It's a LONG shot, but I nee help

[olieoliver]

OK guys my daughter has broken her flash drive that contains most of her school work from the last 3 months. And you've guessed it she didn't have it saved anywhere else either.  
Is there anyone that can get the info off the memory chip on the flash drive it self? Any ideas are greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks, Olie

[3rd_ray]

I can't do it, but I would guess that it can be done. Have you tried a google search for data recovery service? There are quite a few companies that do this for hard-drives. They can probably do it for flash drives too. It's probably expensive if you need it done fast.

[olieoliver]

I've contacted some but so far they all say probably not.

[3rd_ray]

I changed the google search to flash drive data recovery service... there's a lot out there, but it's hard to tell which ones would work, or even which ones are legit. Here are two that look promising...
 
http://www.recallusa.com/
 
http://www.drivesolutions.com/datarecovery/index.shtml

[bsee]

I suspect that when you say she broke it, you mean the connector.  If it were mine and super-critical, I would probably look for a way to open up the drive.  I would then open up the end of a USB extension cable.  If I could figure a way to connect the broken parts of the flash drive connector to the open end of the cable, I would expect to plug it in and see it work.
 
I've never tried this, but that would be my path of choice.
 
-bob

[artswork99]

Bob, Agree 100% with your analysis and suggestion.   A good Google sounds in order for an exploded view of a flash drive.  Opening a flash drive, after looking at the old 16MB Dell piece that I have, is going to be a challenge but is doable.
 
Olie, Please describe what is broken.  As you may know there are no moving parts on a flash drive therefore it is all a matter of if the chipset was damaged (hopefully not).   If it has been physically cracked along or through the chip then it could be an issue but if only the connector then its certainly worth a shot at reviewing the internal connections as Bob suggested.
 
With expertise, to retrieve the data only, the memory chip could possibly be removed and placed into another flash unit.    
 
Let us know how this works out.

[olieoliver]

Bob your idea sound like the way to go but is out of my expertise.  
I'll check with the places you've came up with Mike and give yhem a shout.
 
Thanks guys I knew you'd have some ideas. I'll keep you posted.
 
Olie

[flaxattack]

Contact the manufacturer  
maybe they can do it or recommend someone

[jbybj]

She didn't have it backed UP?!?!  Thank goodness it was only schoolwork, she can always do that over again. I trust this is the last time she'll find herself in this situation.  
 
Best of luck.

[Bradley Young]

Olie,
 
The thing that breaks most (I'm assuming when you say broken, you mean physically) is the USB connector.  Someone with decent soldering skills should be able to wire you a new one.
 
For that matter, get a USB extension cord from Fry's, cut it apart, and solder the wires onto the leads.  You'll need to de-solder the old connector.  
 
If it isn't the connector you might be out of luck, unless you can find a card that is the same as your daughter's, and have someone reasonably competent de-solder both chips, and surface mount the old chip to the new board.
 
My question then is (looking at the following for reference): where is the drive busted?
 

[artswork99]

Go ahead Bradley!  Great picture for reference to the USB connections and a flash drive interior.
Thanks