What does it mean that the media is write protected? How to remove write protection from a flash drive or SD card

One of the most reliable means of storage personal information, is a flash drive. For many, such a device becomes the first assistant in their work; it can be used to easily carry necessary information just in your pocket. If we're talking about about storage safety various programs and files, it is not uncommon to use special software (software). It is intended to protect the media from copying, deleting or moving materials, and from reading without entering special code.

But even if you haven't used similar programs, and when you run the command to transfer its contents, an error appears: “The disk is write-protected,” don’t panic, establish the reason and use the suggested methods. Removing protection from a flash drive is not a difficult task at all, and most importantly, it can be solved and is more economical than buying a new one.

Reasons

• Infidels Windows settings, for example, a software ban - installed in the operating system;
• Malfunction of the media, often poorly produced “flash drives” - Chinese fakes world leaders;
• The physical switch is in the wrong position;
• The host is infected with a virus;
• Malfunction of computer USB ports;
• Lack of a driver responsible for correct device recognition;
• Incorrect use. For example, you cannot remove the media until the process is completed: writing, downloading, renaming, moving or reading;

Proven methods for removing protection from a drive

We present to your attention “TOP 7 effective ways» how to remove write protection from a flash drive, all of them have been checked and confirmed a large number users.

Hardware method using command line Windows
First you need to start the line, we do this by simultaneously pressing two keys on the keyboard: Windows + R. The “Run” window will open and enter the command “ cmd"and press the OK button;

The system response is to open the command line;

Required to enter " Diskpart»;

and press Enter. A new window will open - disk management program;

To continue, enter " list disk", confirm the action by pressing the Enter button;

In the window that opens, a list will appear on which you need to determine the number required media, focusing on the amount of memory, in our case it is Disk 5 - an 8Gb flash drive. Select a disk using the command: select disk )(, where -)(, this is the disk number, in our case 5;

After it has written to you: “Disk selected )(”, enter the following command, which will remove the block from all protected files that had a “read-only” error when opened. Command: attributes disk clear readonly(can be copied);

When “Disk attributes have been successfully cleared” is displayed, you can exit the program by entering the “Exit” command.

After closing the utility, check the media for functionality. Once you are confident in the operation of the method, you can continue to use the device without extra costs.

Virus scanning
One of the most current methods The solution to the problem at hand is also to scan the media for virus infection. To do this, you will need to go to “My Computer” and right-click on the device assigned to operating system name, for example, "Disk Z".

Then select “Check for viruses” in the menu. After a few minutes, the scanning result window will appear on the screen. This method can be applied to any antivirus software installed on your PC.

The flash drive can be write protected unauthorized installation virus software. A clearly demonstrated method will help solve this problem and also protect your computer from automatic installation unnecessary gadgets.

Hardware button on the carrier. Mechanical protection
Some USB portable storage models have built-in security that can be turned on/off using installed button. Be sure to pay attention to this; to allow recording and moving, the button must point to the “open lock.”

Formatting
Often, to eliminate similar mistake, use utilities created for formatting. Remember when using this method All files from the media will be completely deleted.

Application group policy Windows
It is possible to restrict local rights group policy, the elimination of such infringement of rights must be carried out following the algorithm:
Press Windows + R at the same time and enter the command gpedit.msc, click OK;

In the window that appears, go through the tabs sequentially:

1. Computer configuration;
2. Administrative Templates;
3. System;
4. Access to removable storage devices.

By clicking twice, an option window will open;

Check “Disable” → “Apply” → and confirm by clicking “Ok”.

By completing such a simple process, you can easily remove the interference in the infringement of the rights to use the media and continue working.

Programs to fix errors

Soft disks are designed for expensive storage media; for less valuable storage devices there are also a lot of programs, for example:

JetFlash Recovery Tool - free program freely available, intended for media from A-Data and Transcend. Its main functionality includes the ability to eliminate writing and reading errors, as well as unlocking. After downloading the utility from its creator’s resource, run it using the file of the same name, .exe format. After waiting for installation, click the JFRecoveryTool.exe shortcut. When will it open working window- insert the flash drive into the USB input and click “Start”. After the process is completed, check the drive to see if the error has been resolved.

Apacer Repair- the utility is created individually for media produced by Apacer Technology Inc, and is also applicable for third-party drives. The functionality can eliminate recording problems. It is recommended to download the program from the official resource, where it is posted and is available for download completely free of charge. After completing the download process and connecting the USB drive, run the utility. First of all, she will do the formatting, for which there will be a warning. By clicking “Format”, the successfully completed process will allow you to forget about the recently disturbing problem.

Knowing the brand name of your carrier, it will not be difficult for you to select the required program; there are tons of them on the Internet. It is to solve such problems that manufacturers create them and post them on Internet resources; it is worth noting that they are all freely available.

It is not always possible to determine the real reason malfunction and remove write protection. But having used the above methods, based on the result you will understand exactly what to do next: safely use a working device, or buying a new one will become an inevitable event.

We do not guarantee the safety of information!

Floppy disks are a thing of the past after they were successfully replaced by flash drives. But modern man, when trying to write something onto such a flash drive, you may sometimes encounter a situation that is familiar from the days of using those same floppy disks ( floppy disks). It happens that a removable disk becomes locked and cannot be used for its intended purpose, that is, for writing any files. How to solve such a problem? We will consider this issue in detail in this article.
So, you are faced with a situation: you need to write down some information on removable storage, and when you try to do this, you see a message on the screen like “ The disc is write protected, remove the protection or insert another disc To".

Please note that most often this operation is performed solely for one purpose - to protect the flash drive from malware(viruses) that can themselves be copied to various removable media without the user’s knowledge.

Ways to remove write protection from a flash drive

Hardware method

Software method

Removing protection using regedit

Removing protection using Diskpart

Removing protection using the Local Group Policy Editor

If the user’s attempts to erase, format, write, edit, save the file, transfer or other similar actions with a flash drive are unsuccessful, then he is probably dealing with a protected flash drive and needs to decide how to remove the protection. The following guide contains everything necessary instructions on the question posed.

Causes of the “disk is write-protected” error. Why is the flash drive write protected?

When the PC complains that the disk is write-protected, it is necessary to first clarify the cause of the problem.

• Hardware;
• Software.

The disk can be write-protected at the owner's request simply by using mechanical switch on the device or by using software programs. Also, the media is often programmatically blocked by the system itself, malicious applications etc.

Main types of write protection

The first type is mechanical write protection: Manufacturers of flash drives take care to protect the integrity of information stored on their media. To the very simple type This includes equipping the device with buttons on the body or toggle switches with a “lock” icon.

Second type - software protection from entry: Software refers to a more reliable type of protection that uses special utilities blocking access to information.

The easiest way to remove write protection from a flash drive (USB or SD card) in case of mechanical protection

If a USB flash drive or SD is mechanically write-protected, then how to remove the protection in this case?

You should inspect the media itself for the presence of a switch. On some USB flash drives, usually a small toggle switch is located at the end.

Almost all SD cards are equipped with a switch, so before using them, you need to install the switch, as shown in the photo below.

Owners of computers with installed utility « Total Commander", in any unclear case, they turn to the capabilities of this file harvester, stuffed with many features.
In order to eliminate the problem in question, it is enough to follow a few steps:

1. Click “Configuration”;
2. After that, click “Settings”;
3. In the menu that appears, go to the “File Operations” tab and check the box: “Auto select method”;
4. Click “Apply”;
5. Click “Ok”;
6. Ready.

You will need to complete the following steps:

Note: Sometimes the section described in paragraph 11 is missing. In this case, you need to create it. This is done simply: by right-clicking on the mouse in the “Control” subfolder, hovering the cursor over the “Create” line and clicking “Section”.

How to remove protection from a USB flash drive using Diskpart?

If disk is protected from the entry, the “Command Line” (CS) will help you quickly unlock it, but the information on the USB drive will be erased.

Steps:

1. Through “Start”, launch “KS” with extended powers;
2. Then in “KS” type “Diskpart”;
3. Click “Enter”;
4. Type "list disk";
5. Click "Enter";
6. Enter “select disk (here indicate the letter that the removable media is designated in the system, no need to insert parentheses)”;
7. Input;
8. Then execute “attributes disk clear readonly”;
9. Enter "clean";
10. "create partition primary";
11. "formatfs=fat32";
12. Input;
13. "exit";
14. Input;
15. Ready.

How to remove protection from a disk using local group policy?

If there are no positive results in deciding how to remove protection from a flash drive using the above methods, you will have to use complex method and fix the problem through Group Policy (GP).

Action steps:

If you decide how to remove protection from usb flash drives, it is more convenient for the user to use “KS”, then you will need to run this tool with extended permissions.

Action steps:

1. In the search line type “cmd” or “KS”;
2. Right-click on the search result;
3. Open "KS" with extended rights.

• Diskpart;
• list disk;
• select disk (here indicate the letter that the removable media is designated in the system; no need to insert parentheses);
• attributes disk clear readonly;
• exit.
• Ready.

Programs to resolve the “disk is write-protected” error

All companies that produce USB drives develop software to work with them. However, all these programs can lead to a positive result only when the user is logged in with administrator rights. The second important condition is that the software matches the drive model. In order to obtain accurate information It is convenient to use the “ChipGenius” utility to learn about the media. It is free and always available on the resource: “mydigit.cn”.

The application displays detailed information about the flash drive, based on which you can accurately determine which software to use.

Having found out necessary information, it is recommended to visit the page http://flashboot.ru/iflash/, where you can select an application for your flash drive. The last paragraph of this guide provides examples of common software that can effectively solve problems that arise.

How to remove write protection from individual folders or files?

To remove the protection of an individual directory, you need to go to its “Properties” and check the corresponding boxes in the “Security” section.

If there is a ban on adjustments, for example, text document, then you can simply copy its contents to another file and save it with normal settings, that is, without protection. Or use the file menu “Save as...”.

To remove system protection from a file, you should call from it context menu and click “properties”. Uncheck the “read only” box.

Often one file or folder is used by several applications at once and as a result the problem we are considering occurs. You need to close all utilities that use the file or directory. After this, access will be immediately provided.

Sometimes a folder or file is protected with passwords. To hack them, specialists have developed applications, for example, “Office Password Recovery». This is one of the most effective utilities for cracking access codes. You only need to perform a few sequential steps:

1. Click “open”;
2. Go to the “attack” tab;
3. Click “start”;
4. Wait until the process completes;
5. Ready.

You can also access individual directories and files by starting the PC in Safe Mode.
When the described methods do not help, it is recommended to install the “Unlocker” application, which, after installation, will appear in the context menu, so use it to work with separate files especially convenient.

To do this, you will need to install a paid or free modification “HDD Low Level Format Tool" (mainly they differ only in the speed of formatting and the lack of automatic updating).
In addition to flash drives, the program can work with USB hard drives. The installation wizard will help you quickly install the utility on your PC.

If it is not important for the user to receive regular updates and is ready for formatting speed limitations, then it is better to choose the free option.

After installing the program to format a protected flash drive, you must perform the following steps:

1. Select the flash drive.
2. Click “Continue”.
3. Read the information in the first tab of the program menu and go to “Low-level format”.
4. Confirm your commitment and then click “FORMAT THIS DEVICE”.

After waiting for the process to complete, the mission will be completed, that is, all bytes of information have already been erased. To use the device in the future normal mode, you will need to format it using the tools built into the OS.

Programs for formatting protected flash drives

Significant amount positive feedback The following programs have earned users:

AlcorMP— This utility, in addition to removing protection, does an excellent job of restoring the functionality of a USB drive.
In the menu you can select the “Russian” language, so even for beginners it does not cause difficulties.

HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool— The application is suitable for many flash drives, and it is also available for installation for free on the official resource.
In addition to unlocking and formatting functions, the utility can create bootable flash drives.

JetFlash Recovery Tool — Transcend owners appreciated the speed and simplicity of this program, which is capable of correcting errors in reading write blocks and unlocking protection.
Using this software will not complicate the user, since the built-in wizard will help you perform basic operations with a USB flash drive.

Apacer Repair— Owners of flash drives from Apacer easily cope with blocking, thanks to the proprietary utility.
If you cannot format the media standard tools OS, the program will effortlessly complete the task within a few minutes.

Check Disk— A fully functional modification of the program is distributed freely on the Internet.
In addition to the main formatting function, the utility is used to monitor and correct errors on hard drives and USB drives (including flash drives).

Are you afraid that your information may be stolen from your work computer and taken away on a flash drive? Or, on the contrary, are you afraid of losing data stored on a flash drive because it can be easily deleted? How to protect files from being copied to removable media without prohibiting its use in the system? How can I protect what I copied from being deleted?

Write protection of a flash drive can be implemented in several ways, depending on the goals being pursued. Some of them prohibit writing to a removable disk using the system itself, which makes it impossible to write files to any flash drive on your computer, while others allow you to prohibit writing to a specific medium, regardless of which computer it is connected to. Let's look at them in more detail:

Prohibiting writing to removable media by editing the registry.

Small changes made to the registry will allow you to prohibit writing to any removable drives. In order to deposit necessary settings, open the “Run” window using the Win/R key combination and launch the registry editor (to do this, enter the “regedit” command in the window and press the Ok or Enter button):

In the editor we are interested in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE section,

in which we will sequentially open /SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Control/

In the Control subsection we need to find the StorageDevicePolicies folder (and if it doesn’t exist, create a new one) and in the WriteProtect parameter replace the value zero with one:

For this double click open the parameter and edit its value:

If we created StorageDevicePolicies ourselves, we need to create the WriteProtect parameter in it, for which we need right click mouse to open the context menu, select “32-bit DWORD parameter” and name the new parameter WriteProtect, then change its value to one in the manner indicated above.

After closing Registry Editor, restart your computer to apply changes made. Writing to removable disks is no longer available, nothing can be copied to a flash drive, and existing files on it cannot be deleted or renamed:

To disable write prohibition, you must return the WriteProtect parameter to zero.

Prohibiting writing to flash media by changing group policy

Another way to achieve similar results, consists of making changes to local group policy. Open the editor using the familiar Win/R keys and entering the gpedit.msc command in the Run window:

Let's sequentially follow the path Computer Configuration / Administrative Templates / System / Access to removable storage devices:

Here we are interested in the parameter “ Removable drives: disable recording”, which must be set to enabled:

This method is good because it does not require a system reboot to apply the settings - after clicking the “Apply” button, the prohibition of writing to disks is activated immediately.

Also, recording is immediately disabled and turned off; just set the “Removable drives: write prohibit” parameter to “Not set” or “Disable”.

Both methods are good for prohibiting writing on your computer, but they are not capable of protecting important data on a flash drive when used to transfer files to another computer. This requires a completely different approach:

Write-protection of a flash drive by setting access rights

To use this method you need to format your flash drive. standard means Windows to NTFS file system:

All data will be destroyed, so if you have important documents on it, copy them first to hard drive, and after formatting, return it to the flash drive.

In “Properties” we are interested in the “Security” tab, where we can make changes to access rights file system:

Set the “Everyone” group to write prohibited, apply the changes:

Now, regardless of the computer to which your flash drive will be connected, no user will have rights to write (and, accordingly, to delete files). Moreover, you can restore rights only on the computer where the initial changes were made by returning the checkbox for the “Record” item to the “Allow” position.

If you wish, you can experiment with different user groups, for example by only allowing a group with administrative rights to write. However, please note that these settings will only be valid for administrators on the computer where the changes are made and not on any other.

How to remove such write protection if access to original computer no, or if the operating system was reinstalled on this computer? In this case, only formatting the flash drive again will help you. Don’t be alarmed if you store important documents on it - copy them to a folder on your computer’s hard drive, and then feel free to format your storage medium. After formatting, the file system will return to initial state, to be sure, you can choose FAT system as a new file system.

Write protection of removable media using a built-in switch

Don’t forget that some manufacturers provide a switch that allows you to block recording on a flash drive. This applies mainly to memory cards and adapters for them, however, USB drives can also be equipped with it:

If your media has such a switch, just switch it - and until you return it to the reverse position, it will be impossible to write anything or accidentally delete files. The main thing is that you yourself do not forget that you have enabled write locking on the flash drive, otherwise you are guaranteed unpleasant emotions when you will not be able to submit a report to your boss due to the fact that you will not be able to copy files to the flash drive, which is now protected.

The development of storage media has led to the emergence of write protection functions. When you turn it on, it will be impossible to write any information to the flash drive. If you encounter similar problem, then you need to disable the write ban. This can be done in hardware, through standard Windows features or through specialized software. Each of these methods will be discussed below.

Hardware button

For the convenience of users, some manufacturers include a write prohibit switch on the body of the gadget. Carefully examine the flash drive for the presence of a small switch. Next to it there may be closed and open lock icons or the word Lock. If you find a toggle switch, simply switch it to the opposite state, and then try to insert the drive into the computer again. Writing must be enabled.

Blocking by system processes

IN in rare cases The entry is blocked due to individual system or user processes. If you know which user process is blocking the flash drive, you can disable it through the Task Manager. System processes Completion is strongly not recommended, as it may damage operating system files. In this case, we recommend doing safe removal and reboot the system. If the problem with the recording restriction is not resolved, move on to other solutions.

Via command line

A fairly quick and functional method to remove the ban on writing data is to use the command line. It may seem complicated to some users, but if you strictly follow the sequence, you will achieve the desired result. The user needs to enable the command line console (by typing cmd in the Run field). After that, follow the steps of the following instructions:

The method allows you to remove protection even without a hardware button. Please note that using the console you can format a flash drive that is write-protected, but all data will be permanently deleted. For proper operation system utility run cmd as administrator.

Through the Windows Group Policy Editor

If previous method seems too complicated or the console does not start for some reason, try using the Windows Group Policy Editor. This editor– a special section of the operating system that changes access settings various objects. To unlock the flash drive, you need to do the following:

This method is more understandable, since it allows you to deactivate the locked one through the standard Windows interface. However, it is not always effective; accordingly, in some cases it is not possible to remove the restriction on writing files for a specific flash drive.

Using the Registry

Many operating system problems can be resolved by changing certain settings in system registry. They can only work with him experienced users, and according to clear instructions, since there is a high risk of damage through the registry system files OS. To remove the write ban on a flash card, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Run window (+R) and then type regedit. It starts editing the registry.
   
2. Next, you need to go to a specific subdirectory. Expand folders to the following path.
3. Next, find the WriteProtect parameter on the right side of the editor window. If it is equal to 1, then you need to double-click on the line with the mouse and then replace the current one with zero. Save the settings and restart the system. The defense must disappear.
   
4. If there is neither a directory nor a control, then you need to create it yourself. In the Control folder, right-click on the name and click create partition. Name it StorageDevicePolicies.
   
5. Create a WriteProtect binary parameter. Specify the DWORD type (on 64-bit systems, you may need to specify the WORD type to work). Set it to 0. Restart the system.
   

When creating a directory or parameter, be sure to ensure that it has the right way in the registry, as shown in the screenshot above.

Via Total Commander

A specialized professional can help you remove write protection. file manager. One of the most effective programs is Total Commander. It's free and easy to find online. This software takes up little space on your hard drive. "Total Commander" can remove the restriction from specific file or directory:

A quick and simple method, but it does not always lead to the desired result, even if you run the program as an administrator.

If this does not help, then try opening the “Configuration” section in Total Commander, the “Settings” subsection -> “File Operations”. After that, select the active item “ Automatic selection copying method.

Formatting a flash drive

In some cases, a ban on copying may be caused by failures in the file system of the flash drive itself. There is only one solution - formatting. This is an extreme option when all other methods have proven ineffective. Don't forget to copy important data from the drive first. To start the formatting process, right-click on the flash drive icon in Explorer and select “Format”.

Virus check

Exists huge amount malware. Some viruses steal or encrypt files, others may prevent data from being written to a flash drive. We recommend using an antivirus to search unwanted programs. You can use stationary antivirus(Eset, NOD32, Kaspersky or any other). Effective software can be called a development from Doctor Web (Dr.Web CureIt utility). It's portable, so be sure to load it directly onto your flash drive.

You can download the software for free from the official website. After that, launch Cureit and follow these steps:

The utility will begin scanning the entire flash drive. The duration of the process depends on the number of files on the drive. Please note that upon release new version utilities, the old one becomes inoperable. If the Continue button is not lit in CureIt, this means that you need to download current version Software from the official website.

Using third party programs

Problems with information drives are quite common. Many large companies And third party developers We have created specialized software that helps you format, enable recording, and much more. Below is a list of the most popular utilities that are used to work with flash drives.

JetFlash Recovery Tool

The software is mainly intended for repairing and restoring drives from Transcend and A-Data, but is also perfectly compatible with other flash drives. IN standard functionality There is also a menu for removing the recording ban. Also, using JetFlash Recovery Tool, you can start formatting with preliminary saving of data, fix file system failures and much more.

The software can be downloaded from the official website. Please note that when using connectors on your computer USB standard 3.0, the program may not see the flash drive. To do this, change the drive to USB 2.0.

Apacer Repair

The software is compatible only with Apacer brand products. You can download the program from the company's official website. The software has quite advanced functionality and can deactivate the ban on writing files. Disadvantage - the program is completely English, while some words are highly specialized. It is strongly recommended not to use it without knowledge of a foreign language.

Kingston Format Utility

The Kingston company is known for the production of flash drives and SSD drives, so the brand has developed its own proprietary software. With its help you can work with products from the DTX 30 model (up to USB devices Datatraveler HyperX). The software weighs less than one megabyte and can be downloaded for free from the official website.

The downside is its limited functionality, since Kingston Format Utility, as its name suggests, can only format the drive. To do this, there are only two lines in the program menu: selecting a flash drive and file system type. After this, you just need to click the Format button. The data will be permanently deleted.

USB Flash Drive Recovery

Specialized software in English for recovering flash drives from Silicon Power. There is no specific function for removing the recording restriction, but the recovery procedure can get rid of the failures and errors that caused the ban. One of the main advantages is that all steps take place in automatic mode, from drive scanning to recovery. All you have to do is watch the process. TO additional functions formatting applies.

AlcorMP

Another highly targeted software that is designed for Alcor storage media. Using the program, you can remove protection, restore functionality and reflash the controller. The user will also be able to create their own protected sections. The software is in English, but requires setting various settings, which depend on the specific flash drive. If you have an Alcor model, we recommend trying it first universal programs, and after a negative result, move on to this software.

Other Possible Problems

Please note that the problem is not always software. There are a huge number of flash drives made in China, the quality of which leaves much to be desired. Such “fakes” are extremely unstable during operation and, accordingly, may prohibit recording information. There is also a chance of failure due to physical damage:

• impact high temperatures and controller overheating;
• input voltage surges;
• falling or falling into water;
• exhaustion of all write-read cycles.

The FAT32 file system, which is found on many flash drives, does not support files larger than 4 gigabytes. Accordingly, if you want to download a 5 GB movie onto a storage device, the recording will not be available. There are several options: download a file smaller than 4 GB or split it into several smaller ones.

Rare problems with the USB input itself. A loose contact can result in an unstable connection. We recommend trying to insert the flash drive into a different USB port. Also remember that specific USB ports may simply be disabled by hardware or software. You can enable them in Device Manager, through the registry or BIOS.