The error "Alcor Micro Unknown FA00 F/W 3613" indicates that your USB flash drive has an Alcor Micro controller, but the flashing software cannot properly identify the specific firmware or memory chip. This is common with "fake" high-capacity drives or corrupted firmware.
To fix this, you generally need a Mass Production (MP) tool to reflash the controller. Recommended Recovery Steps
Identify Your Chipset: Use a tool like ChipGenius or Flash Drive Information Extractor to find the exact Controller Part-Number (e.g., AU6989SN, AU6998) and the Flash ID.
Download AlcorMP: Visit the Alcor Micro - USBDev.ru library to find a version compatible with your specific controller.
For firmware issues related to 2013-era chips (like those often labeled 3613), look for versions of AlcorMP or FCMPTool from around that timeframe. Run the Utility: Extract the downloaded zip file.
Launch the application (usually AlcorMP.exe) and then plug in your flash drive.
If the drive is shown as "Unknown" with the FA00 error, click Setup (S). You may need to manually select the correct Flash Type or change the ECC settings to improve stability. alcor micro unknown fa00 f w 3613 best
Low-Level Format: Click Start to begin the "burning" or flashing process. Warning: This will permanently erase all data on the drive. Common Fixes for "Unknown" Status
Driver conflict: Ensure you are using a 32-bit version of Windows for better compatibility with older Alcor tools.
Wrong VID/PID: Some tools won't "see" the drive if the identification codes don't match. You can use the Alcor Change PID/VID Rework tool to reset these to the standard 058F / 6387 before reflashing.
Test Mode: If the software still doesn't recognize the drive, you may need to disassemble the casing and short the pins on the controller chip to force it into "Test Mode". Alcor Micro - USBDev.ru
The phrase "Alcor Micro Unknown FA00 F/W 3613" refers to a specific technical error report generated by USB diagnostic tools like ChipGenius when a USB flash drive's controller or firmware is corrupted. Understanding the Error
When a flash drive is unrecognized or displays "No Media" with 0 MB capacity, diagnostic software attempts to identify the hardware. Alcor Micro: The manufacturer of the USB controller chip. The error "Alcor Micro Unknown FA00 F/W 3613"
Unknown [FA00]: This indicates that the tool cannot pinpoint the exact controller model, though "FA00" is often associated with the Alcor AU6989SN-TA or similar series.
F/W 3613: This refers to the specific firmware version (3613) currently on the controller chip. Best Repair Solutions
To fix a drive with these specific identifiers, you typically need "Mass Production" (MP) tools designed to re-flash the controller's firmware. 1. Identification via ChipGenius
Before attempting a repair, use ChipGenius to verify your "Flash ID" and "VID/PID" (usually VID 058F, PID 1234 for Alcor). This information is crucial for selecting the correct version of the repair utility. 2. Using Alcor MP Format Tools
The most effective way to restore these drives is through official recovery software:
AlcorMP (Mass Production Tool): Look for versions compatible with the AU6989SN series, such as ALCOR U2 MP v20.09.16.00 or higher. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Flowchart If you want the best
Alcor Recovery Tool: Specifically designed for common Alcor chip controllers like AU6980 through AU6998.
Download Sources: Reliable repositories for these specialized tools include FlashBoot.ru and FlashDrive-Repair. 3. General USB Troubleshooting
If the software tools do not detect the drive, try these system-level fixes:
Here’s a focused troubleshooting & repair guide for the Alcor Micro USB controller showing Unknown Device (FA00) with F/W 3613 (or similar).
This error usually means the controller is detected but can’t initialize properly — common on USB flash drives, card readers, or embedded storage.
If you want the best result, follow this linear path: