USB Hack: Turn a USB Stick Into a Hard Drive or Local Disk
USB Tutorial: Turn a USB stick into a Hard Drive or Local Disk
This is a very valuable tutorial, especially if you are looking to partition a USB stick. Another application for turning a removable drive into a local disk, is that now many software programs can be loaded directly to a USB drive. The first program which comes to mind is iTunes. I know you need My Documents and a Local Disk to install it, so after this tutorial, I’ll try installing iTunes and share the results.
The process of turning a USB stick into a hard drive is fairly easy. However, there are limitations. For example, this works best with Windows XP operating systems. You also need to update the drivers for the device for any computer you are going to use. Typically, this isn’t a big deal as you can easily do this for your work and home computers. However, this isn’t a great solution if you are trying to create a partitions USB stick for distribution to many possible users [say trade show give-away].
Couple of items you’ll need:
- USB_LocalDisk.zip files [download here]
- Windows XP
- USB stick
What we will do, is connected the USB stick, find the driver code, update the driver code and re-connect the device. Simple.
Here are the details:
Never Leave Your UFD Behind With Flash Drive Reminder Utility
It’ is very possible many of you have left a USB stick in a work computer or friends computer simply because you forgot to pull it out upon leaving. To help in those moments of lapsed memory, there is a utility that take care of your temporary Alzheimers. The Flash Drive Reminder utility is a Windows based application and simply reminds you the USB stick is still plugged in when you log off or shut down.DIY: Create USB Dongle to Run USB Over CAT5 Cable
Icron is the leader in professional extensions for USB technology where a company or corporation is looking to run data via USB over an extended amount of length. Generally USB is goof for about 12 feet or so, but with Icron you can run over 300 feet of USB. Yet, there is a middle ground for those who need more than 12 feet and less than 40 feet for USB data transmittal applications. A good example is a small business or home business who’s looking to run a USB webcam at the front door for security.How To Format Any Size USB Drive as NTFS
If you take a typical USB stick and select the Windows format option, you only get the FAT and FAT32 option for anything under 4GBs. However, there are times you might want to format as NTFS. For example, you want to set specific file and folder privileges to the content and you feel NTFS is the best way. Well, there is an easy solution and it’s just a matter of setting the options correctly in Windows for your device. This is how you do it: Start > My Computer > Right click on the drive letter for the USB stick and select Properties.Floppy Drive Looks Old, Acts Young
The floppy diskette was an icon of portable storage. For years, this was the de facto standard for moving information from one location to another. Heck, an entire industry was made for duplicating floppy diskettes. Today things are a bit different. We still have the specialized duplicator equipment, but the media has changed. Now, the de facto standard are USB flash drives. Well, this commercialized floppy has the look and feel of the old days, but all the flare and space of modern USB sticks. Check out this USB floppy drive.WD-40 Could Be A USB Stick’s Best Friend

- Open up the USB stick plastic case and set everything out for a dry.
- Sunlight would speed the process, but I would recommend at least 24 hours of dry time.
- Next, take the PCB board and memory and spray it down with some WD-40. The idea hear is to avoid any metal contacts to become rusted or corroded, as once you close up the plastic case, it’s a great environment for moisture to do some good damage. The WD-40 will help prevent moisture damage.
USB Hub Monster In Time for Halloween
USB Tutorial: How to Make a USB Coil Cable
Here is a simple USB tutorial on taking a typical phone cord and splicing it so USB connectors sit on each end. The concept being a cheap and easy way to make a short cable expand out for long distance connection during use.DIY: USB Vacuum Home Brew Style
Have a mess? Need some help on that clean up job? If so, check out this DIY video on how to home brew a USB vacuum. Can’t see the video – here’s the YouTube link. Continue ReadingError: This USB Device Can Perform Faster if Connected to Hi Speed USB 2.0 Port
Have you seen this error message before from your Windows machine when a USB device is connected: “This USB Device can Perform Faster if Connected to Hi Speed USB 2.0 Port?” Well, I’ve seen it recently and went through a fairly long process to figure out how to correct it. Surprisingly it’s not difficult.
Flip Your Bit USB Utility To Make Local Drive
BootIt is a Lexar based utility to flip the Removable Media Bit setting of a USB drive. What this means, is you can take a Lexar drive (and many other brands) and make it appear as a Local Drive on your PC rather than Removable Storage.
This is absolutely necessary if you are looking to partition your USB drive or try some trick hack like run your iTunes from a USB stick.

The RMB or Removable Media Bit is present on all flash drives, but whether the Lexar utility can flip it is something of trial and error. Although it goes without saying…and I’ll say it anyway…the utility works with Lexar drives, everything else, use at your own risk.
Flip your bit BootIt is a freeware program. Download it here.
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