If your USB flash drive suddenly reads as or blocks you with a "Write Protected" error, a corrupted controller firmware is likely the cause. When diagnostics like ChipGenius output the specific string Controller Part-Number: Unknown [FA00] - F/W FA04 , it means your computer recognizes the Alcor Micro physical board but cannot identify its configuration or internal firmware version.
Click to begin the low-level format and firmware re-write. Note: This will erase all data. 3. Alternative Recovery Options If the MP Tool fails, try these standard Windows utilities:
Select "Auto" or manually select your Flash ID if you know it exactly.
If the tool reports "No FID" or "898989898989," it often indicates a permanent hardware failure of the flash memory chip rather than a software error. alcor micro unknown fa00 f w fa04 fixed
Getting the "Unknown [FA00]" error on an Alcor Micro USB controller typically indicates a firmware mismatch or a controller that has entered a "read-only" or "no media" state due to corrupted instruction sets. This specific code, often associated with the or AU6989SNCS-TA controller, means the mass production tool (MPTool) sees the hardware but cannot identify the specific firmware profile needed to initialize it. Why "Unknown [FA00]" Happens
A user named SiliconSage had posted a thread five years prior.
Before running any flashing software, you must gather the true technical specifications of the bricked USB drive. Do not trust what Windows File Explorer says. If your USB flash drive suddenly reads as
Navigate to trusted flash drive repair repositories such as or FlashBoot . Search for the AlcorMP archive section.
Your USB drive’s brain is awake, but it has amnesia. It doesn’t know the layout of the memory chips. It is stuck in a factory testing mode.
Help you locate the specific for your chip. Guide you on how to use ChipGenius to identify your device. Note: This will erase all data
typically refers to a low-level repair process for a corrupted USB flash drive using an Alcor Micro controller. Overview of the Error "Unknown FA00"
By flashing the correct firmware, you can restore functionality to the controller and return the device to working order. Always remember to safely remove USB drives to avoid corrupting the firmware in the future.
If you get , it means the software version is too old for your hardware. You must find a newer version of the AlcorMP suite that specifically supports the F/W FA04 or FA00 instruction set. Alcor Micro - USBDev.ru
The utility states "No flash in device" or "Unknown Flash" because the micro-controller is totally frozen.