SanDisk Cruzer Flash Drive Not Detected by Windows PC

This document provides solutions for SanDisk Cruzer flash drives that are not detected when plugged into a Windows PC.

Solution 1: Verify Minimum Operating System Requirements

Ensure your operating system meets the requirements for Cruzer drives:

• Windows Vista and higher
• Windows XP SP2
• Windows 2000 SP4

For Mac users, refer to the guide on USB Flash Drive / Memory card not detected on Mac USB port.

Note: Some applications, such as Samsung KIES and HTC Sync, may interfere with USB flash drive recognition. Try closing these applications or their background processes.

Solution 2: Try Other USB Ports

Insufficient power from the USB port can cause the drive not to function. Try using different USB ports, especially those at the back of a desktop computer.

Note: If the flash drive has an LED, it may not light up if there is not enough power.

If the drive does not function on multiple computers, contact SanDisk Support to check the warranty status.

Solution 3: Check Status in Device Manager

Step 1: Connect the Cruzer to the PC

If you encounter a "USB Device Not Recognized" error, the flash drive may have failed. Further troubleshooting may not resolve the issue.

[Icon: Warning symbol] One of the USB devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it. For assistance in solving this problem, click this message.

Step 2: Check under Device Manager

Note: Administrator rights may be required.

1. Open the Computer Management Console.
2. Click Device Manager on the left pane.

The Cruzer might appear under several categories in Device Manager:

• Disk Drives
• DVD/CD-ROM drives
• Universal Serial Bus controllers (as USB Mass Storage)

If a yellow exclamation point (!) or question mark (?) is next to the device, try refreshing the drivers.

Step 3: Refresh the Drivers

1. Right-click on the entry with the error mark and select Uninstall.
2. On the top menu, click Action then select Scan for hardware changes.

Step 4: Verify if the Flash Drive is Detected

1. Double-click My Computer.
2. Look for the Cruzer under devices with removable storage.

Transferring Large Files (4GB or Larger)

You may encounter issues transferring files larger than 4GB to a USB flash drive or memory card due to the FAT32 file system limitation. Formatting the flash drive as exFAT or NTFS will resolve this.

WARNING: Backup your data before formatting, as it will delete all data on the device.

Solution 1: Format in exFAT

The exFAT file system supports single files larger than 4GB and is compatible with Mac.

Note: exFAT may not be compatible with some devices like TVs, game systems, or older car stereos.

Formatting a drive in exFAT:

1. Double-click My Computer.
2. Right-click on the flash drive or memory card and select Format.
3. In the File System list, select exFAT.
4. Click Start.
5. Click OK to begin formatting.

[Link: Click Here for Instructions to format with Mac]

Solution 2: Format in NTFS

WARNING: Formatting as NTFS will make the drive unwriteable on Mac computers. While Macs can read NTFS, they cannot write to it. NTFS is a journaled file system, which increases read/write activity and may decrease the device's lifespan. When using NTFS, always use "Safely Remove Hardware" before ejecting the device.

Step 1: Optimize the Flash Drive for Performance

1. Plug the device into the PC.
2. Open the Computer Management Console (accessible via Windows 8, or Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7).
3. On the left side, select Device Manager.
4. On the right side, expand Disk Drives.
5. Right-click on the flash drive and select Properties.
6. Click the Policy tab.
7. Select Optimize for performance, then click OK.

Step 2: Format the Flash Drive

1. Double-click My Computer.
2. Right-click on the flash drive and select Format.
3. In the File system list, select NTFS.
4. Click Start.
5. Click OK to start formatting.

Formatting can also be done using Disk Management.

Formatting Drive/Device Using Disk Management

Note:

• For legacy U3 smart Cruzers, uninstall U3 before formatting.
• MP3 players must be in MSC mode before connecting to the PC.
• miniSD / microSD cards require a compatible player to be read on the computer.

Step 1: Connect the Flash Drive, MP3 Player (in MSC mode), Memory Card, or Card Reader to PC

Step 2: Open the Computer Management Console

1. Open the computer management console. [Link: Accessing the Computer Management Console]
2. Under Storage, click Disk Management on the left pane. (Refer to Windows 7 or Vista, or Windows XP instructions).

Step 3: Format the Device / MP3 Player

1. Right-click on the drive/device you want to format and select Format.
2. Occasionally, a warning may appear concerning the active partition; click Yes. [Icon: Warning symbol] This is the active partition on this disk. All data on the partition will be lost. Are you sure you want to format this partition? [Button: Yes] [Button: No]
3. You can leave formatting options like Volume label and File system as default.
4. Click OK to format.

Data Recovery for Memory Cards and Flash Drives

How to recover missing or accidentally deleted files:

SanDisk warranty does not cover data recovery services. It covers the product itself but not damages due to data loss. Regular backups are recommended.

[Disclaimer: Use of Third-Party Software or Websites]

For Functional Memory Cards and Flash Drives

If the memory card or flash drive is functional, data recovery programs can be used. SanDisk recommends RescuePro and RescuePro Deluxe. Demo versions are available for previewing recoverable files.

[Link: RescuePro/RescuePro Deluxe for PC]

[Link: RescuePro/RescuePro Deluxe for Mac]

After data recovery, reformat the drive.

For Non-functional Memory Cards and Flash Drives

If the memory card or flash drive is non-functional or inaccessible, send it to a data recovery company. SanDisk recommends LC Technologies for this service.

Deleting Files on a Cruzer USB Flash Drive Using a Mac

How to delete files on a Cruzer USB flash drive using a Mac:

1. Plug the Cruzer USB drive into the USB port. A USB drive icon will appear on the desktop.
2. Double-click the Cruzer Drive icon.
3. Select the files or folders to delete by clicking on them.
4. To select multiple files or folders, hold down the APPLE key while clicking.
5. Drag the selected files or folders to the Trash. [Icon: Trash bin]

Note: Empty the trash bin after deleting files to regain capacity.

1. Hold down the Ctrl key, click on Trash, and select Empty Trash. [Icon: Empty Trash confirmation]
2. Click OK. [Icon: Confirmation dialog with OK button] You cannot undo this action.