USB drive "write-protected disk"??? Solved/Closed

Question

Hello everyone,

So,
I have a USB drive that a friend gave us which worked well for storing files, but this morning we can't add or delete anything because we get the message "disk is write protected."
Indeed, in My Computer, the drive shows up in the hard disk category with C and D.
My other USB drive works normally, so it must be a configuration issue with this drive. Can anyone help me?

Thanks in advance,

Céline

HQ_972 · Accepted Answer

Hello, I had the same problem. I tried all the solutions presented in this post but nothing worked. Then I tried uninstalling the driver for the USB key:

Right Click
Properties>Hardware
Select _the_device
Properties>Driver
Uninstall

Then remove and reinsert your USB key and there you go! :D

Wardog · Answer

Hello celinenaceri

Indeed, some disks can be write-protected to prevent modification or deletion of the data on them.
I advise you to check if there’s a little switch to move on the USB stick (it allows you to lock/unlock the writing of files).
Also, take a look in the properties (right-click on the disk icon in My Computer and then Properties).
If it doesn't work, back up your data on the stick and reformat it. If it still doesn't work, it’s probably an issue with the electronics (even though I don’t really think that's the case).

titi.com · Answer

yes, it's completely normal removable disk of small capacity +++++

^_^ <hi!> · Answer

I simply had to format the drive by right-clicking on the E: icon in 'My Computer' and then clicking on "format...".  After that, I was finally able to put songs on my drive ^_^ (how happy I am!)

pablopacos · Answer

I have a 256 GB USB drive that does the same thing. Despite all the procedures found online, the problem remains unchanged: it is still "write-protected." I should point out that my USB drive has no external locking mechanism. Thank you for helping me.

pablopacos · Answer

I have a 256 USB drive that does the same thing. Despite all the procedures found online, the problem remains unchanged: it's still "write protected." I should note that my drive does not have any external locking mechanism. Thank you for your help.

allo · Answer

I have the same problem, what should I do????

san · Answer

Hello

So,
I have a USB drive that a friend gave me which worked well for storing files all day yesterday. After using it online last night, we can no longer save data because we get the message "disk is write-protected."
Indeed, in My Computer, the drive shows up in the hard drive category as removable (E)

Topaze · Answer

Sorry, I can't assist with that.

Kingkong87 · Answer

chrisfranck, Sunday, October 19, 2008 at 5:37:44 PM
Hello,
I managed to solve this same problem by doing:
insert your key into the computer
open it
go to tools
folder options
view, then default settings, then OK
and after that it works normally again.
Best regards

Hello, after research and trials on different help regarding the problem with my USB key, ChrisFranck's solution paid off, thank you for everything.

titan · Answer

Hi I tried the software: Repair_V2.8.1.1 but the problem is that it told me it only supports 1G and 2G! and my key is 4G!!!! :( please help me

darkromain2604 · Answer

Hi I bought a 16GB USB drive online The problem is that I can add whatever I want, but when it comes to deleting, it tells me that the disk is write-protected, so I can't delete it. I've tried various solutions but nothing works. I don't have a "lock" like on SD cards on my USB drive Please help me, thank you.

lycan · Answer

try this little utility, choose FAT32 in the option http://www.eocfiles.com/bdc86eb1ed2989c30dcd1902e84939ae/bootdisks/SP27608.exe  otherwise try to format it using linux.

skand1 · Answer

I have a 512 MB Integral USB key that is write-protected. I couldn't format it; I tried the MS-DOS method, but it didn't work. I tried again with a formatting software (Repair_V2.8.1.1), but it also didn't work, and now it's unreadable. When I click to open it, a message appears saying "Insert a disk into drive G:". It might be finished. I don't know what to do; please help me. Thank you in advance.

Sadmat · Answer

Hello, I tried Chrisfranck's solution and it doesn't work.... Is there another solution that hasn't been mentioned yet? Please, thanks ;p

pekaboo53 · Answer

I also have this problem, I would like to delete everything on my USB drive, but it doesn't work! I'm trying to format it, nothing to do, HELP! On top of that, they say "disk is write-protected", what am I supposed to do?! Help me.

I want to specify that there is nothing on my USB drive that would help... it's an 8GB from the brand TRANSCEND.

lulu87 · Answer

hello
If you have tried everything ..... formatting under DOS (be careful, this will erase everything; you can normally copy from your USB drive to your PC, so back up first if you want to recover any files)
run> cmd
enter: format "the name of your drive H or I or other":
example "format I:"
I hope this resolves your issues ;)

Tigre 91 · Answer

Why format a USB when it's just a microprogram forgotten in one of the updates...

I had the problem, unable to write, not only on my external hard drive but all media was write-protected... So no padlock... smile...
The only valid answer, and one that works is:
start - run - regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Control/StorageDevicePolicies
There is a REG_DWORD value named "WriteProtect" that needs to be set to "0" instead of "1"

rabelka · Answer

Hello
I tried a method and it works for my USB drive:
in the command prompt, type format /x g: (g is the name of your drive) this allows you to unmount your drive and format it.
If that doesn't work, open your USB drive, go to the tools menu --> folder options, then click on default settings, then apply, then ok
try again with the command format /x g:
if that doesn't work.
You will notice that after typing the command and pressing enter, it says insert a new disk in the drive, remove your USB and insert it again, then press enter. I wish you good luck.

Adurna · Answer

On the key, there may be a "hold" button that locks the key; when it is locked, it is write-protected, and it needs to be unlocked.

HAHA · Answer

OR ELSE RENAME THE KEY

mahmoud54 · Answer

I managed to format it with an Xbox 360, now it works perfectly...

stats777 · Answer

same thing for me .. usb flash drive 32gb retailplus fucking stiff.

I see it, I can open the drive and see inside but I can't add, delete, format, change permissions, in fact I can't do anything at all.

rachad · Answer

It is enough to unlock your disk (unlock button on MP3 or flash drive) ---- ------------rachad------------------ good luck

SDPB · Answer

Isn't there a "mechanical" protection on your USB drives, like on SD cards, to prevent accidental data deletion? I had the same problem with an SD card and I solved it by pushing a little "button" that was on lock. Just a simple thing.

I hope this can help.

ant64146 · Answer

Clic droit sur ta clé USB, propriétés, onglet matériel, sélectionne ta clé USB et clique sur propriétés en bas à droite, puis dans stratégie, optimise pour une suppression rapide. A+

pwnya · Answer

I followed your instructions, and the Quick Removal option, under the Removal Strategy, itself in [Material/USB Drive/Strategies] was already selected. The other choice is Better Performance. I clicked OK, then OK again and the formatting still doesn't work; I can't do anything with the drive.

Pectorall · Answer

In: Computer: right-click on this word. > Manage. Computer Management > Disk Management > right-click on "Disk 1" > properties: you should see "Policies" appear. The rest is indicated...

USB drive "write-protected disk"???

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