For the specific "FA00 FW FA04," you need the legacy driver package from Alcor. Microsoft no longer distributes this via Windows Update.
Code FA00 on ALCOR Micro with FW FA04 + hot status is not a normal operational state. It strongly indicates a hardware-level fault (short or regulator failure) rather than simple logical error. Immediate power-off is advised to prevent further damage. Recovery unlikely without board-level repair.
If you’ve plugged in a USB drive or SD card reader only to see "Alcor Micro USB Device" with a generic icon and a strange firmware ID like FA00 or FA04, you aren't alone. It’s a common sign of a corrupted controller.
When that device also starts getting hot to the touch, it’s time to stop and troubleshoot. Here is what is happening and how to fix it. What is Alcor Micro FA00/FA04?
Alcor Micro makes the "brains" (controllers) for many budget-friendly USB sticks and card readers. When you see "FA00" or "Unknown Device," it means the device has entered Fail-Safe Mode. Firmware Corruption: The internal software is "stuck."
Identification Failure: Windows sees the chip but doesn't know what it’s supposed to be.
Thermal Runaway: If it’s getting hot, the controller is likely stuck in a high-power loop or has a hardware short. ⚠️ Warning: The Heat Factor If the device is physically hot, proceed with caution: Unplug it immediately if you smell burning plastic.
Heat usually indicates a hardware failure (a shorted capacitor or NAND chip).
Software fixes rarely fix physical overheating and may cause the device to "pop." How to Fix the "Unknown Device" Error
If the heat is mild and you want to try a software recovery, follow these steps: 1. Identify the Chipset
Download a tool like ChipGenius or Flash Drive Information Extractor. Look for the VID (Vendor ID) and PID (Product ID). For Alcor, the VID is usually 058F. 2. Find the Alcor MPTool
Once you have the specific controller model (e.g., AU6989SN), you need the Alcor MPTool (Mass Production Tool). Search for the version that matches your firmware (FA04).
Note: These tools are often hosted on enthusiast sites like FlashDrive-Repair or Russian tech forums (as they aren't officially released to consumers). 3. Flash the Firmware Run the MPTool as Administrator.
Click "Setup" and keep settings on default (unless you are an advanced user). Hit "Start."
This will "low-level format" the drive and reload the FA04 firmware. ⚡ The Quick Verdict
If it's just "Unknown": A firmware flash with MPTool will likely bring it back to life.
If it's "Hot": The hardware is dying. Back up any data immediately (if it even mounts) and toss the drive. A $10 USB stick isn't worth frying your computer's motherboard port. To help you find the exact recovery tool, let me know: Did this happen after a firmware update or suddenly? Do you need to save the data, or just fix the drive? What is the VID and PID from ChipGenius?
I can point you to the specific download link for your controller version.
| Symptom | Likely fix | |----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Unknown, cool, no card inserted | Normal – insert card | | Unknown, cool, with card inserted | Driver or reformat card (FAT32/exFAT) | | Unknown, hot, with/without card | Hardware failure – replace device | | Shows as FA00 in Linux, no storage | Firmware corruption – needs MPtool (risky)|
