question for the computer literate

[lavaman]

about 4 years ago I accidentally zapped the software off a USB drive

(SanDisk, using CruzerLock 2.1)


the device still functions, except for the stuff I encrypted in the vault (intel related to legal matter).

i need to recove the stuff...

is there a way to reinstall the software? (i know SanDisk apparently used to have the software for download, but not anymore....)

thanks bunches

[Brunotheboxer]

You are going to need to get some data recovery software.

[GradyPhilpott]

Try this.

It's free, so you have nothing to lose.

I was able to recover hundreds of images from an SD card that had been reformatted.

It saved my butt.

http://www.piriform.com/recuva

[BarkMaster]

If this is critical data, I would suggest you contact Sandisk support before you do anything.

If all you did to "zapping" the software was to delete it and you haven't used the drive, then it's likely you can recover it since deleting simply removes the pointer in the file allocation table. Just install the recovery software indicated above to your computer, then scan your USB drive with it. I assume you still have the encryption password, keyfile or whatever is needed for decryption of the vault? You are still going to need that!

[lavaman]

yes i still recall the password and i sent their tech support an email y'day

[lavaman]

grady did u use the free version? because it seems to indicate only the pro version actually allows recovery

[GradyPhilpott]

I did use the free version and it worked flawlessly.

I still have it installed, although I haven't had to use it for quite a while, except for occasional upgrades.

Try the free version and if it doesn't work spring for the "pro" version, but I think the free version will do the trick.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by BarkMaster

If this is critical data, I would suggest you contact Sandisk support before you do anything.

If all you did to "zapping" the software was to delete it and you haven't used the drive, then it's likely you can recover it since deleting simply removes the pointer in the file allocation table. Just install the recovery software indicated above to your computer, then scan your USB drive with it. I assume you still have the encryption password, keyfile or whatever is needed for decryption of the vault? You are still going to need that!

x 2 . . .

Or all is gone . . .

Good luck

HAGT

[77T]

Originally Posted by lavaman

about 4 years ago I accidentally zapped the software off a USB drive

(SanDisk, using CruzerLock 2.1)


the device still functions, except for the stuff I encrypted in the vault (intel related to legal matter).

i need to recove the stuff...

is there a way to reinstall the software? (i know SanDisk apparently used to have the software for download, but not anymore....)

thanks bunches

Just a thought - have you considered buying a used SanDisk thumbdrive with CruzerLock 2.1 off eBay?

Then transfer the encrypted files over to it - use the password and it should unlock.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by 77T

Just a thought - have you considered buying a used SanDisk thumbdrive with CruzerLock 2.1 off eBay?

Then transfer the encrypted files over to it - use the password and it should unlock.

Do you think that this will work . . . it's possible . . .

HAGOne

[kilyung]

Unless the USB stick was formatted, all the application files are still there. Any decent recovery program should be able to restore it.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Unless the USB stick was formatted, all the application files are still there. Any decent recovery program should be able to restore it.

Recuva recovered all my data, even after the card has been reformatted.

[lavaman]

hmm ok will keep swinging


and no i hadnt thought about eBay at all! Thanks

[77T]

Originally Posted by Kingair

Do you think that this will work . . . it's possible . . .

HAGOne

Definitely - encrypted files are swapped between sticks all the time. Works only within the same codeset though.

Worse case scenario you sell the USB stick you just bought and recoup the $$$$

[77T]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Unless the USB stick was formatted, all the application files are still there. Any decent recovery program should be able to restore it.

True - throwing something in the trash just opens a flag to let the OS know these memory blocks/pages are free.

It is trickier once the OS has overwritten any segments though...