When these tools report "Unknown" or specific hex codes followed by "Hot," it typically points to one of the following hardware or firmware failures:
FA00 / FA04 Firmware Mismatch: These codes often indicate that the Flash ID (the unique identifier for the memory chip) is not recognized by the current version of the firmware/software you are using.
Controller Overheating ("Hot"): If the software literalizes "hot," it may be detecting a thermal issue or a short circuit on the controller chip. If the USB drive is physically hot to the touch, this usually indicates a hardware short, and the drive should be unplugged immediately to prevent damage to your computer's USB port.
0 MB / No Media: Alcor chips often fail into a "No Media" state (0 bytes) when the firmware becomes corrupted. Users on community forums like Linus Tech Tips often suggest using low-level formatting tools specifically designed for the controller's version to "reset" the chip. Suggested Troubleshooting Steps
Identify the Chip: Use a tool like ChipGenius or Flash Drive Information Extractor to find the exact Controller Model (e.g., AU6989, AU6998) and the Flash ID.
Match the Tool: Search for a version of AlcorMP that specifically supports your Flash ID. Using the wrong version often results in "Unknown" errors.
Check for Physical Shorts: If the drive is getting physically hot, data recovery is unlikely without professional hardware repair, as the NAND flash or controller may be failing.
Are you trying to recover data from this drive, or are you just trying to repair the hardware so it can be used again? alcor micro unknown fa00 fw fa04 hot
This specific error sequence, "Alcor Micro Unknown FA00 FW FA04 Hot,"
typically appears in mass production (MP) tools when a USB flash drive's controller or firmware is corrupted or unrecognized. Technical Summary FA00 Error : This often indicates that the Alcor MP Tool
cannot identify the controller model or that the flash memory chip's ID (FID) is returning invalid data (e.g., all zeros or 898989898989
: Refers to a specific firmware version or a failure code during the firmware verification process. : Usually suggests a hardware-level issue, such as a short circuit
or a physically overheating controller, which prevents the software from establishing a stable connection. Alcor Infotech Pvt. Ltd. Recommended Repair Steps To attempt a recovery, follow these procedural steps: Identify Genuine Hardware : Use a tool like ChipGenius
to find the actual VID/PID and controller model (e.g., AU6989SN). Use Modified MP Tools
: Standard versions may fail. Download "modified" versions like ALCORMP by NAT27 which are more lenient with unknown IDs. Manual Driver Installation Open AlcorMP and click the Manually enter your device's VID/PID (e.g., Add VID/PID Save InstallDrive Test-Mode (Hardware Bridge) When these tools report "Unknown" or specific hex
: If the software still says "Unknown," you may need to enter "Test-Mode" by short-circuiting specific pins on the flash memory chip while plugging it in. This forces the controller into a basic state where the MP tool can see it. Settings Adjustment : In the MP tool settings: to "Capacity Optimize." Scan Level to "Full Scan4" for deep analysis. Alcor Micro - USBDev.ru
The error code (sometimes accompanied by ) in Alcor Micro mass production tools like
typically indicates that the software cannot communicate with the flash memory chip, often due to a controller mismatch or physical hardware failure. Meaning of FA00 / FA04 Codes
: This is a generic status code often meaning "Unknown Device" or "No Flash". It usually occurs when the controller (e.g., ) is detected, but the NAND flash memory chip's ID ( ) cannot be read.
: This typically refers to a firmware loading failure, where the tool attempts to apply a firmware profile that is incompatible with the specific revision of the hardware.
: This likely refers to the USB drive physically overheating, which is a strong indicator of an internal short circuit or electrical damage to the controller or flash memory. Recommended Troubleshooting Steps If your device is getting physically hot
, disconnect it immediately to prevent damage to your computer's USB port. If it is safe to proceed, try these software fixes: Correct VID/PID Detection and click the Manually enter the Vendor ID ( ) and Product ID ( or your specific code) into the tool to force recognition. Restart the tool and re-insert the drive. Try "Test Mode" If the drive is not detected, it may need to be put into Breaking Down the Keyword: "Unknown FA00 FW FA04
by shorting specific pins on the flash chip (a hardware bypass). This is advanced and should only be done if you are comfortable opening the drive. Firmware Update
If the drive is seen as "0 bytes" or "No Media," you may need a version of
specifically tailored to your chip series (e.g., AU6989SN-GT vs. TA). Hardware Inspection
If the device remains "Unknown" and continues to run hot, the controller or memory chip is likely defective and cannot be repaired with software. You can attempt to scan and repair
it using Windows built-in tools first, but these rarely fix low-level controller errors. For identifying the exact chip specs, you can use the ChipGenius
utility to find the precise controller and flash part numbers needed for a manual firmware search.
To fix the problem, you must understand what the computer is telling you.
Alcor Micro AU9410-based USB 3.0 hub, connected to laptop via USB-C adapter. After connecting a high-power external HDD, hub became hot to touch, disconnected, and re-enumerated as “Unknown USB Device (Device Descriptor Request Failed)” with PID FA00, FW FA04. Cooling down for 10 minutes restored normal operation. Permanent fix: used externally powered hub.
