As with everything, it depends.  Are the electronics fried, or is the file system corrupted?

If the computer recognizes that something USB has been plugged in, but won't allow you to access it in the file explorer, Linux or some file system repair tools *might* allow you to recover the files.  I don't have suggestions on the best programs to try.

If there is no recognition of anything at all being plugged in/out, then -- in my experience -- it's toast.  

Erich


On Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 17:00, Charles Meyer eloquently inscribed:

> My esteemed listmates,
> 
> I think I know the answer is backup - backup- backup.... but I have a
> 8GB Verbatim flash drive with many gcodes I cut for our 3D printers on
> it.
> 
> Now I insert that flash drive into 5 different PCs running either W10
> or W11 and File Explorer never reads it.
> 
> Maybe I didn't properly eject it one time in W10 but are there any
> steps I can take in W10, W11 to read/access the files on this flash
> drive or can Linux be my friend?
> 
> I did get an external drive where I have most 3D prints saved on it.
> 
> Thank you,
> 
> Charles.
> 
> Charlotte County Public Library