Surface Pro 4 - issue with saving to flash drive

Question

I can no longer save to my usb flash drives - can easily read the flash drive and lift files - but cannot save - it throws the blue screen "your device ran into error..." "Stop code: SYSTEM SERVICE EXCEPTION" and automatically restarts.

Windows 10 Version 21H1

Answer 1

Hi CarolynBystrak,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

I understand that you'd like to save files in your USB drives without errors. I appreciate the effort in providing a clear photo showing the error.

Please perform the methods below:

• Check the settings for new/remaining updates. Go to Windows Settings > Update & Security. Check also if Optional updates are available.
• Run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit.
• Run the System File Checker.
• Install the driver package manually.

1. Check the specific OS build of your Windows Settings> System> About.
2. Download the driver and firmware for Surface, choose Surface Pro 4 and click download on the next page.
3. Please choose the .msi file that matches your current OS Build and click Next.
4. After the download, runand installthe .msi then Restart the Surface Device

If the issue still persists, perform the USB recovery process. This process will wipe everything out on your device and install a fresh operating system. Please make sure that you have back up your files and data either in an External Hard drive or use your OneDrive app. You’ll need a USB (USB stick) with at least 16GB/32 GB and format it clean (make sure that you have chosen FAT32 as the file system while formatting the USB). You'll need a PC running Windows 10 or Surface Device to download the system files/recovery image on the Microsoft Website.    Note: USB/Flash drives are the only required device for you to perform the follow steps below successfully.After formatting the USB to FAT32 USB, convert the FAT32 USB stick as a bootable device. Go to search > search for create a recovery drive > then follow the on-screen instructions. Please proceed to the steps below after converting your USB to a bootable USB stick:• Download the System Files or Recovery Image:1. Go to the Download a recovery image for your Surface.2. If you’re signed in with your Microsoft account, you will be prompt to choose the device from the list of devices on your Microsoft Account. If you’re not signed in, choose a product on the drop-down menu and provide the Serial Number of the device.3. Once the download is finished, go to the file, right-click and choose Extract all then choose the USB/Flash drive.

• Perform the USB recovery:

1. Shutdown the device by pressing/holding the power button for 10 seconds until it’s off. 
2. Insert the USB recovery drive into the USB port. 
3. Press and hold the volume-down (-) rocker. 
4. Press and release the power button. 
5. When the Surface logo appears, release the volume-down (-) rocker. 
6. Choose your language options and keyboard layout. 
7. Select Troubleshoot. 
8. Select Recover from a Drive. Choose Remove Everything and Fully Clean the Drive. Recovering this PC. If prompted for BitLocker Key, tap Skip this Drive. 
9. Select “Recovery”.

Let me know how this goes.

Answer 2

Hi CarolynBystrak,

We have noticed that you have not responded to our last message. We would like to know whether the issue you have raised with us is still ongoing?

Answer 3

The previous reply was not helpful. In order to create a recovery USB flash drive - I need to be able to save to a USB flash drive. That is my issue - I am unable to save to a USB drive - I can read a drive and open a file - but I cannot save to the flash drive - I have tried flash drives that work on other computers to no avail.

thanks

Carolyn

Answer 4

Thank you for taking the time to respond, CarolynBystrak. I suggest using a different Windows device that running Windows 10 then download and save the recovery image using a different Windows device. If this is a software related issue, the USB should be able to work through the USB recovery process.

Answer 5

Hi CarolynBystrak,

We didn't receive a response from you since the last posted answer on this thread. May I confirm if you still need assistance about your inquiry?