Instead of hunting a dead URL, follow this flowchart:
You need to manually load the "Debug" firmware first:
Warning: FC1179 drives often have fake capacity (e.g., 64GB marked on a 4GB chip). If the tool fails at 80-90%, your flash chip is likely defective or counterfeit. Do not attempt to force the full capacity.
FirstChip FC1179 is a common USB 2.0 controller used in many flash drives. To repair or reflash these drives, you need specific "Mass Production Tools" (MPTools), as standard formatting won't fix firmware corruption or "No Media" errors. 📥 Firmware & Tool Download Links The most reliable repository for these specialized tools is
. Note that the site is in Russian, so you may need to use a browser translator. Main Utility ( FC1179 MpTool
: This is the primary "Production" tool used for repairing broken firmware, fixing fake capacity, or resetting a "dead" drive. Current Version: V1.0.7.2 (2024-02-21). Alternative Utility ( FC1178/FC1179 MpTools
: An older branch that supports a wider range of sub-variants like FC1179S and FC1179AB. Modification Utility ( FC1178/FC1179 ApTools
: Used for changing identification info (VID/PID) or serial numbers rather than deep firmware repair. 🛠️ Step-by-Step Repair Guide Identify the Chip ChipGenius to confirm your controller is exactly and note the Open the Tool FCMpTools.exe . If the interface is in Chinese, look for the section on the right side and select . If it asks for a password, leave it and click OK.
In "Scan Setting," ensure the settings match your Flash ID for better success in handling bad blocks. to detect your drive.
to begin the low-level format and firmware write. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour depending on the drive size and health. firstchip fc1179 firmware link
: Once the status turns green/100%, re-insert the drive to let Windows recognize the new partition. ⚠️ Critical Tips
: Always use a motherboard-direct USB 2.0 port. Front-panel hubs or USB 3.0 ports often cause communication failures during the flashing process. : This process is destructive
. It completely wipes the NAND flash to rebuild the file structure. Are you dealing with a "No Media" error fake capacity issue on your drive? FirstChip FC1178/FC1179 MpTools V1.0.5.2 (2022-06-01)
FirstChip (also known as ChipsBank or iCreate) is a Chinese semiconductor company that produces low-cost, high-volume USB 2.0 and 3.0 controllers. The FC1179 is one of their most common USB 2.0 controller chips, found in budget-friendly drives from brands like:
After extensive searching across USB hacker forums (USBDev, Reddit r/datarecovery, MyDigitalLife), here is what works:
The Gold Standard Link (via USBDotRu):
The GitHub Dead-Ends:
The Counterfeit Fix (CBM209X Trap):
FirstChip (also known as ChipsBank or iCreate) is a Chinese semiconductor company that produces mass-production controllers for USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 flash drives. The FC1179 is one of their most common budget controllers, favored by no-name brands and low-cost drive manufacturers. Instead of hunting a dead URL, follow this
Popular repositories / forums (search these terms):
Precautions – Using the wrong firmware can brick the drive. Always back up data first, and match the flash type (TLC/MLC/SLC) and die density.
If you tell me the VID/PID (from ChipGenius) and the drive model, I can help narrow down the exact tool/firmware version to search for.
To restore or repair a flash drive using the FirstChip FC1179 controller, you need the FirstChip MpTools
(Mass Production Tools) software. This utility is the standard "firmware" solution for controllers like the FC1178 and FC1179. Recommended Download & Resources
You can find the latest versions of the utility on specialized firmware portals. Reliable community-tested sources include: UsbDev.ru (FirstChip Section)
: This is the most comprehensive archive for FirstChip tools, featuring various versions of FirstChip_MpTools
. Look for versions released after 2020 for the best FC1179 support. FlashDrive-Repair.com
: Provides direct download links and guides for mass production tools. How to Use the Utility Preparation : Download and extract the latest version of FirstChip MpTools FCMpTools.exe Warning: FC1179 drives often have fake capacity (e
application. If prompted for a "Product Type," you can typically leave the default settings and click : Change the language to in the right-hand column if it defaults to Chinese.
: Connect your flash drive. The tool should automatically detect the controller as FC1179. Start Repair : Click the
button. The process involves scanning the memory chips for bad blocks and "flashing" the configuration, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour depending on the drive's capacity. Important Notes : Using this tool will permanently erase all data on the flash drive. Chip Compatibility
: This tool supports variants including FC1178, FC1179, FC1179S, and FC1179AB. Read-Only/Write-Protected Errors
: This software is the primary fix for "Disk is Write Protected" or "Please Insert Disk" errors that cannot be solved by standard formatting. within MpTools for a high-level format?
Восстановление флешки на контроллере FC1178/FC1179
Subject: FC1179 Firmware & Restoration Tool
Note: The FC1179 controller is notoriously picky about tools. Do not use tools meant for the FC1178 or FC1178BC, as they will fail to recognize the drive.
Here are the verified links and the correct procedure for the FC1179: