Often, when copying a file from a flash card (flash drive), a message is displayed stating that the disk is protected. How you can remove write protection from a flash drive in several ways is described in this article.
Reasons for protecting a flash drive from writing
First, you need to figure out and understand why the flash-card is write-protected.
Main reasons:
- the work of the file system was disrupted due to improper use of the flash drive, because almost all users neglect the safe extraction operation;
- the flash drive is infected with viruses;
- mechanical damage to the flash-card, for example, it was dropped, damaged, wet, etc.;
- there is a switch on the flash drive that sets write protection.
Take a close look at the USB flash drive: maybe there is just a switch on it, then the problem of removing the protection will be solved in one motion. You just need to move the switch and the flash drive will be unlocked.
Programs that will help remove write protection on a flash card
HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool will help you unlock your flash drive regardless of its model. After downloading and launching the program, the blocked flash card will be immediately identified. You just need to select the type of file system and click the "Start" button.
AlcorMP works with AlcorMP controllers. If your flash drive works on this controller, then you will see a black "G" button, red color indicates that you need to stop working. To remove the write protection, press the "START" button.
Important! All applications designed to work with memory cards must be opened as an administrator. To do this, right-click on the program shortcut and click on "Run as administrator".
Other ways to help remove write protection on a flash card
Try to scan the USB flash drive and, if necessary, remove all virus files.
Just try changing the USB port. Sometimes it happens that after you have moved the USB flash drive to a different port, everything starts working.
You can try to remove the flash drive protection in the command line.
For this you need:
- run the command line as an administrator;
-type Diskpart in the command line and press Enter;
- now you need to enter the command list disk;
- in the list of disks you need to find the USB flash drive that you want to unlock (you need to know its number);
-Now you need to enter the following commands, after each command press Enter: select disk N (where N is the number of the flash drive from the previous step) attributes disk clear readonly, exit;
-after that, you need to close the command line and try again to perform any actions with the flash drive.
