Set the parameter to Capacity Optimize (or Speed Optimize depending on your preference).
Most FA00 errors can be fixed by the "Optimized Capacity" or "Default" settings. Start: Click the "Start" (S) button.
: Running these tools will perform a low-level format. Note that this process destroys all data on the drive but can often restore the device's functionality for future use.
during processing. The software will perform a full erase, verify bad blocks, write the correct firmware block, and format the drive layout.
When this happens, Windows can no longer see the actual storage partition (e.g., 32GB or 64GB). Instead, it reads the hardware ID string hardcoded into the controller's basic boot code: FA00 - F/W 3613 . Important Data Recovery Warning alcor micro unknown fa00 - f w 3613
The "[FA00]" designation often means the software (like ChipGenius) cannot communicate properly with the chip's internal firmware. It is effectively the controller saying, "I know I'm an Alcor chip, but I don't know who I am exactly".
If your computer suddenly detects a generic USB mass storage device as , your USB flash drive or card reader has suffered a firmware corruption. This specific string indicates that the operating system can communicate with the Alcor Micro controller chip, but the controller cannot load the flash memory's firmware (F/W 3613) or communicate with the NAND memory chip.
Reliable databases for these tools include sites like or USBDev . Step 3: The Repair Process (Flashing) Warning: This process will destroy all data on the drive. Run as Administrator: Open the AlcorMP.exe file.
⚠️ Mass Production tools format the storage at a low hardware level. All existing data on the drive will be permanently erased. Step 1: Prep Your System Environment Set the parameter to Capacity Optimize (or Speed
: Alcor factory tools are finicky. They run best on older, 32-bit (x86) versions of Windows (like Windows 7). If running on Windows 10 or Windows 11, you must run the tools as an Administrator and in Compatibility Mode .
Once configured, close the setup screen to return to the main interface grid.
Method A: Using ChipGenius or Flash Drive Information Extractor
Open the diagnostic tool. Look for the following parameters in the text readout: Alcor Micro Controller Part-Number: (e.g., AU6989SN, AU6998AN, SC908AN) : Running these tools will perform a low-level format
The identification of a hardware component as Alcor Micro Unknown [FA00] - F/W 3613
If the drive contains critical data and appears as "Unknown," a standard data recovery software may not be able to read it because the computer cannot recognize its file system. In these cases, firmware repair tools (above) are required to make the drive accessible, or professional data recovery services may be needed if the NAND flash itself is damaged.
Users use tools like ChipGenius to find the VID (often 058F) and PID (often 1234).
Click the button to begin the low-level flashing process.