Check fake or real storage device | memory card | pendrive | Hard disk

How to Check if a Storage Device is Fake or Genuine 

When purchasing a storage device—such as a memory card, pendrive, or hard disk—either online or in-store, it's important to verify its authenticity. Some devices are sold at unusually low prices and may be counterfeit, often using methods to artificially inflate their reported size. Here’s how you can check if a storage device is genuine:

Step 1: Format the Storage Device

1. Format Multiple Times:
   • Connect the storage device to your computer.
   • Format the device two or three times using the file system of your choice (e.g., FAT32, NTFS).
   • If the reported size of the storage device decreases after formatting, it is likely a fake. Genuine storage devices should retain their full capacity after multiple formats.

Step 2: Test Data Storage Capacity

1. Perform a Data Test:
   • For a 32GB pendrive, attempt to store approximately 20 to 22GB of data.
   • If the pendrive can successfully store this amount of data without errors, it is likely genuine.
   • If you encounter error messages such as "File is too long for file system" or the device fails to store the data, it may be a counterfeit.

By following these steps, you can better determine the authenticity of your storage device and avoid potential issues with fake or fraudulent products.