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Matt Laboff

Administator for GetUSB.info GetUSB.info started in 2004 with the concept of providing USB information for everything USB related. At the time, USB was gaining momentum and every day new products, articles and news became published. Today, the site is focused on bringing technical information, tricks and hacks to USB related products. The site does publish off topic information as well, to keep the variety up. Please visit the footer area of any page if you or your company is interested in article or product placement via purchased advertising.

News: USB-C Duplicator Shows USB-C Product Trending Up

In a recent news press release from Nexcopy Inc., it appears USB Type C is trending up for consumer demand.

Via the EIN News Wire Service, Nexcopy announced a twenty target USB-C Duplicator. Some of the information posted in the release talks about the upward trend manufacturers are seeing with USB type C product. In addition, the production of a mass aggregator, or duplicator, is another indication users are data loading, in bulk, to USB-C product.

usb-c duplicator, nexcopy duplicator

“Apple computers and Iot, or Internet Of Things, are driving the force behind the increased demand for USB-C flash drive consumption. Although the internet is great for many data sharing applications, there is still a great need for data dissemination off line. USB is still the definitive choice among users to share data via flash memory,” states Greg Morris, President of Nexcopy.

Morris continues, “We see the demand of USB-C duplication to only rise in the coming years. In technology, smaller is always better, and as devices get slimmer in size the USB type A socket will eventually phase out and USB type C taking over. The transition is slow, but it is inevitable; and with that said, we are ready – today.”

nexcopy, usb-c duplicator, usb-c200pc

Nexcopy is also well known for the PRO series duplicators that perform advanced functions to flash drives, such as USB write protection (USB read-only), partitions at the controller level, and serial number control for UFD identification. From the press release, these advanced functions will also be available on the USB-C200PC duplicator.

The USB-C duplicator has a list price of $1,299 from what we understand and available now through a list of on-line retails like Amazon and NewEgg. The product is also available through a worldwide network of authorized resellers.

Nexcopy did allude to

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Will Trump Tariffs Affect USB Flash Drives?

Posted May 16, 2019.

The United States and China walked away from trade talks earlier this week. From that departure President Trump and Xi Jinping of China are increasing the number of products subject to tariffs.

With that said: Will Trump tariffs affect USB flash drives?

Doing a quick Google search there is a good chance a BuzzFeed article will come up first. In that article, the author incorrectly claims flash drives will be affected. Flash drives are not affect by tariffs at this time.

Don’t take our word for it, find out for yourself. Here is the information you need:

Here is the Harmonized Tariff Schedule link:
https://hts.usitc.gov/

The Harmonized Tariff Code for a USB flash drive is: 8523.51.0000
Simply search the above website for the HS Code number. The chart will say to the right if the product is FREE or has a % tax.

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Windows 10 Update, Hickup With Flash Drives

We have read on-line that Microsoft’s May 2019 update might not happen for those with connected USB sticks or SD cards. Microsoft claims the update will simply not happen if the OS detects these connected devices. The reason, Microsoft might re-assign drive letters to those connected devices.

On my first pass of reading this, the reassignment of drive letters doesn’t sound all that bad. Especially for a removable drive. However; Microsoft goes on to state that internal hard drives could also be affected by the drive letter shuffle.

There is your red flag!

The newly published Windows 10 support document reveals; those computers already having the April 2018 (version 1803) or October 2018 (version 1809) updates installed will receive this error message: “This PC can’t be upgraded to Windows 10.”

The Microsoft documentation does not referrence internal hard drives getting reassigned drive letters when no USB or SD card is detected and for that reason we feel you are safe during the update process. This is why Microsoft is blocking the update all together when a USB or SD card is detected in your system. Microsoft understands the importance of mounted internal hard drives; thus their blocking of the update.

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Steampunk USB, The Gatling Gun Flash Drive

The Gatling gun is one of the earliest known rapid-fire, hand cranked weapons. The Gatling design is a forerunner of the modern machine gun and rotary cannon. Invented by Richard Gatling, it saw occasional use by the Union forces during the American Civil War in the 1860s.

Megan Kening at Etsy has taken this concept and made a steampunk USB flash drive. The Gatling gun USB has incredible detail, impressive color LED during operation and a rotating cannon when power up.

steampunk usb, Gatling gun

Megan’s collection includes the Gatling gun and a ball-point pen in a nice wooden case. Both devices are 100% hand made from a collection of materials that include copper, brass, glass tubing, USB and motorized engine with gears.

Mr. Kening has been mentioned before on GetUSB and his work continues to impress. With a near perfect, five star rating, we are confident to say any purchase from Megan is worth the money. Additional pictures after the break…

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Steampunk USB, Rocket Shape with Illumination

Here is our second post of eight for a steampunk USB flash drive. Using classic steampunk material such as brass, cropper, glass and stainless steal gears, the Rocket ship USB really comes to live.

Alex Slotzkin is based in Hawaii and has been a master craftsman for the past 30 years. Originally starting out in ceramics and jumping around in jewelry for a bit, Alex has branched out into new mediums such as digital technology and steampunk flash drives.

Steampunk USB

This Rocket ship is available for $125 USD and uses a Sandisk flash drive to hold datat. 32GB and illuminates during connection and blinks during data transfer (typical flash drive function).

Alex has over 1,000 positive reviews so if you are interested, I don’t think you will be disappointed with the purchase. More photos after the jump:

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USB Steampunk – Tesla Generator V1.2

Who doesn’t love a steampunk flash drive? Or a steampunk anything for that matter.

Over the next couple of weeks, this website will post some outrageous steampunk USB products.

First up, the Tesla Generator by Megan Kening from Israel. Made from materials such as copper, brass, glass and paper, this is a hand crafted USB drive you will not get anywhere else. Megan has excellent reviews from the buyers.

A handmade product like this is only available at Etsy, link below.

Additional pictures after the jump…

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Delete System Volume Information Folder Off Flash Drives

If you have found this post, chances are you are trying to Delete System Volume Information Folder Off Flash Drives.

UPDATE:

Thank you to a reader sending in additional information, we now have a solution that is universal to all PCs. You will never get the “There’s a problem with this drive. Scan the drive now to fix it” message. To get this universal fix, scroll to the bottom of this message and look for “Updated Solution.”

I will venture to say, there are probably five reasons why you are trying to remove this directory (probably more):

  • You have a SmartTV or stereo in your car and the device is showing this folder, and often times, is the default start location to resume play, so you want to remove it.
  • A binary verification utility is failing and it shows this folder as the source of inconsistency.
  • The “Disk needs to be scanned and repaired” message keeps popping up when you remove a drive without using the Eject function from Windows. You are now going crazy and want to stop that message forever.
  • A virus software utility is indicating this folder has a potential problem (smart hackers could stick their code in here).
  • You are performing some kind of USB duplication process and this folder continues to be a problem, therefore you want to remove it.

Go ahead and skim down this article if you want to get right to the instructions. For now, I’m going to take some time to explain what this folder is. Knowledge is power, and maybe the reason for why it’s there will deter you from wanting to delete it.

For any disk or storage device connected to Windows will have the “System Volume Information” folder. This is a hidden system file, so if you don’t see it, that is the reason why. You can see this file when you turn on “See Hidden Files” in your view properties settings.

The System Volume Information folder contains two files. The two files are meant for setting restore points and indexing for what is on the drive. Windows is trying to help you if and when you need to search the device for data.

The two files are the IndexerVolumeGuid and WPSettings.dat file. The indexer file assigns a unique identifier (GUID, Global Unique ID) to the drive. The indexing service examines the files so when you connect the drive to the computer in the future, Windows checks the identifier and knows which search database to associate with the drive.

WPSettings.dat file is used for Windows Phone’s Storage settings. If you are dealing with a hard drive, this could be a good thing; if dealing with a flash drive, you don’t need it. I haven’t met a person yet who backed up their phone data to a USB stick.

If you are still on the fence about whether you should remove this folder or not, think about this: If you are dealing with a hard drive with an operating system, don’t delete it. If you are dealing with mass storage drives, like a USB flash drive, you can remove it with little fear something bad will happen.

So how do you remove this folder?

How do you keep from this folder coming back?

The solution is a two-step process. The first step will be disabling the indexing and thus, ask Windows not to put the folder on the drive.

The second step is telling Windows not to start this indexing again once the computer has been restarted.

Keep in mind, if Windows doesn’t see the System Volume Information folder, it will try to write it every time the device is connected, to any Windows computer. This last sentence is an important point.

Let’s begin.

If you have the System Volume Information folder on your device, let us remove it right now. Connect the USB to your computer. Double click the drive letter of the USB and in the Explorer window type CMD. Click Enter.

This will get you to the command prompt to address that specific device.

Delete System Volume Information Folder Off Flash Drives, step 1

Now that we are in the command prompt for that drive (note the drive letter in the command window is the same drive letter as your USB in the computer). Let us use syntax to remove the folder. Since the folder cannot be deleted using your keyboard, the command line is the only way.

Type: rmdir “system volume information” /s /q

Now click Enter. That’s it, you are done, files removed!

Delete System Volume off USB stick, step 2

Moving along, let us set up your computer so the System Volume Information never appears again on your devices.

Press the Windows key + R at the same time (this is to Run a Windows service).

In the field type “gpedit.msc” this is for Group Policy Edit for Microsoft. We are going to edit a Group Policy which affects your entire computer, regardless of the user logged in. Click OK.

step 3, remove System Volume folder from USB media

Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search

remove System Volume off flash

On the right side of your screen, under Search, look for:

Do not allow locations on removable drives to be added to libraries. Once you see this sentence, double click the sentence, so you may edit that Group Policy.

Select the radial button “Enabled” and click Apply and then click OK.

Step-one is now complete, you have turned off indexing to removable drives. The next step is to ensure this indexing doesn’t start back up again the next time you boot up the PC.

Press the Windows key + R at the same time (this is to Run a Windows service).

In the field type “services.msc” this is for Windows Start Up services when the PC is turned on. We are going to edit a service policy. Click OK.

Scroll down until you see Windows Search. Double click that selection.

On the first tab, General, you will see “Startup Type:

Here you want to select “Disable

Once that is selected, click Apply and click OK.

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Men’s Watch, USB Cigarette Lighter, Rechargeable

I love how the description for a “cigarette” lighter watch includes the words “environmentally friendly.”  So the ligher doesn’t use gas, I get it, but isn’t smoking the cigarette worse?

Anyway, if you smoke and like to keep time, this product is for you.

The watch tells time, but the three smaller dials are for esthetics only.

There is a $40 dollar version that is digital.  The watch type options are listed on the product page.

Specification:

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TiSTICK – The Over Kill USB Flash Drive

The TiSTICK is currently available on Kickstarter. Here is your summary update if interested:

The flash drive has a titanium case, made of very durable material, has 256AES hardware encryption, available in several large GB capacities and is getting near full funding on Kickstarter.

We like the shape, we like the magnet on the tail of the drive, and we like the look. Great marketing and certainly sets itself apart from the rest of the “durable” flash drives. So well done Jörg Lingg.

In our humble opinion a bit over kill, but that is only our opinion. The following drive is made of aluminum, has been ran over multiple times with a car, and still works fine with it’s Alcor controller with encryption functionality.

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Custom USB Flash Drive – 60 Incredible Designs (images)

Here are 60 incredible Custom USB Flash Drive designs. Each one of these designs is real and was made for a company or client. The custom USB shapes are not listed in any specific order.

Flash Drive #1

custom molded USB flash drive with logo branding

Flash Drive #2

unique promotional USB memory stick design

Flash Drive #3

logo branded custom USB stick for marketing

Flash Drive #4

creative USB thumb drive shape for promotions

Flash Drive #5

custom shaped USB drive for advertising campaigns

Flash Drive #6

novelty promotional USB flash design

Flash Drive #7

corporate branded USB stick giveaway

Flash Drive #8

company logo custom USB flash drive

Flash Drive #9

unique novelty USB drive promotional gift

Flash Drive #10

creative molded USB thumb drive for events

Flash Drive #11

personalized logo USB memory stick

Flash Drive #12

custom promotional USB device for branding

Flash Drive #13

unique USB flash stick with company name

Flash Drive #14

3D molded promotional USB memory device

Flash Drive #15

creative USB giveaway with custom design

Flash Drive #16

logo printed USB flash drive for marketing events

Flash Drive #17

custom 3D shaped USB promotional item

Flash Drive #18

personalized corporate gift USB stick

Flash Drive #19

custom made USB flash drive for trade shows

Flash Drive #20

custom promotional USB with detailed molding

Want a Custom Drive?

Contact US for Details

Flash Drive #21

promotional USB pen drive custom design

Flash Drive #22

branded flash stick for business marketing

Flash Drive #23

molded USB giveaway with unique shape

Flash Drive #24

corporate logo USB thumb drive promotional

Flash Drive #25

custom novelty flash memory USB stick

Flash Drive #26

personalized USB promotional gadget

Flash Drive #27

trade show branded USB device sample

Flash Drive #28

logo imprinted USB memory key

Flash Drive #29

3D promotional USB flash drive custom molded

Flash Drive #30

unique corporate USB handout design

Flash Drive #31

custom branded USB device for giveaways

Flash Drive #32

special edition molded USB flash drive

Flash Drive #33

creative marketing USB thumb drive sample

Flash Drive #34

custom promotional USB stick for events

Flash Drive #35

logo customized USB flash memory device

Flash Drive #36

unique branded USB giveaway sample

Flash Drive #37

personalized flash drive for product launch

Flash Drive #38

custom USB marketing tool with logo print

Flash Drive #39

3D molded promotional memory stick design

Flash Drive #40

exclusive USB flash drive for corporate branding

Want a Custom Drive?

Contact US for Details

Flash Drive #41

custom logo printed USB gadget for promotions

Flash Drive #42

creative 3D shaped flash drive corporate gift

Flash Drive #43

branded promotional USB for trade fairs

Flash Drive #44

personalized molded USB key design

Flash Drive #45

company branded custom USB flash storage

Flash Drive #46

custom themed USB promotional device

Flash Drive #47

unique shape USB drive for advertising use

Flash Drive #48

corporate USB giveaway with logo engraving

Flash Drive #49

3D molded USB promotional tool for events

Flash Drive #50

custom USB stick for brand visibility campaign

Flash Drive #51

logo printed promotional USB thumb drive

Flash Drive #52

novelty shaped USB flash drive for giveaways

Flash Drive #53

custom molded USB for product promotions

Flash Drive #54

corporate logo flash memory giveaway

Flash Drive #55

personalized USB device for conferences

Flash Drive #56

creative promotional USB with custom imprint

Flash Drive #57

special molded USB thumb drive gift

Flash Drive #58

unique branded flash memory promotional item

Flash Drive #59

final sample of custom promotional USB stick design

Flash Drive #60

custom promotional USB flash drive sample design #60

Want a Custom Drive?

Contact US for Details

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Harmonization Code for USB Flash Drives

HS Code for USB Flash Drives

When importing or exporting USB flash drives in the United States you will want to use this Harmonization Code to help with customs paperwork.

The Harmonization Code is tariff nomenclature for internationally trade which defines names and numbers assigned to traded products. The HS Code System came into effect in 1988 and has since been developed and maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO), based in Brussels, Belgium. There are over 200 countries which participate in this program.

The HS Code for a USB flash drive is: 8523.51.0000

In the event your freight forwarder or delivery service tells you that an ECCN is needed to ship USB flash drives and is required to complete the Automated Export System (AES) or other documentation then please give them the above information and it should all work out.

USB Flash Drive, HS Code

ECCN stands for Export Control Classification Number. An ECCN is an alpha-numeric classification used in the Commerce Control List to identify items for export control purposes.

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