Usb hard drive write-protected-How to undo

Hi gang,

My usb external HD is now write protected. I don't know how this happened. I use this to store my images and data.

Anyone know how to fix this?

 

Hello Rilla927;

Read post #4 in this thread.
http://www.vistax64.com/vista-hardware-devices/79541-usb-hard-drive-write-protect-error.html

I hope this helps.

 

Maybe you could backup the files on the usb hard drive to another hard drive and then wipe the usb hard drive that has the copy protection. I would think that a wipe (zero write to all sectors) would remove the write protection, but I am not 100% sure.

 

Hi,

wtsinnc, I did try the link you gave and it didn't work. I have been scouring the internet and so far nothing.

@TheKid

That's a good idea. I would think it would work but unsure also.

I hope I don't have to trash this drive.

 

How about Post #7 of this forum thread? I don't know if it will work for you.

http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=185805

Or maybe this:

http://www.t3chworks.com/index.php?p=2_1

 

Yes, I have tried that. In fact the second link is exactly what I used.

I just reinstalled windows; I think I will try it once more.

 

Take your pick - My Digital Life, Answers.com or eHow. One's got yer number.

 

Hi there GlobalForce,

Your first link I have tried but my system was corrupt at the time when I did this. I just reinstalled windows yesterday so I will give this a try again as well as the other two links you posted.

The 2nd and 3rd link I have never come across but I will give them a spin.

Thank you very much!

Edit

I was wrong about the first link I didn't try it. I wanted too. I remember checking the key in the registry and it didn't exist. I tried to create the key but the registry wouldn't let me. My Antimalware was blocking the d/l.

I tried the first link again and the registry key was there so I changed the value to 0 and rebooted and fired up the external and it works.
My registry was so corrupt before that's why it wouldn't work. Thanks for reminding of this link again.

 

I think backing up data and then a fast format will fix it. Just my guess as it worked for my USB flash stick.

 

Previous to my post above I did try to reformat it and it said "write-protected" and wouldn't do it. I wiped the drive with BC Total Wipe Out.

 

Persistence by a furlong? Good! S'all it takes sometimes.