Alcor Recovery Tool [upd]

This document outlines the features and technical specifications for an Alcor Recovery Tool . Given that "Alcor" most commonly refers to the Alcor Micro USB Card Reader controller (widely used in USB flash drives, SD card readers, and embedded storage solutions), this specification focuses on a utility designed to diagnose, repair, and recover data from storage devices running on Alcor Micro (Alcorlink) chipsets.

Feature Specification: Alcor Recovery Tool 1. Executive Summary The Alcor Recovery Tool is a specialized firmware and data maintenance utility designed for USB flash drives and card readers utilizing Alcor Micro controllers (AU6989, SC908, AU6990, etc.). It addresses common failures such as firmware corruption, "fake" capacity drives, and unreadable storage sectors. 2. Target Audience

Data Recovery Specialists: Technicians needing low-level access to failing drives. IT Administrators: Staff verifying hardware integrity of external storage media. Advanced Users: Consumers attempting to repair corrupted USB drives before disposal.

3. Core Features 3.1. Controller Identification & Diagnostics alcor recovery tool

Auto-Detection: Automatically identifies connected USB devices running Alcor Micro controllers (VID/PID detection). Chip Info Retrieval: Displays critical controller data including:

Controller Model (e.g., AU6989, SC908SN-G). Firmware Version. Flash ID Code (detects the type of NAND flash memory used). Factory Capacity: Verifies the true physical capacity vs. the reported logical capacity (crucial for detecting fake/expanded drives).

3.2. Low-Level Formatting (Re-initialization) Executive Summary The Alcor Recovery Tool is a

Partition Table Reconstruction: Rebuilds the Master Boot Record (MBR) or GUID Partition Table (GPT) if the drive is detected by the OS but cannot be mounted. NAND Flash Formatting: Performs a low-level format that matches the controller's translation algorithm. This effectively "factory resets" the drive. Bad Sector Management: Scans for bad blocks in the NAND flash and creates a new bad block table (BBT), excluding these sectors from future writes.

3.3. Firmware Management

Firmware Backup: Extracts and backs up the current firmware from a healthy drive for archival or cloning purposes. Firmware Flashing: Allows the user to upload new or backed-up firmware to the controller. MP Tool Integration: Includes "Mass Production" settings allowing users to configure the drive as: Data Recovery Modes

Fixed Disk vs. Removable Disk. CD-ROM partition (ISO mode). Read-only mode (write protection).

3.4. Data Recovery Modes