Open the drive casing. Use a fine needle to short the data pins (Pins 29–30 or 41–42) on the NAND chip while inserting the drive into a USB slot. Remove the short after 2 seconds to force Test Mode. The NAND memory has exceeded its write endurance threshold.
Firmware updates for this specific controller are managed through Mass Production Tools (MPTools)
Understanding FirstChip FC1178BC Firmware: A Comprehensive Guide to USB Repair firstchip fc1178bc firmware
The is a popular low-cost USB 2.0/3.0 controller chip found in many generic, promotional, and budget-friendly flash drives (such as those from Netac, Movespeed, or unbranded "no-name" vendors).
FirstChip offers two distinct types of software suites for servicing their microcontrollers. Using the wrong tool will result in a failed installation: FirstChip MPTools (Mass Production Tools) Open the drive casing
Updating firmware can vary depending on the device. Generally, users should:
The community highly recommends FirstChip_MpTools_20201118 for reliability. Generally, any version from 2020 or later is a good starting point. While newer tools exist, this version has proven to be the most stable for this specific controller. The NAND memory has exceeded its write endurance threshold
The firmware of the FC1178BC is the low-level code embedded in the chip. It instructs the controller on how to manage the NAND memory: how to write data, how to read it, how to handle bad memory blocks, and crucially, how to communicate with the PC’s operating system.
Once you have successfully restored your drive, follow these rules to avoid another firmware crash:
: Completely dead drives, "No Media" errors, or correcting fake-capacity storage devices.