Troubleshooting guide
How to fix the problem
A fake USB storage device may display a large size, but actually store only a small portion. Later files overwrite earlier ones or become corrupted. Such media cannot be considered reliable even after shrinking the partition.
Possible solutions
Choose the method that matches your situation. Start with the simplest suitable option and check the result. If the problem is fixed, you do not need to continue with the other methods.
Save what's still reading
Protect the remaining files first.
Steps to follow
- No more copying new files to the media or deleting anything just to free up space.
- Copy the readable files to a healthy disk, starting with the most important ones.
- Open copied photos, documents or archives and check their contents; just having a file name is not enough.
- If irreplaceable files do not open, consider data recovery before tests.
Real capacity check only after copy
Suitable for media that is already empty or no longer required for data.
Steps to follow
- Choose a capacity test program that writes and reads all media from a reliable official source, such as H2testw or F3 according to the system.
- Before starting, check the selected media and that it no longer contains a single copy of the data.
- Allow both recording and verification to complete. A quick copy of multiple files does not confirm the actual capacity.
- Save the result to the seller. If the check fails, replace the media instead of looking for a program to "fix" it.
If the problem persists
If the full capacity write and read check finds differences, do not use the media for important files and contact your dealer. Do not use this test on media that has not yet been saved: it records a lot of data.
Request a repair