issues.

1. How to Create the Recovery USB Drive

Step 1. Connect a USB flash drive with a capacity of at least 32 GB to your computer. In Windows, search for Create a recovery drive in the search bar and open the tool.

โ— Notes:
  • The recovery partition will take up more than 16 GB of space, so ensure your USB drive has sufficient capacity.
  • Creating the recovery drive will erase all data on the USB flash drive, so make sure you back up any important files beforehand with File History or free Windows backup software like AOMEI Backupper Standard. 

Step 2. If prompted by the User Account Control (UAC) window, click Yes to proceed. Check the box for Back up system files to the recovery drive, then click Next.

Step 3. Select the USB flash drive you want to use for the recovery drive, and then click Next. On the next screen, click Create to begin the process. Your computer will format the USB drive, copy necessary utilities, and backup system files to it.

Step 4. Once the recovery drive is ready, click Finish. Keep your recovery USB flash drive in a safe place for future use.

2. How to Use the Recovery USB Flash Drive

If your computer encounters issues or won't start, you can use the recovery USB flash drive to troubleshoot and restore your system.

Step 1. Power off your computer completely. Insert the recovery USB flash drive into any available USB port on your computer.

Step 2. Power on your computer.

  • For desktop computers, immediately press the F11 key to enter System Recovery.
  • For notebook computers, immediately press the Esc key repeatedly until the Startup Menu appears. Then press F11 to open System Recovery.

Step 3. Once in the System Recovery menu, follow the prompts to select the method you want to use to recover your computer.

More About Data Loss & Common Drive Errors and Symptoms

Why Data Loss Happens on HP Flash Drives

Understanding the cause of data loss can help you choose the right recovery solution. Below are some common reasons why files disappear from HP USB flash drives:

1. Accidental Deletion: One of the most common reasons for losing data is deleting files unintentionally. This can happen during cleanups or by pressing "Shift + Delete."

2. Virus or Malware Attacks: Connecting your flash drive to an infected system can corrupt files or make them inaccessible.

3. Improper Ejection: Failing to eject your HP USB drive safely can interrupt data transfer, leading to corruption.

4. Physical Damage: Dropping your flash drive or exposing it to extreme heat, water, or dust can damage its components.

5. File System Errors: Errors in the USB’s file system can render your data unreadable, especially if the drive is formatted incorrectly.

6. Power Surges: Voltage spikes can disrupt the functionality of your HP USB, leading to partial or complete data loss.

Common HP Flash Drive Errors and Symptoms

Here are the most frequent signs of HP flash drive malfunctions:

1. Write Protection:When the drive is write-protected, you can read files but can’t modify, delete, or add new ones.

2. 0 Bytes Error:The drive shows 0 bytes in "Used Space" and "Free Space," making it seem like all files are gone.

3. Drive Not Recognized:The flash drive doesn’t appear in File Explorer or Disk Management.

4. Auto-Scanning Virus Issues: A virus-infected autorun file can replicate malware across systems and hide your data.

Bonus Tips & Best Practices to Prevent Data Loss

While it’s good to know how to recover data, prevention is always the best approach. Here are a few tips to help you avoid losing data on your HP USB flash drive:

  • Always Safely Eject the USB Drive: Before removing your HP USB flash drive, make sure to safely eject it from your computer to prevent file corruption.
  • Backup Regularly: Regularly back up your files to another device or cloud service.
  • Use Antivirus Software: Install and regularly update antivirus software to protect your USB drive from viruses and malware.
  • Handle Your USB Flash Drive with Care: Avoid exposing your USB drive to physical damage, moisture, or extreme temperatures.
  • Enable Write Protection (if applicable): If your HP USB drive supports write protection, use this feature to prevent accidental file deletion or modification.

Conclusion

If you need to recover lost files from an HP USB drive, try the methods outlined above to increase your chances of success. For the best experience, try MyRecover. It's great for HP flash drive recovery and can also help you recover deleted files in Windows 11 if you've lost data. Don't wait until it's too late - take action today!

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FAQs about HP Flash Drive Recovery

1. How can I recover permanently deleted files from my HP USB drive?

You can recover permanently deleted files from your HP USB drive using data recovery software like MyRecover. This tool scans your drive for recoverable files and allows you to restore them.

2. Why is my HP USB drive showing as empty even though it has files?

This could be due to file system corruption. You can use the CHKDSK command or a recovery tool to repair the file system and recover your files.

3. What should I do if my HP USB drive is not recognized by my computer?

Try using the CHKDSK command to fix file system issues, or use a data recovery tool like MyRecover to retrieve your files. Additionally, check if the USB drivers need updating or if the drive has a physical fault.

4. Can I recover files from a physically damaged HP flash drive?

If your HP flash drive is physically damaged, recovery may be more challenging. You may need to consult a professional data recovery service like Geek Squad for assistance.

5. How do I create an HP recovery disk?

You can create an HP recovery disk using the HP Recovery Manager tool on your HP computer.

6. How do I use HP Recovery USB?

The HP Recovery USB is a bootable drive that you can use to restore your HP computer to its factory settings. It is usually created by the HP Recovery Manager.