Even if you think it's an SSS6698BB, verify using ChipGenius (Windows) or lsusb (Linux). This tool will show:
The correct technical name is the SSS6698BB Mass Production Tool. However, the community calls it the "Format Tool" because the end goal is usually to wipe and reformat the drive.
Proceed only if you accept the risks. For most users with a corrupted partition, standard Windows diskpart clean is safer. The SSS6698-BB format tool is a last resort for controller-level damage.
The SSS6698BB refers to a USB controller chip manufactured by Solid State System (3S). If your USB drive is corrupted, write-protected, or showing incorrect capacity, you likely need a "Mass Production Tool" (MPTool) to re-flash the controller. 1. Identify Your Drive Details
Before searching for a specific tool, confirm your chip's details using a diagnostic utility like ChipGenius or Flash Drive Information Extractor. Look for: Controller: SSS6698-BB Flash ID: (e.g., Toshiba, Hynix, or Samsung memory) VID/PID: (e.g., 0951:1666 for many Kingston drives) 2. Finding the Format/Repair Tool sss6698bb format tool
There is no single "one-click" formatter for this chip, as the tool must match the specific NAND flash memory on your drive. The most relevant tools are found on specialized databases like USBDev.ru (SSS Section):
3S USB Mass Production Utility (MPTool): Look for version v2.182 or later, as older versions may not support the SSS6698BB controller.
Kingston Format Utility: Since SSS chips are common in Kingston drives, the official Kingston Format Utility is often the safest first step for simple formatting issues.
3S USB SafeErase Utility: This tool is used to completely wipe the flash blocks if the drive is extremely unstable. 3. Step-by-Step Recovery Procedure Even if you think it's an SSS6698BB, verify
If standard Windows formatting fails, follow this high-level process:
Download the MPTool: Locate the "3S USB MP Utility" that lists compatibility for SSS6698.
Configure the .INI file: These tools often require a configuration file (like 6698_TOSHIBA_43nm.INI) that matches your drive's memory type.
Run as Administrator: Most of these low-level tools require Windows XP or Windows 7 compatibility mode to work correctly with USB drivers. Proceed only if you accept the risks
Start the Flash: Click "Start" and wait. Do not unplug the drive during this process, or you may permanently brick the hardware. 4. Native Windows Alternatives
If the drive is still recognized but just "glitchy," try these built-in commands first:
Diskpart Clean: Open CMD as Admin and type:diskpart -> list disk -> select disk X (replace X with your USB) -> clean -> create partition primary -> format fs=fat32 quick.
CHKDSK: To fix file system errors, use:chkdsk X: /f /r /x (replace X with your drive letter). SSS [Solid State System] - USBDev.ru