USB Flash Sample Format

HB13DISH

I received a USB flash 128 MB promotion sample that a friend had and he doesn't need anymore.
Upon inserting in my PC, I got two new drives F and G
The F drive is formatted in CDFS and has an application, something like a pps.
The G drive is formatted as FAT.
When I tried to delete the application, I got a warning.
There is no format option for drive F, only drive G.
Obviously the company that gave away the sample wants to keep the file on the stick.
The problem is that once I insert it, it will not stop and I have to switch off the PC and then take it out.
(It is recommended not to take any USB flash out without stopping).
My question is how can I format this stick so that I can get rid of this annoying application?
I am thinking of using my Dreambox 7000S to format it this evening, but will it work?
I read that CDFS is a Linux based format.
Thanks.

2cvbloke

CDFS is what's used on Data CD/DVD-Roms, odd how they use it on a USB pendrive...

You could try using the Partition manager in windows (Control Panel - Admin. Tools - Computer Management - Disk Management), delete both partitions, then make a single new one...

Just make sure you start windows with the drive inserted to stop it Auto-running...

Or Turn off the Autorun option on that drive...

PoloMint

Or try holding down shift when inserting the drive (this stops autorun on autorun CDs - not sure about memory sticks).

Yes, a partition program sounds like the way to go to turn it back into a normal USB drive

'All you need is duck tape and WD40; if it moves and it shouldn't, use duck tape - if it should move and it doesn't, use WD40'

HB13DISH

Thank you for the replies.
Tried it and it has proved to be something of a challenge.
The delete and format options are greyed out on the MyCD drive.
Managed to delete both drives in the end, or do it seemed, but they just came back after inserting the stick.
The MyCD drive is probably burnt into the flash in a way that it will not be deleted and the application on it is undestructable.
Then I was told that there is an unformatted drive on drive H, formatted it as FAT32 so that I can still have some storage.
Any other ideas?

dig deep

Yes try it in the dreambox, think it is a fat chance that it will work

HB13DISH

Tried that to start with. but no luck.
I think that I will just throw it in the dustbit as it is causing my PC to hang when I shut it down, with or without it.

compufunk

A friend of mine had one of those things, It kept loading some software stating "Powered by U3 Smart Technology",
I thought the name was ironic because if there was anything smart about it, that annoying piece of cr*p software would not be there.

Good luck trying to remove it, I spent quite a while doing just that with no luck, in the end I gave up,
You could be on to the right track there,

Topper

Perhaps you are able to Fdisk the drive then delete the active partitions and any remaining partitions, then re-create a single partition. If you are going to bin it you may as well give it a try.

War does not determine who is right, it determines who is left!

Formerly toppervte33h
whose six pack has turned into a keg

Help support this web site by making a donation
Or use other options to help support Sats UK
Show Your Support
by clicking the button

Thank you.
Freddie Flintoff is back

HB13DISH

I think it has been burnt like a CD-R with the application being a Read Only, so it is impossible to delete it, just like when you insert a CD-R in the drive and try to delete any files on it or try to format it.
It just won't work.
The company that distributed this sample must have thought about people trying to delete their "Advert" application and made sure that it won't be possible.
The interesting question now is how this is done.