How to Enable & Disable TRIM on SSD?

Summary:

Based on data storage necessity you will have to enable or disable TRIM command on SSD. To make a complete use of TRIM you need to know whether the command is enabled or disabled. This article helps you to know about TRIM and how it is useful on SSDs.

SSD has gained a wide popularity over hard disk drives due to its exceptional features. SSD’s work faster, lighter, use less energy and are more durable compared to HDDs. With TRIM on SSD, improves the performance of writing data to SSDs and contributes to longer SSD life.

Quick Navigation

What is TRIM on SSD?

Why is TRIM Important?

How TRIM Works?

How to Enable or Disable TRIM on an SSD in Windows?

How to enable SSD TRIM in command prompt?

What is TRIM on SSD?

 TRIM is an advanced technology command (ATA) that enables the computer’s operating system to erase the data blocks when they are no longer used. The TRIM command allows SSD’s to manage the available storage space and improves the performance of SSD’s and speeds up the writing process on SSD.

Why is TRIM Important?

TRIM is a process by which the operating system sends a flag down to the SSD providing address of an invalid (deleted data) data that is to be cleared or erased permanently.  Enabling TRIM is important because invalid data on drives might cause performance issues such as system slow down over time as the drive begins to accumulate more and more invalid data.

What if your SSD shows read only mode? You will be unable to write any data on SSD if the SSD shows read only mode.  You will have to fix the problem and try working on SSD.

How TRIM Works?

  • TRIM is a built-in feature that is driven by the operating system. SSD uses a unique method called Garbage Collection to handle invalid data.  
  • Garbage Collection manages and maintains the available storage space. Garbage Collection handles the disparity between the erase block and the read/write block.   
  • When a previously written block is targeted for garbage collection, the valid data pages are moved to another block on the SSD so that the block containing the old, invalid data pages can be erased.
  • SSD TRIM is complementary to garbage collection. TRIM eliminates any unnecessary copying of invalid data pages during the garbage collection process to save time and improve SSD performance.

Therefore, if you have deleted or formatted the SSD drives when TRIM is enabled, it is clearly not possible to recover data from the SSD. However, you can verify and check whether TRIM is enabled before the recovery process.

How to Enable or Disable TRIM on an SSD in Windows?

Before enabling or disabling the TRIM on SSDs, you need to check the status of the TRIM.

Check if TRIM command is enabled or disabled

Most of the SSDs come with the TRIM function enabled by default. However, there’s no loss in verifying if TRIM is enabled on your SSD

Step 1: Right-click on the start button, select Command → Run as Administrator

Step 2: Type the displayed command: fsutil behavior query disabledeleteNotify and hit enter

Verify SSD TRIM

Step 3: if the command displays DisableDeleteNotify=0, TRIM is enabled on the computer.

If the value is DisableDeleteNotify=1, TRIM is disabled.

How to enable SSD TRIM in command prompt?

Step 1: Right-click on the start button, select Command Prompt → Run as Administrator

Step2: Type the command: fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify=0 and press enter

Step3: When TRIM gets enabled DisableDeleteNotify=0 is displayed.

Enable the SSD TRIM

How to disable TRIM on SSD?

Step 1: Right-click on the start button, select Command Prompt → Run as Administrator

Step2: Type the command: fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify=1 and press enter
Disable the SSD TRIM

With TRIM disabled on your computer, you can recover data from deleted or formatted SSD drives

Bottom Line:

Enabling or Disabling TRIM has its own advantages and disadvantages. Although Enabling TRIM ensures the excellent performance of SSDs, if the data is lost from the SSD when TRIM enabled you will lose data from the drive forever.

However, disabling TRIM might hinder your SSD performance but the chance of recovering deleted or lost data from the SSD is made possible. Therefore, depending upon your priority you can make your choice with the TRIM command on the SSD. 

How to Fix USB Device Not Recognized Error on Windows

Summary:

If the error message “USB drive that is not recognized keeps popping up on your Windows, you will be unable to access any data from it. You can stop the error message popping up using the following solutions explained in this article. The article not only guide you to fix the problem USB not recognized but also helps you recover data from the USB drive that is not showing up or recognized by the computer. 

When you are trying to access data on an external USB hard drive, you may receive the following error:

USB device is not recognizedUSB Device not recognized: One of the devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned and windows does not recognize it.

Why Windows Fails to Recognize the USB Device?

Here are a few common reasons listed below that makes USB unrecognizable by Windows.

Hardware Errors: Any damage to the USB device can cause data loss It is recommended to recover data from unrecognized USB drive.
Faulty Drivers:  Corrupt USB driver, controller or problem with PC motherboard could be the reason behind USB drive not recognized. Uninstall USB device and reinstall

Reinstall the USB controllers

Install your motherboard’s latest chip set drivers

Configuration Issues: Misconfiguration of OS and devices also leads to the USB error Run USB Trouble shooter

Repair the Windows system

Connection Issue: Problem in the cables or the USB port makes Windows not detect the USB. Try different Port to connect USB device to your PC

Disable USB selective suspend setting

System Errors/ Corruption: This could be due to virus or system file corruptions. Update the Windows OS

Note: The above-mentioned methods to fix the error USB not recognized do not completely guarantee to secure your data in the drive. It certainly helps in fixing the error if it is related to the particular issue, say problem in the system driver or Windows updates etc. To secure your data, it is recommended make use of the reliable USB data recovery tool.

SFWare USB Recovery Software is a reliable data recovery tool that is integrated with a prevailing algorithm to identify and scan different file types. The tool helps you recover data from USB drives that are not recognized. All you have to is download and install the software on your computer and then follow the simple on-screen instructions. And you are done!

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How to Recover USB Data from Unrecognized Drive?

Download and install the SFWare USB Data Recovery Software and follow the steps given below:
Step 1: Launch the application, main screen displays “Recover files” and “Recover Formatted/Corrupt” options. Select any of the preferred option and go to next.

USB data recovery home screen
Step 2: Select the drive to recover files from USB drive. Click on “Next” option

Select USB Drive
Step 3: Software scans drive and displays the recovered partition data. Double click and preview the recovered data and validate them.

Save Recovered Files
Step 4: If data is appropriate and willing to save the results, then get the licensed activated and get the access to Save button

End Screen

How do I Fix the Error USB Device Not Recognized?

Follow the below given methods to fix the USB not recognized or detected. Verify if you are still encountering the error after performing each method and move to next one.

Method 1: Uninstall USB driver and then reconnect the USB device

This method resolves issues where the loaded USB driver has become unstable or corrupt.

Device Manager-uninstall the drivers

1. Go to This PC and right click on it
2. Click on Manage > Device Manager > double-click Disk Drives
3. Right-click on the name of your USB external drive. Click Uninstall
4. Disconnect your USB cable and restart your PC
5. Reconnect your USB cable, the driver should automatically load.

Remember: Plug USB directly into your computer. Connecting your USB external hard drive into a non-powered USB hub can cause a lack of enough power to operate the external drive. If this method does not resolve your issue, proceed to Method 2

Method 2: Re-installation of USB controllers

This method resolves steps where the currently loaded USB driver has become unstable or corrupted.

Device-Manager-Universal serial bus controllers

1. Select Start, type device manager in the Search box and then select Device Manager.
2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers. Right click on a device and select Uninstall. Repeat for each device.
3. Once complete, restart your computer. Your USB controllers will automatically install.

If your problem still exists, proceed to Method 3.

Method 3: Install your motherboard’s latest chip set drivers

This method updates your motherboard’s chip set drivers, so your computer will recognize your USB external hard drive.

  1. Check for the name of the motherboard manufacturer on your computer’s documentation.
  2. Go to your computer manufacturer’s support website. See Computer manufacturers’ contact information.
  3. Navigate their website to find the appropriate drivers for your motherboard. For assistance, contact your computer manufacturer.

If your problem still exists, proceed to Method 4.

Method 4: Run USB Trouble shooter

If the problem is with the configuration of USB device, this method will surely help you in fixing the problem USB device is not recognized.

  1. Go to this PC >> Right click on your USB device drive
  2. Select Properties >> Tools tab >> Check under Error checking
  3. This selects the drive and scans for errors and repairs

Method 5: Repair your Windows System

If the problem is with Windows OS, it is important to repair the OS corruption. You can repair OS corruption using Windows terminal.

Run SFC to fix the drive

  1. Press Win + X and launch Windows Terminal or Windows PowerShell
  2. Enter the following command to scan the integrity of all protected operating system files: sfc /
  3. Once scanning is completed, restart your computer and verify if you still encountering the error USB not recognized.

Method 6: Try different Ports When USB not recognized

One of the easiest ways is to connect your USB device directly to your computer, if you are using any USB Hubs. Remove the USB from the HUB and restart your computer. Once your computer reboots into the Windows system, re-connect your USB device to your computer directly through the built-in USB port. But if the error keeps still popping, proceed to try the following solutions.

Method 7: Disable USB selective suspend setting

This method prevents your USB external drive from powering down.

1. Select Start, type power plan in the search box and then select Choose a power plan.
2. Select Change Plan Settings and choose Change advanced power settings.
3. Select the box to expand USB Settings > USB selective suspend settings.
4. Select Plugged in, select the drop-down menu, and then select Disable.
5. If you’re using a laptop, first select battery, select the drop-down menu and then select disabled.
6. Select Apply > OK.

Method 8: Install the latest Windows Updates

This method will install the latest device drivers for your USB external hard drive.

1. Search Check for Updates in search box. Select Install updates available.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the updates.
3. If indicated, reboot your computer.

Conclusion:

USB device not recognized” This is a common error that occurs with USB devices. According to users, they are completely unable to read their files stored on the USB. Sometimes USB problems can stop you from transferring files. Perform the solutions that are described in the article if any of the solutions did not help you, make use of SFWare USB Data Recovery Software which is a secure USB drive recovery tool. It is implemented with a powerful algorithm to identify and recover different file types. It resolves any External device-related issues without making the things go complicated.

How to Remove Shortcut Virus from Pen Drive & Access Data?

Summary:

Files turning into shortcuts are not uncommon. Every USB user faces this challenge quite often.  Here is the best solution for the most experienced troublesome problem. Follow the article to know why files turn into Shortcuts and how to recover files from USB or Pen drive turned shortcuts.

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Table of contents:

Why Files Turn into Shortcuts?

What are Shortcut files?

When do files turn into Shortcuts?

How to Fix A Folder That Has Become A Shortcut?

How To Recover Data From USB  Showing Shortcut Folders?

Pro tips to keep your files safe

FAQ

About Files Turning into Shortcuts

A Pen drive or USB drive is the most commonly used external storage device. And this is the reason why these drives are most affected by virus. One of the common virus found in USB’s is the one that creates shortcut files.

In other words, shortcut files are the files created by Autorun.inf worm and Virus or Trojan.

These viruses hide all the files and folders present in drive and create a shortcut. These shortcuts keep appearing even after you delete them or you format the drive. And, formatting a drive will not assure you complete security over the virus. Therefore, you would risk losing important data if you rely solely on formatting. 

To get back original files, you have to fix the problem and recover files from USB turned shortcut using a proficient USB data recovery software.

Note: The shortcut virus doesn’t give any option but makes file inaccessible but when you click files in them or once the file is opened it would multiply itself and eventually occupies the entire drive until it is full.

The shortcut virus keeps appearing even after deleting it many times. You might have also used antivirus to get rid of the shortcut virus but the antivirus will not be able to recover the lost or deleted files. Data recovery software is needed to retrieve the lost data. Download the SFWare USB Data Recovery Software to recover data that has been lost because of the shortcut virus.

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What is a Shortcut Virus?

As the name indicates, shortcut virus is a program that creates a shortcut of a particular file or folder and hides the original file present in the storage drive. This virus mainly affects external storage devices such as SD cards, USB drives, and other storage drives.

Types of shortcut virus:

1) Flash drive shortcut virus: It is a Trojan virus that enters the drive and hides. The virus then wraps all the folders and files in a shortcut that looks exactly like the drive. If the drive is clicked the virus will replicate it and eventually occupy all the storage space. This virus is capable of multiplying itself every time the folder or the file is opened.

2) Folders and file shortcut virus: The folder and file shortcut virus affect the Pen drive by hiding all the files and folder in it and creating a shortcut for the folders and files. The files and folder can only be accessed by clicking the shortcut virus; this action will initiate the duplication of the files and folders.

When do files turn into Shortcuts?

  1. The antivirus in the computer might have not recognized the Trojan virus because it was not updated
  2. Downloading content from the non trusted source on the internet can bring in a virus into the computer.
  3. If a virus affected Pen drive is used in a computer without scanning for any potential virus, virus would enter the USB drive from the PC

How To Fix A Folder That Has Become A Shortcut?

Before deleting shortcut virus it is important to fix the virus from the file, follow the below given steps:

Method 1: Show hidden files to recover files hidden by shortcut virus

Sometimes viruses may turn your files into hidden states. Therefore you need to unhide the files to make them visible.

  1. Insert your USB or Pen drive, go to My Computers
  2. Click View Tab and Check Mark Show Hidden Items option

 Or you can unhide the files or folders using the command line.

  1. Right-Click on Start and select Command Prompt run as administrator.
  2. Now type F: ( Where F is the drive letter)
  3. Now, type the following attrib -h -r -s /s /d F:\*. * (Replace F with the drive letter where you would like to show hidden files)
    Show the shortcut files

By doing this you will be able to unhide the hidden shortcut files. Now, go to the USB drive and verify whether all the hidden files are shown. If you can’t still find the files, try the best recovery method shown in the next section.

Method 2: Delete the Shortcut Files

Once hidden files are shown in the pen drive, delete the shortcut files using the command prompt.

Delete the Shortcut Virus files

  1.     Go to Start → Click on Run → Type cmd
  2.     Select your device by typing the assigned drive letter followed by a colon for Example- e: ( Where I is the drive letter)
  3.     Next, Type del *.lnk
  4.     Type attrib -h -r -s /s /d e:*.*
  5.     Hit Enter

Now, check whether your drive is free from shortcut files. if you can’t find your files in the drive, recover your files from USB drive or pen drive showing shortcuts using the below method.

How To Recover Data From USB Folders Turned Shortcuts?

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Download SFWare USB recovery software and Launch the application. Connect your pen drive or USB drive to the computer.

  • Select Recover files option from the main screen
    SFWare to recover shortcut files
  • From the next screen, select the drive from which you need to retrieve your files.
    Select the drive to recover deleted files
  • After the completion of the scanning process, you can view files in either Data View or File Type View.
    View recoverable files from drive in Data View or File Type View
  • Right click on the file to preview the recovered and then save the file in any desired location on your PC.

Pro tips to keep your files safe

A virus can affect the computer and storage devices in many ways. These viruses can corrupt the Pen drive or permanently delete the data present in them. Once affected by the virus it becomes quite tricky to recover shortcut files from Pen drive. In order to avoid such situations in the future here are a few preventive measures to be followed.

  1. Always download files and applications from a trusted source
  2. Make sure you use antivirus in the computer and keep the antivirus updated
  3. Scan the Pen drive for antivirus before using it.
  4. Never use the Pen drive in computers that have high chances of being infected with viruses.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I get shortcut data from pen drive?

To get your data from shortcut folder in pen drive, you first need to remove shortcut virus from the drive. With the help of methods explained in the article, you will be able to fix the problem.

How can I remove shortcut virus from my USB?

You will be able to remove shortcut virus using attrib command and by deleting the shortcut files from the pen drive.

Why my pen drive files become shortcut?

Shortcut files are the files created by Autorun.inf worm and Virus or Trojan. When your files are affected by virus, it creates shortcuts of folder saved on the drive with 0 kb data.

How do I delete a shortcut folder?

With the help of commands in the command prompt, you can delete the shortcut files from pen drive. When you try to delete shortcut files using normal delete command, it reappears, therefore, make use of commands to delete the shortcut virus in pen drive.