The FC1178BC is a common USB controller chip manufactured by FirstChip. The MpTools (Mass Production Tools) software is used to format, repair, and re-flash the firmware on USB flash drives using this specific controller. Why use FC1178BC MpTools?
Repairing Corrupted Drives: Fixes "No Media," "Write Protected," or "Inaccessible" errors that standard formatting cannot resolve.
Restoring Fake Capacity: Often used to fix "bootleg" drives that report a fake high capacity (e.g., a 32GB drive showing as 256GB) by resetting them to their true physical NAND capacity.
Firmware Updates: Reinstalls the low-level software that controls the drive's interaction with the computer. Recommended Workflow
Identify the Chip: Use a tool like ChipGenius to verify that your controller part number is exactly FC1178BC and to note the Flash ID.
Download the Tool: Reliable versions like FirstChip MpTools V1.0.5.2 or earlier versions specifically for the FC1178 series can be found on specialist sites like USBDev.ru. Basic Settings:
Ensure "Auto Disc Size" is selected to detect the real capacity.
Verify the VID/PID values (e.g., VID=FFFF, PID=1201) match what ChipGenius reported.
Use "Factory Mode" or "Scan Mode" for the initial repair attempt.
Warning: Using these tools will erase all data on the USB drive. It is a "last resort" repair method.
Are you trying to fix a specific error (like "No Media") or are you trying to verify the true capacity of a drive?
FirstChip FC1178BC MpTools V1.0.2.10 2018-04 ... - USBDev.ru fc1178bc mptools
is a flash drive controller produced by , frequently found in counterfeit or "bootleg" USB drives that report fake storage capacities.
(Mass Production Tools) is the specialized utility used to reflash or repair these controllers. FirstChip FC1178BC MpTools Overview
This utility is primarily used by technicians to "restore" drives that have become unreadable or to reveal their true storage capacity. Primary Function
: Reflashes the controller firmware to fix "disk is write-protected" errors or to correct fake capacity reporting (e.g., reverting a fake 256GB drive to its actual 32GB hardware limit). Version Compatibility
: Users have reported varying success depending on the version.
(2019-02-28) is often cited as a reliable version for fixing FC1178BC chips that other versions failed to recognize. Availability
: The software is typically found on enthusiast repositories like
, as FirstChip does not provide a direct consumer-facing portal for these tools. Key Features & Usage Language Support
: The interface often defaults to Chinese, but an "English" toggle is usually available in the main window or settings. Settings Access
: Modifying advanced parameters usually requires a password. Common default passwords for FirstChip tools include
or leaving it blank, though users have noted that some versions may require different codes. Scan Levels The FC1178BC is a common USB controller chip
: The tool allows for different "Scan Levels." A "Clear" or "Low-level" scan is generally recommended for drives that are not showing up in Windows at all. User Experience and Limitations The "Capacity Shrink"
: The most common outcome of using MpTools on these drives is a massive reduction in reported size (e.g., from 128GB to 30GB). This is not a bug; the tool is simply detecting the actual NAND flash chips present and disabling the "fake" capacity logic. Technical Difficulty
: Resources and documentation are scarce outside of Russian or Chinese forums, making it a high-effort "DIY" repair. Hardware Risks
: Reflashing firmware carries a risk of "bricking" the device if the wrong firmware version or settings are applied. If you’d like, I can help you find a specific download link step-by-step guide for a particular version of the software. FirstChip FC1178/FC1179 MpTools V1.0.5.2 (2022-06-01)
The FC1178BC MPTools is a specialized "Mass Production Tool" used to repair USB flash drives featuring the FirstChip FC1178BC controller. These tools are primarily used to fix "No Media" errors, restore fake high-capacity drives to their true storage size, and re-flash corrupted firmware. Key Resources & Guides
Comprehensive Download & Manual Hub: The site USBDev.ru is the primary resource for various versions of the software, including V1.0.2.10 and the FirstChip MpTool User Manual.
Step-by-Step Technical Instructions: Community discussions on USBDev.ru suggest a specific workflow for persistent errors: In Settings, select "Standard Scan" and click Start. Once scanning hits 1%, click Stop.
Return to Settings, switch to "Factory Scan," and under the Bin tab, select the option with "16000" before restarting the process.
Video Walkthroughs: For visual guidance, the YouTube tutorial by Jayson Mupla provides a demonstration of repairing "No Volume Size" issues specifically for the FC1178BC chip. Critical Warnings
Data Erasure: Using these tools wipes all existing data on the drive. If you need to recover files first, use data recovery software before attempting a firmware flash.
Hardware Identification: Before running MPTools, use ChipGenius to verify your "Controller Part-Number" is exactly FC1178BC, as using the wrong firmware can permanently brick the drive. Ensure your printer is properly connected to your
Security Risks: Since these tools often come from unverified third-party sources, they may trigger antivirus alerts. It is safer to run them in a virtual machine or a dedicated "sandbox" environment.
Are you currently seeing a specific error code (like Error 8) or is your drive showing 0MB capacity?
FirstChip FC1178BC MpTools V1.0.2.10 2018-04 ... - USBDev.ru
If you assemble or brand USB flash drives, you need to write a consistent volume label, serial number scheme, and partition layout. fc1178bc mptools automates this across multiple drives connected via a USB hub.
Back on the main screen, check the box next to your drive. Click "Start" (or "Begin"). The tool will:
This process takes 2–10 minutes. Do not unplug the drive.
Once you master basics, try these advanced fc1178bc mptools techniques:
If you cannot get the tool to work, consider these alternatives:
dd command – Can reset partition tables but not controller firmware.For 90% of users, FC1178BC MPTools is the only software that can truly resurrect a First Chip 1178BC drive.
Use a hex editor to explore ISPCode.bin. Some advanced users patch the firmware to enable hidden test modes (e.g., raw NAND access).
For drive manufacturers or refurbishers, the tool is used to "re-flash" a drive. If a firmware update fails or the drive becomes corrupted, MPTools can