Firstchip Fc1178 Fc1179 Mptools V1052 Updated -
This guide provides instructions for using FirstChip MpTools V1.0.5.2 to recover or repair USB flash drives based on the FC1178 and FC1179 controllers. This tool is primarily used to fix "No Media" errors, restore actual capacity to fake drives, or repair corrupted firmware. 1. Preparation & Identification
Before using the mass production tool, you must confirm your hardware specifications.
Identify the Controller: Use ChipGenius to find your Controller Part-Number and Flash ID.
Compatibility: This version (V1.0.5.2) supports FC1178 (3D, BC) and FC1179 (S, AB) series.
Backup: Ensure no important data remains on the drive; this process erases all data permanently. 2. Initial Setup Extract & Launch: Unzip the software and run FCMpTools.exe.
Select Product Type: A "Product Type" window will appear. Leave the settings at their default values and click OK.
Language Change: The default interface is Chinese. In the right-hand column, find the Language section and select English. 3. Repair Process (Step-by-Step)
If your drive is not showing the correct capacity or has corrupted firmware, follow these recommended scanning steps: Step A: Standard Scan
Go to Settings (Password is often blank or 320, though some versions don't require one). Set Scan Mode to Standard Scan.
Click OK, then click Start on the main screen. Wait for it to reach roughly 1% or finish, then click Stop. Step B: Factory Scan (True Capacity Recovery) Return to Settings.
Change the mode to Factory Scan (or "Clear + Factory Scan" for stubborn drives). firstchip fc1178 fc1179 mptools v1052 updated
In the Bin tab, ensure the flash ID matches the one identified by ChipGenius.
Click Start. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the drive's health and size. 4. Common Troubleshooting Issue Potential Solution Drive Not Detected
Try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0) or an older version of MpTools. Capacity Too Small
The drive may have had fake capacity. The tool identifies "bad blocks" and restores the drive to its actual physical NAND size. Settings Password Common passwords for FirstChip tools are blank or 320.
Actionable Tip: If the drive fails after multiple attempts, it may be "kaput" (physically damaged beyond software repair). For more advanced files and older versions, visit the FirstChip Files Repository on USBDev.ru. FirstChip FC1178/FC1179 MpTools V1.0.5.2 (2022-06-01)
FirstChip FC1178/FC1179 MpTools V1.0.5.2 (released 2022-06-01) is a specialized mass production (MP) utility used to repair, reformat, and restore USB flash drives based on FirstChip FC1178 and FC1179 controllers. It is most frequently used to fix "fake" drives or unreadable devices often found on sites like AliExpress. Key Features & Capabilities
Controller Support: Primarily targets FC1179, FC1179S, and FC1179AB, with backward compatibility for many FC1178 variants.
Restoration: Capable of restoring the "true" capacity of fake flash drives (e.g., reverting a fake 2TB drive to its actual 32GB or 64GB hardware limit).
Scanning Options: Includes advanced scan settings like "Clear" and "Stand Scan" to handle bad blocks and firmware errors.
Multi-language Support: While the interface often defaults to Chinese, it typically includes an English toggle on the right-hand panel. Common User Feedback This guide provides instructions for using FirstChip MpTools
Effectiveness: Users on forums like USBDev.ru and FlashBoot.ru report high success rates in "reviving" dead drives that show as "0 bytes" or "unreadable". Ease of Use Issues:
Language Barrier: The initial setup is often in Chinese, requiring users to click through options until they find the English toggle.
Password Protected: Accessing advanced "Settings" often requires a password. Common defaults found in community discussions include 320, 123456, or leaving it blank.
Capacity Shrink: Several reviewers noted that after a successful scan, the drive's reported capacity dropped significantly (e.g., from 128GB to 30GB), which is generally the tool correctly identifying the real NAND chip size rather than a bug. Technical Tips for Best Results
Version Selection: If V1.0.5.2 does not recognize your drive, older versions like V1.0.3.14 or newer releases (such as the 2024 versions) are sometimes recommended as alternatives for specific chip batches.
Manual Settings: Setting "Scan Level" to Clear followed by a Factory Scan is a common community-recommended sequence for particularly stubborn drives.
Identification: Before using the tool, verify your controller using a tool like ChipGenius to ensure it is actually a FirstChip device.
If you'd like, I can help you find the default password or specific settings for your drive if you tell me the exact error you are seeing (e.g., "No Media" or "Write Protected"). FirstChip FC1178/FC1179 MpTools V1.0.5.2 (2022-06-01)
Part 5: Troubleshooting the "Updated" v1052 Version
Even with v1052, users encounter unique bugs:
Issue 1: "Device Removed Unexpectedly" mid-flash Solution: Use a USB 2
- Solution: Use a USB 2.0 port on the back of your PC. Disable USB selective suspend in Windows Power Options.
Issue 2: Tool crashes on launch
- Solution: Right-click > Properties > Compatibility > Run as Windows 7. Also, ensure you extracted the folder (do not run from within the ZIP).
Issue 3: After flashing, capacity is smaller (e.g., 64GB shows as 32GB)
- Explanation: The v1052 tool performs a true bad block scan. Your original drive had fake capacity or massively degraded NAND. This is not a bug; the tool is giving you an honest, stable capacity.
Issue 4: FC1179 drive still not recognized after success
- Solution: The updated v1052 has a known quirk: you must perform a USB power cycle. Unplug the drive, shut down your PC (not restart), wait 30 seconds, boot up, plug in.
Comprehensive Guide to FirstChip FC1178/FC1179 MPTools v1052 (Updated)
In the world of USB flash drive controllers, FirstChip (also known as Xinzhong / Innostor) holds a significant place, particularly in budget and value-oriented storage devices. Two of their most common, yet often problematic, controller models are the FC1178 and the FC1179. These controllers are frequently found in low-cost USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 flash drives from no-name brands or generic packaging. The key to reviving, repairing, or repurposing these drives lies in the MPTools (Mass Production Tools) – specifically, the elusive and sought-after v1052 version, known in the community as the "updated" release.
Key Differences:
- FC1178: Typically USB 2.0. Older architecture. Most prone to firmware corruption.
- FC1179: Typically USB 3.0 (though limited to USB 2.0 speeds in many tools). Uses more advanced bad-block management.
The Common Problem: These controllers store firmware and vital translator data on the NAND flash itself. If a block goes bad or the drive is ejected improperly, the microcontroller cannot load its firmware, resulting in a 0MB drive.
Precautions and Disclaimer
Warning: FirstChip MPTools is a powerful low-level utility. Improper use can permanently damage the flash drive (bricking it beyond recovery).
- Backup Data: This tool formats the drive completely. All existing data will be lost.
- Verify Chipset: Ensure your drive uses the exact FC1178 or FC1179 controller before proceeding. Using the wrong tool can corrupt the controller.
- Configuration: Users must verify that the flash parameters (timing, page size) match the specific NAND memory used in their drive to ensure stability after repair.
Part 4: Step-by-Step Guide to Using MPTools v1052
FirstChip FC1178/FC1179 MPTools v1052 Update: Comprehensive Overview
Date: [Current Date] Subject: Firmware Utility Update for FirstChip FC1178 & FC1179 Controllers
4. Common Errors & Fixes (v1052)
| Error | Likely Cause | Fix |
|-------|--------------|-----|
| Device not found | Driver not loaded | Install WinUSB via Zadig or use Windows 7 compatibility mode |
| Bad Block over setting | Too many bad blocks | Lower capacity in settings (e.g., 16GB → 8GB) |
| Check flash ID fail | Unsupported flash | Need newer MPTool (v1058+) |
| Download ISP fail | Corrupt firmware | Replace ISP_FC1178.bin / ISP_FC1179.bin from newer tool |
6. Final Tips
- Always backup data – low-level format erases everything
- On Windows 10/11, disable driver signature enforcement or use a Windows 7 VM
- If tool freezes, unplug drive, restart tool, replug drive
- Some fake capacity drives will never fully restore – check with H2testw after
If you share your flash ID (from ChipGenius) and exact drive model, I can give more specific settings for v1052 or recommend the best newer tool version.