Because the FA00/FA04 series encompasses a range of NAND flash types (SLC, MLC, or TLC), performance is entirely dependent on the paired memory chips. However, general characteristics for this Alcor Micro architecture include:
Subject: USB Device ID Mismatch in Alcor Micro Card Readers (VID_058F)
Keywords: VID_058F&PID_FA00, VID_058F&PID_FA04, Internal Flash Descriptor, Windows Device Manager.
This is the proprietary software Alcor uses to initialize, format, and write firmware to their chips at the factory. You must get the correct version.
Where to find it: TechPowerUp, USBDev, or FlashBoot.ru. Search for "Alcor MP tool for [your PID]." alcor micro unknown fa00 f w fa04 fixed
Before attempting a fix, you must understand the enemy. This error appears exclusively on USB flash drives using controller chips manufactured by Alcor Micro, a Taiwanese semiconductor company.
A USB device with Alcor Micro chipset initially shows:
alcor micro unknown fa00
A fix (driver patch or EEPROM rewrite) changes behavior to: Because the FA00/FA04 series encompasses a range of
fa04 fixed
Meaning the device now identifies as FA04 (working variant).
If you can provide more context — such as where you found this text (log file, terminal output, source code comment, etc.) — I can give a more precise answer.
Stop. Before you do any of the above, ask yourself: Do I need the data on this drive? Where to find it: TechPowerUp, USBDev, or FlashBoot
The "Alcor Micro Unknown FA00 FA04 Fixed" process destroys all data permanently. The MP tool does not just delete files; it regenerates the controller’s bad block table and writes new firmware. It is a factory reset.
If you need your data:
If your data is backed up or worthless: Proceed with the fix.
If you get a red "FAIL": Usually code 0x02 (Bad block too many) or 0x03 (Flash ID mismatch). This means your NAND chip is degraded. Try "Erase All Blocks + Low Level Format" again, but accept that the drive may be dying.