Encrypting a USB flash drive is quick and easy in Windows 10. The PRO version of Windows 10 will allow anyone to activate Microsoft’s built in bitlocker technology to encrypt an entire flash drive, or part of a USB flash drive.

Microsoft BitLocker is a disk encryption technology designed to enhance data security by encrypting entire disk volumes on Windows operating systems. Introduced with Windows Vista and included in subsequent versions, BitLocker provides a robust defense against unauthorized access and data breaches.

The primary purpose of BitLocker is to protect sensitive data in case a device is lost, stolen, or accessed by an unauthorized user. It uses full-disk encryption to secure the entire contents of a disk, including the operating system, system files, and user data. Even if someone physically removes the hard drive and attempts to access it on another system, the data remains inaccessible without the proper authentication credentials.

BitLocker employs various encryption methods, with Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) being a commonly used algorithm.

The encryption process is transparent to the user once configured, and access is granted through authentication methods like PINs and passwords.

Below are nine screen shots and simply follow along in your Windows 10 Pro computer and do what you see below. The process is very easy to do. The longest part of this entire setup is the encryption of the USB stick itself. The time required to encrypt the drive will depend on a couple of factors, such as the GB capacity of the USB drive and the processing power of your computer. In the example below, using a USB 2.0 device with a 16GB capacity the encryption time took only 4 minutes.

Easily get the hard coded serial number of a USB flash drive with either the Command prompt in Windows or Powershell. Of the two, Powershell is easier. Below are the instructions. After the instructions there is a bit more information about the different types of serial numbers which can be found associated with a Mass Storage Device (USB flash drive) so be sure to read that part as well, so you get what you want!

In the Windows Search bar, type “powershell” and click Enter

The Powershell utility will run and simply copy and past the following:

Get-WmiObject Win32_DiskDrive | select Model, Name, InterfaceType, SerialNumber

The screen shot below shows the hard drive of the system and a USB flash drive. The command doesn’t clearly label each, so be a little aware of the devices connected compared to what is listed. It is suggested to have only one USB device connected while running Powershell so it is easy to identify the device.

For the Command prompt, go to the USB flash drive itself. In the navigation field at the top (where you can type things) type in cmd. This will open the Command prompt for the USB flash drive itself. From here, copy and paste the following:

wmic path Win32_USBControllerDevice get Dependent | find “USBSTOR”

The screen shot below shows the same result as the Powershell command, BUT the string does have an extra &0 which is not part of the USB flash drive device. So a bit of parsing is required when looking at the number, or parsing of code if you plan to use the Command prompt to find the device serial number programmatically.

From the two above the Powershell solution is a bit more elegant.

However; may we suggest a third option? If you find yourself on this page, there is a high probability there are other features you can benefit from, like making an Image file of your USB stick, or speed benchmarking the performance of your flash drive.

If that is the case, then we recommend our free program, no installation required, standalone exe file that will fetch the serial number of a device as well as provide a tool to create image files or speed test your USB flash drive.

You may download the free program here. Again, no installation required, this is a standalone exe file that can run from your flash drive or hard drive:

FREE DOWNLOAD: Nexcopy USBScrub

Is it worth buying a USB 3.1 USB flash drive?

The tech industry, tech nerds and tech blogs will definitely say that buying a USB 3.1 flash drive is worth it. After all, these blogs need something new to write about and new links to generate for affiliate advertising, but are these blogs reporting back valuable information before someone spends their hard earned cash?

Let us compare the write speed difference between a USB 3.1 flash drive and a USB 3.0 flash drive to see what information we can uncover.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) has different transfer speeds based on the version of technology, we did a write about that earlier. The USB 3.1 specification has a transfer rate which taps out at 1,250 MB/second (Megabytes per second). The USB 3.0 specification has a transfer rate which taps out at 625MB/second. Of course this is the theoretical maximum transfer speed. When anyone says “theoretical transfer speed” they are implicating all conditions are ideal. For example, the host computer has the horsepower and bandwidth to push that much data and the receiving device (in this case, flash drive) has equal throughput to receive that data. But is that the real world – is it worth buying a USB 3.1 USB flash drive?

Below are some images and here is the general order of what you will be reading:

• Screen shots of the USB device type (USB 3.0 and USB 3.1)
• Screen shots of benchmark software testing both USB technologies
• Screen shots of a real-world copy jobs using a Windows computer

From the screen shots below you can see a USB 3.0 flash drive and USB 3.1 flash drive. Both flash drives use an SMI controller for the USB 3.0 and 3.1 technology. These are the same high quality and higher performance controllers seen in iPhones and NAND memory used from Micron Technology. The NAND memory type is MLC (multi-layer cell memory) is slower than SLC NAND memory (single layer cell). Note: USB flash drives do not use SLC memory because the NAND memory price is too expensive and the SLC supply is very small. Flash drives are produced at mass scale and meant to be a low cost data transfer and storage tools – speed is not the #1 priority, despit all the marketing we read online.

Here are benchmark speed tests for both USB devices in discussion today.

The program has two test settings for benchmarking a speed test. One test setting is for the theoretical maximum speed of the device and writes data directly to memory without accounting for operating system and device overhead for were the data is stored. Think of this as a random write test to any available sector on the flash drive.

The second test setting is a write sequence which includes the operating system and device overhead cache for placing files in the file allocation table. This means extra time is spend during the data transfer to log where each sector is written along with the calculation required to write the next bit of data. This second test setting is more like a real-world experience.

Speed benchmark software is designed to provide a relatively quick summary of the device capability. So the first test setting is designed to show the theoretical maximum write speed or “burst” write speed. The second test setting is designed to show a more “sustained” write speed. Any benchmark software is designed to provide a quick and easy snap-shot of what the device can do – but can the device do it?

Readers can download the USB Scrub software for speed benchmarking their flash drives. The software is 100% free, no installation or sign-ups, and includes other cool features like registry cleaning and making image files of flash drives. USB Scrub download link

The C2C caberQU is a USB board to test a USB-C cable in a variety of situations or configurations.

This handy tool for computer professionals will check USB-C cables in great detail and down to every pin found inside a USB-C cable. It applies voltage to all the pins in a cable and detects which ones are connected on the other end. With 25 LEDs, it can show all possible combinations for USB-C pins in various modes, such as USB 2.0/1.1, USB Power Delivery, USB 3.0/3.1/3.2, Alternate Mode, Debug Accessory Mode, and Audio Adapter Accessory Mode. A comprehensive manual is included to explain connectors, modes, and pin details.

Examples for IT Managers:

1. USB Cable Verification = Imagine an IT manager dealing with a pile of USB-C cables in an office. They can use the C2C caberQU board to quickly test and identify the functionality of each cable. This ensures that the right cables are used for different devices, preventing data transfer issues or device compatibility problems.
2. Hardware Troubleshooting = In a data center or server room, an IT manager may encounter connectivity problems with USB-C peripherals. By using the C2C caberQU board, they can pinpoint cable issues, such as broken pins or incorrect connections, saving time and minimizing downtime.
3. Inventory Management = Managing a stock of USB-C cables for an organization can be challenging. The C2C caberQU board helps IT managers ensure that the purchased cables meet the required specifications. They can easily distinguish between different cable versions (like V1 and V3) and make informed purchasing decisions based on their specific needs.

V1 vs. V3 – Which One to Choose?

There are two versions of the C2C caberQU board available, V1 and V3, with some distinctions:

• V1 comes with a standard battery, while V3 features a German name brand battery.
• V3 can be used with a protective case.
• V1 lacks hanging holes for convenient storage.
• V1 has a slightly different printed design.

Both V1 and V3 serve the same purpose, testing USB-C to USB-C cables effectively. They include the same manual and offer identical LED combinations for testing.

Why did these guys make it?

USB-C cables come in numerous variations, making it challenging to select the right one for specific tasks. If the wrong cable is used, it can lead to slower data transfer rates or device incompatibility. USB-C cables must adhere to specific pin configurations, grounding, and resistor requirements, adding to the complexity.

Why is this better testing USB-C board?

Determining if a particular cable supports a specific use case can be challenging. Broken pins can make matters worse due to their unpredictable behavior. The C2C caberQU cable tester simplifies this process. By flipping the USB connectors, it lights up opposing LEDs on certain pins, as per the USB-C standard. The product includes one CR2032 battery, the PCB, and a comprehensive manual. Note that the USB-C cable is not included, and you need to select the pins according to your specific requirements.

No external power supply is required, as the CR2032 battery provides the necessary power when a cable is connected. This battery should last for an extended period.

Please keep in mind that this item is a prototype, not certified, and mainly suitable for prototyping purposes. If a more economical shipping option is available, it will be used, and any cost difference will be refunded. Funny quirks and unexpected behavior are possible but are part of its prototyping nature.

The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) was founded by a group of technology companies, including Intel, Microsoft, and others, in 1995. Its primary purpose is to promote and develop USB (Universal Serial Bus) technology standards. The USB 3.0 specification, also known as USB 3.1 Gen 1, was released in 2008. This marked a significant advancement in data transfer speeds, offering up to 5 gigabits per second (Gbps) compared to the slower USB 2.0 standard. USB 3.0 introduced improved performance and backward compatibility, enhancing the connectivity and functionality of various devices and peripherals.

No affiliation or affiliate money to this item, but you can source it here: The C2C caberQU USB board for about $30 USD.

Users can turn disable USB flash drive pop up messages in Windows 10 by performing a very simple step in Settings. While it may seem counterproductive to turn off USB notifications in Windows 10, once you’ve been using Windows for a while you will likely want to reduce the number of pop-up messages.

There are two ways to disable USB flash drive messages in Windows. Performing a RegEdit or modifing a Settings feature in the Windows GUI

Disable the USB flash drive pop up message via Windows Registry Edit

• Open RegEdit by typing “regedit” in the Search bar
• Navigate to: HOKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Miscrosoft\Shell\USB
• Click the USB folder on the left of the screen to highlight the registry entries for \USB\
• On the right side of screen select “NotifyOnUsbErrors” by clicking on it
• Right click and select “Modify”
• Set the value to “0” (zero). Zero is off, One is on

NOTE: Most users will receive a message saying they do not have privileges to modify the registry value. That is meant by design, and please see the comments at the end of this article for why.

Disable the USB flash drive pop up message via Settings

• Type “settings” in the Seach bar of Windows
• Select “Devices”
• Select the USB tab near/at the bottom on left
• Uncheck “Notify me if there are issues connecting USB devices

The second method via Settings is the preferred method because changing registry entries is not recommended unless the user is very experienced with computers. Windows 10 does a good job of not allowing users make registry changes that would crash their computer or brick the operating system, but the risk is still there.

If you received some sort of permissions message when attempting our regedit method, I would stay away from trying to resolve that security message. The reason Miscrosoft locks downt he registry in certain areas is to provide a more secure computer system for the user and reduce potential risk of malware or hackers getting control of your computer.

Over the years, numerous reports have come out about how hackers will expose certain USB protocols to insert malware or take control of a system. The registry is the main point of focus for hackers.

If you are persistent about changing the registry entries the first thing you can try is running RegEdit as Administrator. If that doesn’t resolve your issue then you may Google search for your specific error message and see if another website offers up a solution.

eVehicles are all the trend for new cars… and many Tesla owners are discovering the joys of camping with their eco-friendly cars. With ample interior space, comfortable seating, and advanced features, a Tesla makes for a convenient and sustainable option for camping adventures. However, some Tesla owners have encountered issues with power supply while camping, particularly when using devices like eCoolers or medical devices like CPAP machines that require continuous power.

Here is our quick and easy solution for how to keep the 12v outlet on to power an eCooler or CPAP machine.

One Tesla owner recently shared their experience with trying to power an eCooler during a camping trip. They tried using Sentry mode and camping mode, but found that once the car went to sleep, the 12v outlet in the back of their Model Y stopped providing power. Frustrated, they stumbled upon a solution by accident – they put their duffle bag in the driver’s seat while troubleshooting. By doing this, the car didn’t go into sleep mode because the car’s operating system thought someone was sitting in the driver’s seat, and consequently kept the 12v power going, allowing the eCooler to continue operating.

This simple trick of adding weight to the driver’s seat proved to be a great way to keep the eCooler running throughout the camping trip. This little “hack” would also work for those who need to use a CPAP machine, as these are crucial medical devices for individuals with sleep apnea.

It’s worth noting that while this trick has been effective for some Tesla owners, it may not be a foolproof solution for everyone. Tesla’s software updates and electrical systems are constantly improving, and the need for such workarounds may become obsolete in the future. But for now, this unexpected solution is the ticket to keeping the 12v going all night.

Transfer Photos from iPhone to PC – Easy and Automated

iCloud is the default way to store your photos from your Apple device to another location. Once the files are in your iCloud, you can log into the iCloud account and save those images to your computer.

However, many users don’t use the iCloud service and looking for an alternative. Here is an alternative that is easy, automatic and far less expensive than an iCloud account.

The Qubii Pro is a backup device that takes place while you are charging your phone. There is nothing to do and there are no settings to set. The Qubii Pro is a small device that holds a microSD card for data storage and connects directly to your iPhone cable and of course your charging block.

Transfer photos from your iPhone to storage is automatic. Qubii will scan your video and photo library and backup any file it doesn’t detect on the microSD card. The first time used, the backup process could take a long time because the Qubii hasn’t seen your digital library and so will back everything up. The time to do this will depend on the number of video and photo files you have. However, on subsequent connections Qubii will only backup new photos or video.

Since everyone is good about charging their phones at night, the backup process will take place without disrupting usage. The backup will take place while you sleep.

Yes, Apple gives each user 5GB of free space, but do you realize that space goes very quickly? The high resolution photos and video will chew threw your 5GBs of storage fairly quickly. As you can see from the price matrix below, the cost for using the iCloud isn’t all that expensive, at first, but gets up there for sure!

• Free: 5GB of storage per iCloud account (not per device)
• $0.99/month: 50GB of storage (single user)
• $2.99/month: 200GB of storage (family use)
• $9.99/month: 2TB of storage (family use)
• If you purchase the $22.95/month Apple One Family plan, you receive 200GB of iCloud storage as part of your membership. The $32.95/month Apple One Premier plan comes with 2TB of iCloud storage.

Apple does a very good job of pestering you to signup for the Family Plan so there is a high probability your monthly cost will be north of $20 USD (at the time of this writing in 2023)

With the Qubii, there are some items to be aware of:

• The solution does not allow you to select which video and photo to back up, it just does it all
• If a file is deleted off the microSD card, the solution will backup the photo again if found on your phone
• The solution backs up only photo images and video files, doesn’t backup contacts or documents
• If you swap out the microSD card, the entire backup will start over again

The last point mentioned above is key.

IronKey is the bell-weather for encrypted flash drives. The company, owned by Kingston Digital, a Southern California based private company, uses hardware encryption chips with their USB flash drives which provide the highest level of security known to mass storage devices.

GetUSB.info came across an amazing story by Wired Magazine about how one of the authors at Wired sent an IronKey to a hacking company called Unciphered in Seattle Washington to see if they could access the drive. The did.

This is not an easy task to accomplish. IronKey uses encryption to safeguard important data with FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified, FIPS 197 certified and XTS-AES 256-bit encryption. The solution allows for 10 tries before the USB controller wipes the device clean of any data. So there is a big risk-reward for using the device and losing the password to the device.

However, Unciphered developed a method to allow more attempts than just 10. It is not entirely clear how many attempts Unciphered is able to apply, but it’s more than 10.

Why is this significant, other than the fact IronKey may now have a security issue on their hands? It is well known in early 2021, a report of just over 7,000 Bitcoin were stranded in an IronKey flash drive due to a forgotten password. The owner, Programmer Stefan Thomas, did not utilize the Enterprise Management Service for password recovery. The 7000 bitcoin is currently (as of Oct 2023) worth over $235 million dollars.

To give Wired Magazine their due credit, read the full story by Andy Greenberg.

In a move that exemplifies innovation at the intersection of technology and design, CORSAIR®, renowned for its cutting-edge gaming peripherals and PC components, has introduced a groundbreaking solution for gamers, content creators, and professionals alike. The CORSAIR Platform:6, a modular desk engineered to redefine the workspace experience, has arrived on the scene, raising the bar for ergonomic excellence and customizable convenience.

Guided by decades of expertise in crafting high-performance desktop gear, CORSAIR, alongside its subsidiary Elgato, has harnessed an acute understanding of user needs to give birth to the Platform:6. This multifaceted masterpiece not only caters to the evolving demands of gamers and professionals but embodies the very essence of a dynamic and adaptable workspace. Seamlessly integrating premium materials, an unparalleled spectrum of customization options, and an array of intelligent features—ranging from adjustable height mechanisms to meticulous cable management—the Platform:6 sets an all-new standard for the ultimate, feature-rich computer desk.

Embracing the full spectrum of modern lifestyles, from avid gamers to home-based remote workers seeking an optimized workspace, the Platform:6 is a colossal six-foot expanse that can be expanded even further to accommodate high-end gaming rigs, complete streaming setups, and a profusion of accessories. The uniqueness of the Platform:6 lies in its multitude of configurations, each offering a diverse selection of features, including motorized height adjustments, a choice of surface materials, and an expandable rail system. The process of curating one’s ideal Platform:6 is seamlessly facilitated through CORSAIR’s user-friendly online configurator, which caters to both individual needs and spatial requirements. Alternatively, users can explore carefully curated bundles that promise unmatched value.

A testament to foresight and adaptability, the Platform:6 is crafted with the future in mind, mirroring the evolution of its user’s needs. A modular rail system forms the core of the Platform:6’s design, boasting a universal aluminum T-channel crossbar, side rails, and top-mounted rail. This ingenious arrangement renders the Platform:6 compatible with an extensive range of aftermarket attachments and accessories, inviting users to personalize their workspace with unprecedented creativity. Furthermore, CORSAIR celebrates user ingenuity by facilitating the incorporation of self-designed 3D printed accessories, resulting in an experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

For those who prioritize ergonomic convenience, the Platform:6 offers a variant equipped with dual electric motors that silently and swiftly adjust the desk’s height. This dynamic feature, controlled via an LCD readout controller, accommodates preferred positions with memory presets for a truly tailored experience. The desk’s surface can be chosen in either a classic dark walnut-stained, environmentally friendly rubberwood or a robust black laminate, adding an element of aesthetic choice to the mix.

No detail is left unattended in the Platform:6’s pursuit of an elevated workspace experience. Supplied dual monitor arms facilitate effortless dual-monitor setup, while an expansive CORSAIR RapidRoute wire management tray conceals cables and even power strips. Furthermore, an in-desk storage cubby, complete with USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports, harmonizes wire management and small item storage. The result is a space that not only accommodates the complexity of high-powered setups but does so while maintaining a clutter-free aesthetic.

The pivotal driving force behind the Platform:6’s conception is expandability—a quality that manifests through a plethora of add-ons that empower users to fashion their perfect desk. Should the expansive six-foot width fall short, side extensions can be effortlessly attached, offering an additional 30cm x 70cm of space, complemented by optional hanging pegboards. The Elgato Multi Frame, an exclusive top-mounted pegboard designed for the Platform:6, introduces even more mounting opportunities, enabling the organization of gear and accessories. Adapters tailored for Elgato Multi-Mount and Flex Arm products seamlessly integrate Key Lights, cameras, or microphones into the rail system.

At the forefront of this innovation stands the Platform:6 Creator Edition, the flagship variant of the desk, complete with adjustable height functionality and a rubberwood surface. As the Platform:6 gears up for its official launch, users can anticipate the exhilarating prospect of designing and purchasing customized configurations through the online configurator. The unveiling of the Platform:6 promises a new era of workspace refinement, an experience that blends cutting-edge features with an innate understanding of ergonomic principles. As we count down to its official launch later this year, the Platform:6 beckons us to witness how it elevates the workspace to an echelon of distinction.

Microsoft has not made an official announcement on why the option to format FAT32 is no longer available for devices 64GB in capacity and above.

In both Windows 10 and Windows 11 the format option given by Windows is either NTFS (New Technology File System) or exFAT (Extended File System). The option to format FAT32 is no long available in Windows.

Without an official announcement from Microsoft we can only speculate the reason is do to single file sizes averaging a larger size as of 2023.

The largest single file size supported by the FAT32 file system is 4GB. This is due to the limitations of the file system’s design. FAT32 uses a 32-bit file allocation table, which means it can address up to 4,294,967,295 clusters. Since each cluster in FAT32 is typically 4KB in size, the maximum file size is limited to 4GB (4,294,967,295 clusters multiplied by 4KB per cluster).

If you need to store files larger than 4GB, you will need to use a different file system that supports larger file sizes, such as NTFS (New Technology File System), exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table), or others. NTFS, in particular, is commonly used in modern Windows operating systems and supports much larger file sizes, making it suitable for storing large files and operating system installations.

We speculate, to reduce customer inquiries or complaints to Microsoft they have eliminated the option of FAT32 to any device of 64GBs or larger in capacity. The reason is that a user will receive an error message from the device when an attempt to copy a single file of 4GBs or larger to a FAT32 device. To reduce the frequency of error messages, by formatting the device as exFAT will eliminate this error.

The ExFAT (Extended File Allocation Table) file system supports significantly larger file sizes compared to FAT32. The maximum file size supported by ExFAT is a staggering 16 exabytes (EB), which is equivalent to 16 million terabytes (TB) or 16 billion gigabytes (GB). This vast file size limit allows for storing extremely large files, such as high-resolution videos, large databases, or disk images.

ExFAT was specifically designed to overcome the limitations of FAT32, including the maximum file size restriction. It is commonly used in various devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and some embedded systems, for handling large files and providing interoperability between different platforms.

It’s important to note that while ExFAT supports large file sizes, the actual maximum file size might be limited by the specific implementation or the capabilities of the storage medium itself.

If the above information was helpful, please consider looking at some advanced flash drives offered by Nexcopy. Advanced functions include USB copy protection, USB write protection, USB CD-ROM, and HIPAA compliant flash drives. These functions are done at the hardware level and are universal solutions.

The Romotow T8 is an great conceptual caravan that has taken the world of mobile homes by storm for it’s sleek design and create form. One of the most intriguing features of the Romotow is its swiveling design which reminds us much of USB swivel drives you’ve seen so on this website.

It was created by the renowned New Zealand architecture firm W2, and it is unlike any other RVs you you’ve ever seen. With its unique design, advanced technology, and luxurious features, the Romotow T8 offers a unique camping experience for those looking to flex their muscles by owning the latest and greatest RV designs.

The caravan is built on a fixed chassis with a curved side, and the inner section can rotate up to 90-degrees. This totally new design allows the caravan to expand and contract, offering indoor and outdoor living spaces as required. When the caravan is in its open position, it offers a spacious decking area, where you can sit back and enjoy nature. The large doors open up to a sheltered living space, providing you with a comfortable and luxurious living experience.

Apart from its eye-catching design, the Romotow T8 boasts a range of features that will impress anyone. You can order the caravan with wall-mounted TVs, an outdoor projector, a pumping audio system, and a bedroom with either a single bed or a double bed. The caravan also runs off a 200-Ah lithium battery that’s charged by solar panels on the roof, making it eco-friendly and perfect for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

Despite its advanced features and unique design, the Romotow T8 may pose some challenges in certain camping sites. Some campers have noted that the caravan’s size and shape may not fit well in certain campgrounds. Specifically, many camping spaces are long and narrow, which could make it impossible to open up the Romotow T8 without damaging the RV of your neighbor. In fact most camping sites use slim parking stalls for the RVs, camper vans and caravans. The Romotow is probably best suited for wide-open camping spaces, rather than RV park.

While the Romotow T8 is a luxurious and innovative caravan, it does come with a hefty price tag. At $266,000 USD, it is undoubtedly one of the most expensive caravans on the market. Additionally, if you live in the United States or any other country, you may have to pay extra fees to import the caravan, which can add to the overall cost.