While transferring files from my PC to my USB Flash Drive. I received an error message - The Disk can not be written because it is write protected. Please remove the write protection from the volume in drive \Device|Harddisk1\DR5.
How do I do this?
Thanks.
Darwin
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Question
1
Vote
USB Flash Drive is write protected - How do I remove it?
2nd Jan 2007
Answers (18)
0
Votes
I can help (i think)
on the usb flash drive its self there may be a switch that will add or remove copy protection
4th Jan 2007
Replies
I have posted this elsewhere, but...
I was getting the same error with my flash drive. I also can't see the StorageDevicePolicies setting in regedit. Also, I didn't really want to reformat my drive.
What I found you can do is get into the drive through a DOS prompt.
Try this, in Windows XP - goto Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt. This will open up a DOS window. Now type the name of your flashdrive followed by a colon, eg, mine was drive letter K so I type K:
Now to list the directory, type DIR
This will show your directory. At this point I left the DOS window open and went back into Windows and clicked on the drive in Explorer. The write protect error still came up, but after clicking a couple of times I could see and open the files on the drive.
Anyway, once you're in DOS you should be able to copy any files you want to another drive using the DOS 'copy' or 'xcopy' commands, and format the drive from DOS also. eg, To copy all files and directories (except empty directories) from drive C to drive A, enter
xcopy c: a: /s
You can do a search on google to find other DOS commands
I was getting the same error with my flash drive. I also can't see the StorageDevicePolicies setting in regedit. Also, I didn't really want to reformat my drive.
What I found you can do is get into the drive through a DOS prompt.
Try this, in Windows XP - goto Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt. This will open up a DOS window. Now type the name of your flashdrive followed by a colon, eg, mine was drive letter K so I type K:
Now to list the directory, type DIR
This will show your directory. At this point I left the DOS window open and went back into Windows and clicked on the drive in Explorer. The write protect error still came up, but after clicking a couple of times I could see and open the files on the drive.
Anyway, once you're in DOS you should be able to copy any files you want to another drive using the DOS 'copy' or 'xcopy' commands, and format the drive from DOS also. eg, To copy all files and directories (except empty directories) from drive C to drive A, enter
xcopy c: a: /s
You can do a search on google to find other DOS commands
da5id_NZ
8th May 2009
I did just that but I dont seem to get the results I'm expecting. It keeps saying "disk is write protected". How can I go about this? even formating it brings out the same message!
Help!!!!
Help!!!!
Jones10
18th Nov 2010
If YOU need help solving a problem YOU have today (and not a problem someone else had three years ago), then start your own question thread. Simply click on the button "Ask question".
If you want to get better quality in the answers, then tell us what kind of USB you have (maybe even model), kind of OS, what you have already tried.
If you want to get better quality in the answers, then tell us what kind of USB you have (maybe even model), kind of OS, what you have already tried.
TobiF
18th Nov 2010
But what if my flash doesn't have switch?
what am i gonna do?
what am i gonna do?
cutiecute
25th May
1
Vote
switch
flick the switch with the padlock symbol to unlock on the stick itself
4th Jan 2007
1
Vote
Low-level format
If you are sure that there is no write-protect switch. You can try low-level format it. I have had similar problem with my Apacer Handy Steno HT 202 and used the lformat program provided at their website and it works! You can visit http://m3rlinez.blogspot.com/2007/01/just-rescued-my-write-protected-usb.html for more info about my case. Hope this helps
Updated - 7th Aug 2007
1
Vote
USB Flash Drive Problem solved?
Hi,
have you solved your problem? I seem to have the same problem with a USB 2.0 PenDrive Mini, 1GB, which has started to report write protection after about 260MB have been copied successfully to the drive. Formatting works, however.
Kind regards
Ingolf
have you solved your problem? I seem to have the same problem with a USB 2.0 PenDrive Mini, 1GB, which has started to report write protection after about 260MB have been copied successfully to the drive. Formatting works, however.
Kind regards
Ingolf
23rd Feb 2008
1
Vote
Do it in DOS
I have posted this elsewhere, but...
I was getting the same error with my flash drive. I also can't see the StorageDevicePolicies setting in regedit. Also, I didn't really want to reformat my drive.
What I found you can do is get into the drive through a DOS prompt.
Try this, in Windows XP - goto Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt. This will open up a DOS window. Now type the name of your flashdrive followed by a colon, eg, mine was drive letter K so I type K:
Now to list the directory, type DIR
This will show your directory. At this point I left the DOS window open and went back into Windows and clicked on the drive in Explorer. The write protect error still came up, but after clicking a couple of times I could see and open the files on the drive.
Anyway, once you're in DOS you should be able to copy any files you want to another drive using the DOS 'copy' or 'xcopy' commands, and format the drive from DOS also. eg, To copy all files and directories (except empty directories) from drive C to drive A, enter
xcopy c: a: /s
You can do a search on google to find other DOS commands
I was getting the same error with my flash drive. I also can't see the StorageDevicePolicies setting in regedit. Also, I didn't really want to reformat my drive.
What I found you can do is get into the drive through a DOS prompt.
Try this, in Windows XP - goto Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt. This will open up a DOS window. Now type the name of your flashdrive followed by a colon, eg, mine was drive letter K so I type K:
Now to list the directory, type DIR
This will show your directory. At this point I left the DOS window open and went back into Windows and clicked on the drive in Explorer. The write protect error still came up, but after clicking a couple of times I could see and open the files on the drive.
Anyway, once you're in DOS you should be able to copy any files you want to another drive using the DOS 'copy' or 'xcopy' commands, and format the drive from DOS also. eg, To copy all files and directories (except empty directories) from drive C to drive A, enter
xcopy c: a: /s
You can do a search on google to find other DOS commands
8th May 2009
Replies
Check out the registry under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies.
The value 'WriteProtect' should be absent or set to '0'.
The value 'WriteProtect' should be absent or set to '0'.
Jacky Howe
8th May 2009
IT'S WORKS
Check out the registry under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies.
The value 'WriteProtect' should be absent or set to '0'.
Check out the registry under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies.
The value 'WriteProtect' should be absent or set to '0'.
punit_vyas2005
5th Jun 2009
ill try this out and hope it actually works.....
poooh%%boo booo
11th Nov 2010
So I right clicked my flash drive went to sharing and security--> sharing tab and I added a new share and under permissions I added my username from the network and gave it full control. I clicked ok then everything worked fine. Then I went back to the drive in my computer right clicked it again, went to the sharing and security, then the sharing tab and removed the new share that I just added and things still worked fine. Not sure why but you could give it a try.
hyuganeji1
9th Jul 2009
it was said go do storage device polices file in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies
i followed all these files but could not storage device file....what do i do?
i followed all these files but could not storage device file....what do i do?
powermanx84
24th Aug 2009
press start on your screen,go to run,if you have windows 7 like me go to the part where it says search programs and files here,search run,click on it,and type regedit,now in registry editor click on computer once,go to the upper left corner in the window and click file then click export and save it on desktop,this will be a backup,if you mess up your registry then click file then import and import that file,now go to on the rgisrty editor
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\control\usbstor
then click on each folder and go to each file that say devicehack flags,click on it and put the value to 0 and thats it!!
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\control\usbstor
then click on each folder and go to each file that say devicehack flags,click on it and put the value to 0 and thats it!!
greengerm
29th Jun 2010
hey i cnt find any folder named usbstor
what shall i do now..?? =S
what shall i do now..?? =S
t41h4
4th Jul 2010
I tried to use this fix, but my registry does not have the final folder: "StorageDevicePolicies" Could there be another name for this folder? I am using XP Pro.
Thnaks.
Thnaks.
bkile1@...
2nd Jan 2010
-2
Votes
Found a fix after months of looking
Found it! I have a feeling one of my co-workers (A Linux God who disdains us Windows Gurus) was playing a joke on me. The following came from David Kramer.KA at http://davidkramer.wordpress.com It fixed it completely. Thank goodness! Open the command line editor of windows XP (in my case, and in that case hopefully your, if I am to help you). You find that under ?Start?, the choose ?Run?. There you enter ?regedit?. This starts a little program that allows you to operate within the holiest of sites of windows, the registry. Here all kind of actions and behaviors of the system are set. Go to the path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\ CurrentControlSet\Control \StorageDevicePolicies This is simply a folder within a folder and so on? The final folder, the one you are looking for is called StorageDevicePolicies, and as the name suggests contains the settings for how the storage devices (USB flash) should behave. Here you right click on: ?WriteProtect? and select ?modify?. Here you set the value that appears to ?0″. Press enter and that?s it. (In other words: Default value: DWORD=0) Possible values are: 0 ? Disabled 1 ? Enabled Set the value to 0 and your back in business.
27th Jul 2009
Replies
Did the StorageDevices thing and it still didn't work, so I did a safe remove of device and then plugged it in again and it worked. I could then format the drive in Explorer.
1. This USB stick went through a couple/four airport scanners.
2. Also had the problem after moving from one machine to another without safely remove.
1. This USB stick went through a couple/four airport scanners.
2. Also had the problem after moving from one machine to another without safely remove.
kimatthews@...
18th Dec 2009
i've tried to open the path that you've given but when i was on this part "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\ CurrentControlSet\Control" i can't find the "storageDevicePolicies" i'm using a windows xp service pack 3 could that be an issue?
Pooshen
20th Mar 2010
Worked great!!!
sharmaharsh
19th Apr 2010
You find my post here: http://davidkramer.wordpress.com/2009/03/23/sd-card-write-protection-problem/
hallosaurus
20th Feb 2011
This was working like a dream until I got to the Storage Device Policies bit. Too easy says I. But I am using W/Vista Home Basic and guess what there is NO heading Storage Device Policies! Further clicking on the Storage heading does nothing its empty.
So can someone please tell me what to do now.
I have copied all the files that were on the G: drive to a separate area on C: (a sort of belt and braces thing) but I can't even format G: because of the write protection.
What do I do now please?
So can someone please tell me what to do now.
I have copied all the files that were on the G: drive to a separate area on C: (a sort of belt and braces thing) but I can't even format G: because of the write protection.
What do I do now please?
JohnMich
29th Jun 2011
the best way is to use the regedit only, but if you can afford to format the usb drive, then try "HP usb disk storage format tool" ( http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Hard-Disk-Utils/HP-USB-Disk-Storage-Format-Tool.shtml ) it is very small utility & quite useful.
- Nikhil
- Nikhil
nikhil25
25th May
0
Votes
Solved! using flashdrive again - w/o reformatting it!
click on safely remove hardware & eject media, unplug device, plug it back in, then start saving your files to the flash drive!
13th Nov 2010
Replies
The problem was raised and the correct solution (a different one than you propose was found) back in 2007!
TobiF
14th Nov 2010
1
Vote
i have the same problem
i have my 256 GB kingston , it wont write any more , it only allow me to copy the files that already in there but when i tried to write more files it tells me that this drive is write protected , i tried to do the regedit but nothing works out , what can i do , is there any help , please !
26th Apr 2011
5
Votes
USB Memory Stick is Write Protected:
USB Memory Stick is Write Protected:
How to remove a write protection from your USB memory Stick if there is no Write protection ON or OFF button on stick then
1. Shutdown your computer or laptop
2. Insert USB Memory Stick into your laptop or Computer
3. Turn on laptop and then immediately start pressing (F8) key then Advanced Boot Options screen will come up
4. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt
5. After loading files if your USB Memory Stick drive letter is (G) for example then write as
6. C:\windows\system32>G: and press enter
7. G:\>format G: and press enter
8. If ask you (Y/N) then press (Y) and press enter
9. Now a full format will start which remove write protection from USB Memory Stick.
Note:
Before removing USB from your computer, Always remove it safely by going into to my computer then right click on USB and click eject.
How to remove a write protection from your USB memory Stick if there is no Write protection ON or OFF button on stick then
1. Shutdown your computer or laptop
2. Insert USB Memory Stick into your laptop or Computer
3. Turn on laptop and then immediately start pressing (F8) key then Advanced Boot Options screen will come up
4. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt
5. After loading files if your USB Memory Stick drive letter is (G) for example then write as
6. C:\windows\system32>G: and press enter
7. G:\>format G: and press enter
8. If ask you (Y/N) then press (Y) and press enter
9. Now a full format will start which remove write protection from USB Memory Stick.
Note:
Before removing USB from your computer, Always remove it safely by going into to my computer then right click on USB and click eject.
18th May 2011
Replies
Did the trick. Thank you imwhoim.
acl@...
21st Jan 2012
I got to line item #7 and crossed my fingers... even in dos it says the drive is write protected. This 16GB Toshiba is from Autodesk - they sent it in this media rather than a DVD. I feel it is close but don't know DOS command to un-write protect.
jimnycricket65
22nd Sep
I don't know why I didn't decided to google autodesk media toshiba 16GB flash drive first but when my mind got to it, I found this link and tried the first method but this Edit 2 suggestion did the job for me:
What Revit Wants: Repurposing the Autodesk USB Media
Edit 2 - You may want to try Formatter first - Craig at iRevit has hosted the Formatter.zip and tested it (May 2012)
If you need to do this, go to the url and click on Formatter.zip link for download.
Thanks everyone.
What Revit Wants: Repurposing the Autodesk USB Media
Edit 2 - You may want to try Formatter first - Craig at iRevit has hosted the Formatter.zip and tested it (May 2012)
If you need to do this, go to the url and click on Formatter.zip link for download.
Thanks everyone.
jimnycricket65
22nd Sep
4
Votes
Write protected on Kingston DataTraveler 4GB
I need help with one of my users flashdisk.
22nd Aug 2011
0
Votes
16GB Markvision usb flashdisk is write protected and none of the slns wks
16GB Markvision usb flashdisk is write protected and none of the slns work.
Tries de regedit solution,
tried de format in safe mode using a cmd window,
tried everything
History, Was able to bkup most of the files on it but just could not erase damaged files and folders.
Ended up formating the stick. Went well for a while and then got the message "windows cannot complete formating cause device is write protected". Have not been able to write since then. Can read though just cannot write. Found out that the structure of the file system is RAW.
Chipset of the device is Alcormicro AU6998L, generic device with ID code 454A9AB2.
Need help
Tries de regedit solution,
tried de format in safe mode using a cmd window,
tried everything
History, Was able to bkup most of the files on it but just could not erase damaged files and folders.
Ended up formating the stick. Went well for a while and then got the message "windows cannot complete formating cause device is write protected". Have not been able to write since then. Can read though just cannot write. Found out that the structure of the file system is RAW.
Chipset of the device is Alcormicro AU6998L, generic device with ID code 454A9AB2.
Need help
24th May
-1
Votes
Repair software
I think one of the best ways to repair this fault is using of repair tool related to your USB company, for example if you have Transcend USB flash, you've to download repair tool from the mentioned company website, run it and repair your USB flash in a min time, it can be the first try to troubleshoot your problem..
Thanks,
Thanks,
24th Jul
-1
Votes
Write Protected Flash Recovery
Dear Freinds
If you are tired from all that you tested , try flash recovery through
the support from the website of the manufacturer.
I have a 8GB transend and I tested every thing which was recommended
but finally online flash recovery solved the problem.
I think something like firmware should be programmed in the flash by the manufacturer
which is not available to the public!!!
Good Luck
If you are tired from all that you tested , try flash recovery through
the support from the website of the manufacturer.
I have a 8GB transend and I tested every thing which was recommended
but finally online flash recovery solved the problem.
I think something like firmware should be programmed in the flash by the manufacturer
which is not available to the public!!!
Good Luck
22nd Aug
0
Votes
Ultimate USB Drive FIX 2.6
try this tool Ultimate USB Drive FIX 2.6, this fix write protect on my usb.
How to Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOhUUwC70B0
hope this helps.
How to Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOhUUwC70B0
hope this helps.
24th Aug
0
Votes
USB MASS STORAGE DEVICE WRITE PROTECTED
I can't find the "storageDevicePolicies" i'm using a windows xp service pack 2. How can I solve this??
27th Sep
0
Votes
Watch the link on youtube.com EXTREMELY TRUE
28th Jan
0
Votes
USB Storage write protection (Fix)
chkdsk chkdsk chkdsk
yup, fixes many problems...
Steps.
1) Start > Accessories > Run Command Prompt As Administrator
2) type > >chkdsk t: /F /X
(use your own drive letter where f: is)
wait a bit... when it finishes, try to make a new folder if you can, all is well..
Hope this helps someone.
yup, fixes many problems...
Steps.
1) Start > Accessories > Run Command Prompt As Administrator
2) type > >chkdsk t: /F /X
(use your own drive letter where f: is)
wait a bit... when it finishes, try to make a new folder if you can, all is well..
Hope this helps someone.
13th Mar
0
Votes
Remove Write-Protection
Before starting check for small write protection switch
How to remove a write protection from your USB memory Stick if there is no Write protection ON or OFF button on stick then
1. Shutdown your computer or laptop
2. Insert USB Memory Stick into your laptop or Computer
3. Turn on laptop and then immediately start pressing (F8) key then Advanced Boot Options screen will come up
4. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt
5. After loading files if your USB Memory Stick drive letter is (G) for example then write as
6. C:\windows\system32>G: and press enter
7. G:\>format G: and press enter
8. If ask you (Y/N) then press (Y) and press enter
9. Now a full format will start which remove write protection from USB Memory Stick.
Note:
Before removing USB from your computer, Always remove it safely by going into to my computer then right click on USB and click eject
How to remove a write protection from your USB memory Stick if there is no Write protection ON or OFF button on stick then
1. Shutdown your computer or laptop
2. Insert USB Memory Stick into your laptop or Computer
3. Turn on laptop and then immediately start pressing (F8) key then Advanced Boot Options screen will come up
4. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt
5. After loading files if your USB Memory Stick drive letter is (G) for example then write as
6. C:\windows\system32>G: and press enter
7. G:\>format G: and press enter
8. If ask you (Y/N) then press (Y) and press enter
9. Now a full format will start which remove write protection from USB Memory Stick.
Note:
Before removing USB from your computer, Always remove it safely by going into to my computer then right click on USB and click eject
13th Apr
