Flashnul
by George Shuklin
Flashnul is a free command-line utility for Windows that tests USB flash drives and memory cards for read, write and data retention errors.
Flashnul is an application for diagnosing and "treating" errors on flash drives. Removable flash media (which, in addition to all known flash drives, include SD, MD, MS, XD, MMC cards, etc.) are constantly affected by adverse environmental and operating conditions - static electricity, hot plug, cell wear and tear, mechanical damage, etc. Flashnul is designed to identify potential flash drive problems and correct them in a timely manner. This free GPL console tool runs read, write and data retention tests and can save a device image to a file or load it back.
One main benefit of using Flashnul is its ability to detect flash drive defects early, before they lead to data loss.
Windows 2000, XP, 2003 or later NT-based Windows
1 MB of free RAM
1 MB of free RAM
PROS
Detects read, write and data retention errors.
Can save and restore raw images of whole devices.
Free, open-source and very small.
Can save and restore raw images of whole devices.
Free, open-source and very small.
CONS
Some tests erase all data on the tested device.
Requires technical knowledge to use effectively.
No graphical user interface, only command line.
Requires technical knowledge to use effectively.
No graphical user interface, only command line.
