Question:

How can I verify the actual capacity of a flash drive that may have been tampered with to show a larger size than it really has? I bought a flash drive from this [link], which claims to be 512 GB, but I suspect it is a fake. Is there a reliable method or tool to test the flash drive and determine its true size?

Answer:

How to Check the Real Capacity of a Flash Drive

Flash drives are convenient devices for storing and transferring data, but they can also be prone to fraud. Some sellers may tamper with the flash drive’s firmware to make it appear larger than it really is, and sell it at a higher price. For example, you may buy a flash drive that claims to be 512 GB, but in reality it only has 8 GB of actual storage space. This can cause data loss, corruption, or errors when you try to use the flash drive.

Fortunately, there are ways to verify the actual capacity of a flash drive and detect any possible fraud. In this article, we will introduce some methods and tools that you can use to test your flash drive and determine its true size.

One of the simplest ways to check the capacity of a flash drive is to use Windows Explorer. This is the default file manager that comes with Windows operating systems. To use this method, follow these steps:

• Plug your flash drive into your computer’s USB port.
• Open Windows Explorer and locate your flash drive under “This PC” or “My Computer”.
• Right-click on your flash drive and select “Properties”.
• In the “General” tab, you will see the “Capacity” and “Used space” of your flash drive. Compare these values with the advertised size of your flash drive. If they match, then your flash drive is likely genuine. If they are significantly different, then your flash drive may be fake.

However, this method is not very reliable, as some fake flash drives may still show the correct capacity in Windows Explorer, but fail to store data properly. Therefore, it is recommended to use a more thorough method to test your flash drive.

Method 2: Use a Testing Tool

A more accurate way to check the capacity of a flash drive is to use a testing tool that can scan and write data to the entire flash drive. This will reveal any hidden or corrupted sectors that may not be detected by Windows Explorer. There are many testing tools available online, but some of the most popular ones are:

• [H2testw]: This is a free tool that can test the capacity and speed of flash drives. It works by filling the flash drive with test data and then verifying it. It can detect any errors or discrepancies in the flash drive’s performance. It is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10.
• [FakeFlashTest]: This is another free tool that can test the capacity and speed of flash drives. It works by writing and reading data to the flash drive in different modes. It can detect any fake or faulty flash drives. It is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10.
• [ChipGenius]: This is a free tool that can identify the manufacturer and model of the flash drive’s chip. It can also show the flash drive’s capacity, speed, and serial number. It can help you find out more information about your flash drive and compare it with the official specifications. It is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10.

To use any of these tools, follow these steps:

• Download and install the tool of your choice from the links above.
• Plug your flash drive into your computer’s USB port.
• Run the tool and select your flash drive from the list of devices.
• Follow the instructions on the tool’s interface to start the testing process. This may take some time depending on the size and speed of your flash drive.
• After the testing is complete, the tool will show you the results and report any errors or warnings. Compare the results with the advertised size and speed of your flash drive. If they match, then your flash drive is likely genuine. If they are significantly different, then your flash drive may be fake.

Method 3: Use a Formatting Tool

Another way to check the capacity of a flash drive is to use a formatting tool that can erase and format the entire flash drive. This will remove any data and partitions that may be hiding the true size of the flash drive. However, this method will also delete any files that you may have on your flash drive, so make sure to back them up before proceeding. There are many formatting tools available online, but some of the most popular ones are:

• [SD Formatter]: This is a free tool that can format flash drives and memory cards. It works by using a quick or full format option. It can restore the original capacity and performance of flash drives and memory cards. It is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10, and Mac OS X 10.5 or later.
• [HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool]: This is a free tool that can format flash drives and other USB devices. It works by using a quick or full format option. It can also create a bootable flash drive with a DOS system files option. It is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10.
• [RMPrepUSB]: This is a free tool that can format, partition, and test flash drives and other USB devices. It works by using a graphical user interface with various options and features. It can also create a bootable flash drive with various operating systems and utilities. It is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10.

To use any of these tools, follow these steps:

• Download and install the tool of your choice from the links above.
• Plug your flash drive into your computer’s USB port.
• Run the tool and select your flash drive from the list of devices.
• Follow the instructions on the tool’s interface to start the formatting process. This may take some time depending on the size and speed of your flash drive.
• After the formatting is complete, the tool will show you the new capacity and format of your flash drive. Compare the new capacity with the advertised size of your flash drive. If they match, then your flash drive is likely genuine. If they are significantly different, then your flash drive may be fake.

Conclusion

In this article, we have introduced some methods and tools that you can use to check the real capacity of a flash drive. By using these methods, you can avoid being scammed by fake or faulty flash drives, and ensure that your data is safe and secure. However, the best way to avoid fraud is to buy flash drives from reputable and trusted sellers, and check the reviews and ratings of the products before purchasing them. We hope that this article has been helpful and informative for you. Thank you for reading.