Pet Snake with USB Leash
Continue ReadingNew pet ???????? pic.twitter.com/s3BWd08zTg
— Coralina Aiazzi (@Cora_Mat) March 21, 2019
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.
Continue ReadingSteampunk 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.
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:
Continue ReadingMicrosoft Finally Capitulated the USB Safe Removal
In a battle that is so ancient most no longer consider it an issue, Microsoft has gone away with the safe removal for USB flash drives. The original suggestion by Microsoft was to eliminate data lose if a user removed the drive before properly ejecting it.
Nine out of ten times you wouldn’t lose data, unless a large file was being transferred, but it’s nice to see Microsoft adjust to user habits.
The update which includes this change is Windows 10 v v1809. If you are not sure the Windows version you have, simply right click the Windows icon in the bottom left of your screen and select “System“
From the resultant page, you can view the version of your OS.
Continue ReadingMen’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:
Continue ReadingUSB4, The Royalty Free Thunderbolt from Intel
In the news, Intel has given their specification for its high-speed Thunderbolt technology to the USB-IF implementers forum. This is the group which creates and manages USB technology.
The USB4 specification will follow the current USB 3.2 specification, yet an exact date of release has not been defined.
USB4 will double the bandwidth of USB 3.2 and provide transfer rates at a theoretical maximum of 40Gb/s.Â
USB4 will also enable the use of multiple data and display protocols simultaneously. This implies you will be able to transfer data, run your monitor and power your devices through a single connection.
Continue ReadingWhere to buy: SD Duplicators, Some Say “SD Copiers”
SD cards are so popular today because the gigabyte capacity in relation to the form factor size is such a great trade off. The average user on the street would associate an SD card with a camera, but we know heavy users of SD cards use them for embedded operating systems, GPS systems and hand-held point of sale systems.
With that said, for those who need to mass data load content to Secure Digital cards, you might be looking for options on where to buy the gear. The following article, which has no affiliate links for commissions, lists some house-hold names who offer on-line purchasing of SD duplication gear.
SD duplicators manufactured by Nexcopy are available from a variety of different on-line retailers. The models available from the manufacturer range in different sizes. The models also range between systems running from a host computer and systems which are stand alone. The following content will talk about both, PC based and standalone duplicators.
Wal-Mart is a growing on-line destination for purchasing technology equipment. Yes, Wal-Mart. For example, a user can buy a 20 target SD duplicator from Wal-Mart.
This system is PC based and requires a very minimal Windows computer to run the software. You might ask, why a PC based system? What advantages are there with a system like this? Here are some bullet points on why a PC based system is a benefit:
Continue ReadingSteampunk 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.
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…
Continue ReadingUSB 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…
Continue ReadingHow To: Delete and Keep “System Volume Information” Folder Off Flash Drives
If you have found this post, chances are you are trying to delete and keep the “System Volume Information” folder off your flash drive.
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.
Continue ReadingDouble AA Rechargeable USB Battery – 4 Pack
These are 1450mAh batteries that are rechargeable via standard USB port.
This is the better way digital devices should be designed. I am not a fan of, for example, my portable speaker going south because the device can no longer hold a charge. I’d much rather have my portable speaker take batteries which I can replace, than my device going dead and I have to throw it away.
As I type this, the four pack of double AA batteries are going for $35. So just under $10 per battery.
The company claims they will take 500 charges. Assuming they have over stated that statistic, even at 250 charges… it’s a smart move.
They also claim the AA battery will last 2 to 3 times longer than a normal battery. Probably a direct link to the 1.2V NiMH nickel metal hydride cell technology.
EaseUS Data Recovery Software – Free
It’s been a hard day because your USB stick or SD card with important content doesn’t have the file you are looking for. Somehow, maybe your kid, formatted the device and what you are looking for is no longer there.
Wouldn’t it be nice to get some recovery software to find that file?
Better yet, wouldn’t it be nice to have a free download to show you what files can be seen… and then you can decide to buy the software? I mean, your day has already been bad enough, why spend money for a shot in the dark?
EaseUS Data Recovery software is just what you need. Today is a review of this software. Our first and last impression, it’s good stuff!
Here is the “Readers Digest” version of the data recovery software review. Oh, and if you’re a millennial who doesn’t know what “Readers Digest” is, it was a small magazine that would provide short stories and reviews and jokes. Nothing long, everything quick and to the point.
The EaseUS Data Recovery software is free for download with upgrade options.
The fee download gives you the ability to recover up-to one GB of data. The types of situations the free software is best used for is when the file was deleted or the file was formatted off the drive.
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