Best practices for sending sensitive files to a third party—and why copy protection is stronger than encryption.

You have a document, video, or audio file with sensitive information and need to send it to someone else. What’s the safest option?

Three common choices come to mind: email, Dropbox, or a USB flash drive.

Sending an email is like sending a postcard. It’s open to interception, and anyone determined enough can read it. Most of the time nothing happens, but relying on luck with sensitive data is risky. Encryption improves email security, but file size limits (usually around 20MB) make it impractical for large videos or datasets. And once decrypted, the file is free to be copied or shared without restriction.

Dropbox solves the size problem by letting you upload large files and share a download link. However, Dropbox doesn’t encrypt files by default. You can password-protect a compressed archive, but the same weakness applies: once decrypted, the file is wide open to manipulation or unauthorized sharing.

That leads to a critical question: Do you trust the recipient?

Why formatting a USB stick as UDF is possible—but not always recommended.

When you format a USB flash drive in Windows 7 or Windows 10, the common file system choices are FAT, FAT32, or exFAT. NTFS is also offered, but it’s not ideal for removable media as we’ve explained before. The available file system options shown in Windows depend on the capacity of the drive connected.

So why don’t you see UDF on that list?

First, it is possible to format a flash drive with UDF (Universal Disk Format) on Windows. Microsoft simply doesn’t make it a default option—and there are good reasons why.

Important note: formatting a USB drive with UDF will not make it behave like an optical drive. UDF is common in DVDs and optical media, but applying it to a USB stick doesn’t magically turn it into one.

The assumption some users make is that UDF creates a “universal” USB, compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Symbian, and other systems. In reality, exFAT already fills that role, offering broad compatibility without the risks tied to UDF.

Why avoid UDF on flash drives?

• Lack of robust file system check tools
• Known 64GB bug in Windows and Linux (not a UDF spec issue, but an implementation bug)
• Wear-leveling problems on SD and USB mass storage devices
• Windows XP treats UDF as read-only

The most important drawback is the first one: if a UDF-formatted USB drive is unplugged mid-operation and data is corrupted, there are no tools to properly check or repair the file system. For a medium designed to be portable and frequently removed, that’s a big risk.

How to format a flash drive as UDF in Windows

1. Connect the USB drive and confirm the assigned drive letter.

2. Ensure no programs are accessing the drive.

3. Open Windows Explorer, navigate to the C: drive, and type CMD into the search field. Press Enter. Run as Administrator.

4. In the Command Prompt window, type:
format G: /fs:UDF /q
(Replace G with your drive’s letter.)

The /fs parameter specifies the file system (UDF), and /q instructs DiskPart to perform a quick format.

5. Press Enter when asked to confirm the drive is inserted.
6. Enter a Volume name, or leave it blank by pressing Enter.

DiskPart will complete the format and confirm the result. Type exit to close the Command Prompt.

Note: the /q command deletes the file table and root directory, but it does not scan for bad sectors. Combined with the lack of UDF repair tools, this makes the file system especially fragile on portable devices. For most users, exFAT remains the safer choice for cross-platform compatibility.

Why only one Compact Flash Card mounts—and how to fix disk signature collisions.

The most common reason why only one Compact Flash Card is usable when multiple cards are connected is a device signature collision.

If you are dealing with bootable devices and see this problem, the collision is almost certainly the cause. If the devices aren’t bootable, the details below may not apply.

News Review: Nexcopy Launches USB-C Duplicator For Mass USB-C Duplication

Nexcopy announced a new USB-C Duplicator, available for immediate purchase. The USB-C200PC is a 20-target, PC-based system designed for high-volume Type-C deployments and comes bundled with Nexcopy’s feature-rich Drive Manager software.

Via the EIN Presswire service, Nexcopy noted rising demand driven by Apple’s adoption of USB-C on Macs and the broader shift to USB-C across IoT products. As device makers migrate to Type-C, duplication workflows are following suit.

Being PC-based doesn’t mean sacrificing speed or capability. The USB-C200PC leverages modern SuperSpeed protocols (commonly referred to as USB 3.1/3.2) and writes at the connected device’s maximum sustained rate. While USB 3.1 Gen 2 advertises up to 10 Gbps theoretical throughput, real-world duplication performance depends on the media and workload.

The system ships with Drive Manager, Nexcopy’s control software known for granular job control, verification, logging, and advanced media functions.

Highlighted Features of the USB-C Duplicator

• Six copy modes to match source/target workflows
• Binary device copy supporting all formats (HFS, ext2/3/4, proprietary, etc.)
• Unique data streaming to each USB-C socket (serialization, per-drive payloads)
• Binary verification for integrity assurance
• Erase and DoD Erase options for disk sanitization
• Data collection to extract files from connected USB-C devices
• Intuitive, informative Drive Manager UI with logging
• Upgradeable to PRO Series for controller-level write protection (read-only)
• Upgradeable to PRO Series for partitioning and advanced media control

The unique data streaming mode is a standout for publishers and on-demand fulfillment: it allows static content plus per-device files (keys, licenses, IDs) to be injected in a single run.

Nexcopy’s PRO Series capabilities—such as USB read-only (write protection), controller-level partitioning, and serial-number control—are also available as upgrades for the USB-C200PC platform.

Why USB-C Matters (Context)

Versatility: A single reversible port that can handle data, display, and power (USB PD) simplifies modern device design and deployment.

Speed: With USB 3.1/3.2 and Thunderbolt 3/4 support on many hosts, data rates are dramatically higher than legacy USB.

Power Delivery: Faster, smarter charging and the ability to power bus-powered peripherals.

Compact form factor: Ideal for thin, light laptops and embedded/IoT designs.

Broad adoption & future-proofing: Momentum across laptops, mobiles, and accessories ensures longevity and compatibility.

The USB-C200PC duplicator lists at $1,299 and is available through major online retailers (e.g., Amazon, Walmart.com, Newegg) and a worldwide network of authorized resellers.

Nexcopy has indicated larger models are in the pipeline, with 40-target and 60-target USB-C duplicators anticipated later in the year.

SlideShare Highlight: Nexcopy USB115SA USB Duplicator

USB Duplicator by Nexcopy, Model USB115SA

The Benefits of the USB115SA Duplicator

Efficiency: USB duplicators streamline production by allowing simultaneous data copying to multiple drives. This saves time and reduces manual effort, especially when dealing with large batches.

High-Speed Duplication: Depending on the model, USB duplicators can copy data at impressive speeds, enabling large-scale distribution of content in minutes rather than hours.

Batch Processing: Ideal for distributing software, training material, or marketing content, these systems enable duplication of many USB drives in a single pass.

Plug-and-Play Operation: Most USB duplicators require minimal setup, offering user-friendly operation with no additional software installations for basic use.

Versatility: Support for USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB-C media ensures flexibility across a wide range of devices and applications.

Customization: Options such as serialization or branded preloads give businesses the ability to personalize content delivery.

Data Security: Features like write-protection and copy-protection help safeguard proprietary or sensitive information.

Cost-Effectiveness: By reducing labor, minimizing errors, and accelerating turnaround, USB duplicators can lower long-term distribution costs.

The SlideShare presentation introduces the Nexcopy USB115SA system, aligned with the USB-IF specification.

About Nexcopy

Nexcopy Inc. is a Southern California–based company founded in 2008, recognized for digital media duplication solutions. Their product range includes USB duplicators, SD and microSD duplicators, and CF card duplicators.

Product Portfolio: Nexcopy systems serve industries from education and corporate training to content distribution and government. With models ranging from small setups to high-volume standalone units, they cover a broad set of needs.

Innovation: Nexcopy integrates features like serialization, write-protection, and advanced copy modes into their systems. Their Drive Manager software provides control, reporting, and customization for duplication tasks.

Focus on Security: Copy-protection and secure duplication functions help organizations distribute content without compromising confidentiality.

Customer Support: Nexcopy offers training, technical assistance, and responsive service to maximize the effectiveness of their products.

Global Reach: With authorized distributors worldwide, Nexcopy ensures accessibility of its systems across multiple regions and industries.

Trusted for reliability and innovation, Nexcopy remains a strong partner for organizations seeking professional-grade data duplication and protection solutions.

What the “System Volume Information” folder is, and how you can remove it from external drives.

If you’ve formatted a drive on Windows and enabled hidden files, you’ve likely noticed a folder called System Volume Information. It appears with vague contents and no clear explanation. Why is it there, and how much space is it consuming?