all the document (data) files on my usb drive are corrupted. i have no other copies and these files are very very important...some for work and some personal. when i open the usb drive the folders are still named correctly but when i open the folders the files and folders inside have changed to weird characters so they are inaccessible. i cant open anything. one basic thing to try is running chkdsk but i couldnt do it...i think the drive has to be locked first and i don't know how to do that either. i checked the usb drive on another computer and its the same...all corrupted. i also tried to change the filenames to .doc or .wpd files but it wouldn't let me access them to try that. the drive is a cheap import from china! but i have been using it fine for almost a year. please can anyone offer any advice on how i might retrieve these files...they are all still there and the sizes are listed. i just need them to be changed back to their original file names and extensions to open them.

Try removing the drive from the enclosure and connecting to an IDE controller in a desktop computer. Be sure all drives on that channel are jumpered correctly. This will eliminate the circuitry in the enclosure and/ or the cable as the problem. Do you faithfully "safely remove that device"?

thanks for offering your recommendation. i have kept the usb drive in a hub constantly for a while and only removed it after noticing the corrupt files. i do always ensure that i do not remove such a device if it is in use, such as copying files, if that is what you mean by 'safely removing.' i can certainly remove the physical enclosure to reveal the circuit board inside. do you mean that i should then insert the device in a usb drive on a desktop computer? i do not understand how such a device can be otherwise connected. that part of your analysis is a bit over my head! as is checking the jumpers. if there's a chance the files could be read on a desktop computer i might try that. but, perhaps i have misunderstood. i could perhaps give the usb drive to a friend to check using these instructions when i see him early next month! i have mailed him and he recommends that i find a reputable usb drive recovery utility to download. he also warned me not to run chkdsk on a usb drive and, course, said that only branded hardware should be used for storage. in another forum the only reply was that i haven't got a chance in hell! apologies for not understanding your recommendation fully.

Inside the external enclosure is a STANDARD 3.5" IDE harddrive or if a smaller enclosure that doesn't require external power, a 2.5" IDE laptop harddrive. If the latter case you will need an adapter to connect the drive to a desktop IDE cable.

thanks...yes it is a smaller size usb drive. i have sent the info you have kindly provided to my friend to hopefully have a crack at this option. thanks for your assistance again.