flash drives

[yoMAMA]

anyone use them?

what do you think about those things?

I have a 128 MB one that someone gave to me but it doesn't work for some reason....everytime I plug it into the computer the whole PC freezes...and I have xp so drivers should not be a problem.

[hooligan]

64 megs, um, it's a PNY one. It works on everything I plug it into. Macs to PCs. I think, depending on the brand, the flash drives will work on certain pcs and won't work on others.

have you tried reformatting it?

[yoMAMA]

not sure how to do that.....everytime i plug into my pc the whole thing freezes.........

[hooligan]

not sure how to do that.....everytime i plug into my pc the whole thing freezes.........

How long does it freeze? Maybe it just needs to install the drivers?

[bluemonq]

256mb Muvo Tx FM, for $40. handy for both files and music.

have you tried it on any other computer besides your own?

[yoMAMA]

How long does it freeze? Maybe it just needs to install the drivers?

well....for perpetuity, because i have to reboot using the powerswtich in the back of the PC otherwise it just stays freezing.

256mb Muvo Tx FM, for $40. handy for both files and music.

have you tried it on any other computer besides your own?

nope, just my own PC.

maybe i should try it on other PCs to see if it's my computer's problem or otherwise.

[hooligan]

well....for perpetuity, because i have to reboot using the powerswtich in the back of the PC otherwise it just stays freezing.



nope, just my own PC.

maybe i should try it on other PCs to see if it's my computer's problem or otherwise.

Yeah, also do your windows update to check if you're up to date with your software.

[ism]

Update the USB 2.0 drivers for Windows -- some older USB hubs can't handle hot plugging. Like Ben said, should be in Windows Update in "Recommended."

I use a ton of these through work and personally. I personally like Sandisk -- they are slim and can fit side-by-side cramped USB ports. Their Titanium line also takes a ton of abuse. They also have free security software that encrypts stuff. I bought Lexmar for the office because of the pricepoint, the only problem is the form factor makes it hard to insert in certain cases (it's shaped sorta like a teardrop). They have a Secure line that has built-in autorun software to mount an encrypted partition. I think Sandisk's encryption is smoother, though.

I have a MuVo N200 1GB which is a fantastic portable mp3 player and can double as a flash drive but you need to carry a USB cable to use it as such. I carry that plus my flash drive -- they're both small enough to carry in one pocket.

My personal recommendation -- Sandisk if you can afford it, and if not, find one with a convenient form factor so you don't frustrate yourself and find you can't insert it cos a neighboring cable or whatever is in the way.

Sandisk Cruzer Mini: http://www.sandisk.com/retail/cruzer-mini.asp
most important feature: "does not obstruct the dual-stacked USB ports found on most computers"
Lexar Jumpdrive Secure: http://www.digitalfilm.com/jumpdrive/jd_secure.html
note the shape. I've had trouble inserting this in certain cases.
Lexar Jumpdrive Sport: http://www.digitalfilm.com/jumpdrive/jd_sport.html
fits a little better but that rubber enclosure is a pain in the ass to deal with.

I use them as rescue disks. They have Spybot, HijackThis, AdAware, Stinger, AVG Free, Firefox, and a buncha other utilities on it. I still have to make it bootable though, but in most cases works fine and is easier to carry than a CD and floppy.

[hooligan]

Update the USB 2.0 drivers for Windows -- some older USB hubs can't handle hot plugging. Like Ben said, should be in Windows Update in "Recommended."

I use a ton of these through work and personally. I personally like Sandisk -- they are slim and can fit side-by-side cramped USB ports. Their Titanium line also takes a ton of abuse. They also have free security software that encrypts stuff. I bought Lexmar for the office because of the pricepoint, the only problem is the form factor makes it hard to insert in certain cases (it's shaped sorta like a teardrop). They have a Secure line that has built-in autorun software to mount an encrypted partition. I think Sandisk's encryption is smoother, though.

I have a MuVo N200 1GB which is a fantastic portable mp3 player and can double as a flash drive but you need to carry a USB cable to use it as such. I carry that plus my flash drive -- they're both small enough to carry in one pocket.

My personal recommendation -- Sandisk if you can afford it, and if not, find one with a convenient form factor so you don't frustrate yourself and find you can't insert it cos a neighboring cable or whatever is in the way.

Sandisk Cruzer Mini: http://www.sandisk.com/retail/cruzer-mini.asp
most important feature: "does not obstruct the dual-stacked USB ports found on most computers"
Lexar Jumpdrive Secure: http://www.digitalfilm.com/jumpdrive/jd_secure.html
note the shape. I've had trouble inserting this in certain cases.
Lexar Jumpdrive Sport: http://www.digitalfilm.com/jumpdrive/jd_sport.html
fits a little better but that rubber enclosure is a pain in the ass to deal with.

I use them as rescue disks. They have Spybot, HijackThis, AdAware, Stinger, AVG Free, Firefox, and a buncha other utilities on it. I still have to make it bootable though, but in most cases works fine and is easier to carry than a CD and floppy.


lol. that's what's on my flash disk.

[yoMAMA]

Update the USB 2.0 drivers for Windows -- some older USB hubs can't handle hot plugging. Like Ben said, should be in Windows Update in "Recommended."

I use a ton of these through work and personally. I personally like Sandisk -- they are slim and can fit side-by-side cramped USB ports. Their Titanium line also takes a ton of abuse. They also have free security software that encrypts stuff. I bought Lexmar for the office because of the pricepoint, the only problem is the form factor makes it hard to insert in certain cases (it's shaped sorta like a teardrop). They have a Secure line that has built-in autorun software to mount an encrypted partition. I think Sandisk's encryption is smoother, though.

I have a MuVo N200 1GB which is a fantastic portable mp3 player and can double as a flash drive but you need to carry a USB cable to use it as such. I carry that plus my flash drive -- they're both small enough to carry in one pocket.

My personal recommendation -- Sandisk if you can afford it, and if not, find one with a convenient form factor so you don't frustrate yourself and find you can't insert it cos a neighboring cable or whatever is in the way.

Sandisk Cruzer Mini: http://www.sandisk.com/retail/cruzer-mini.asp
most important feature: "does not obstruct the dual-stacked USB ports found on most computers"
Lexar Jumpdrive Secure: http://www.digitalfilm.com/jumpdrive/jd_secure.html
note the shape. I've had trouble inserting this in certain cases.
Lexar Jumpdrive Sport: http://www.digitalfilm.com/jumpdrive/jd_sport.html
fits a little better but that rubber enclosure is a pain in the ass to deal with.

I use them as rescue disks. They have Spybot, HijackThis, AdAware, Stinger, AVG Free, Firefox, and a buncha other utilities on it. I still have to make it bootable though, but in most cases works fine and is easier to carry than a CD and floppy.

I went to windows update and apparently I have already updated my USB 2.0 driver so there was no USB update available.....I guess the flash drive just don't like my computer.

:frown:

[ism]

Can you hotplug other devices in without any trouble? Like USB joysticks, flash readers, etc.? There might be a specific problem with mounting a storage system which a flash reader should also exhibit. Maybe a driver update for your USB hub?

[mr. x]

Watch fry's ads in the papers cuz not too long ago i got a "Microstorage" by Emprex which is 2.2 gb (though for some reason only reads about 1.9 gb) for about 70-80 bucks not sure exactly but around there

[Yeahman]

I just ordered a 256mb from Dell for $29. I basically had to just to reach the min price on a coupon I had for something else. It should come in real handy since there are times I don't have an internet connection to access my files.

[moJo]

i have a sony ultra mini 256mb one ($40 w/ friend's employee discount). i like it cuz it's really small and fits on my keychain. i lent it to my dad cuz he had a sandisk cruzer that was freezing on him too. i don't think i'll be getting mine back any time soon. :)

link: http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=USM256DS

[SunWuKong]

real handy for my work because i switch between using my computer at work and my work laptop when i'm working from home.

[s1eve]

yeah i've got a cyclone 256mb fdrive. sometimes i forget i have it and end up burning stuff to cd. duh!

[yoMAMA]

Ok....I think I've figured out the problem with my 128 MB USB 2.0 flash drive:

I took it to a computer lab, and it works seamlessly fine, just plug in everything works, in contrast to my home PC, which freezes instantly when i plug it into the USB 2.0 slot.


Maybe because the flash drive is FAT and my home PC is NTFS?

[sinisterpanda]

no, shouldn't be a problem

[yoMAMA]

no, shouldn't be a problem

ok...then something must be wrong with my home PC.

:frown:

[sinisterpanda]

It works everywhere besides your computer? Are you running XP?

[Arex]

I use a flash drive to transport files between work and home and my laptop when I've gotta work over the weekend in San Diego. Very useful tools. Much better than the floppies I used to use when in law school.

I used to use a PNY 64MB but I recently picked up a SanDisk Cruzer Micro 512MB from Radio Shack which is tiny. Potentially only $10 after $30 in mail in rebates (see http://forums.slickdeals.net/t83372.html?&page=1&pp=15 ). See if your local radio shack still has the goods.

RX

[yoMAMA]

It works everywhere besides your computer? Are you running XP?

Yep.

XP pro with SP2, updated every thing there is to windows update.

fairly new machine [bought it in 2002, celeron 1.7 ghz, 768 MB ram......etc.

[yoMAMA]

I have reached the conclusion that something must be wrong with my USB 2.0 port.........