In many USB devices or flash drives there is a button that is protected from writing, in such a way that the data stored in them cannot be modified or deleted, sometimes not even copied to the computer. But, Did you know that you can unlock a write-protected USB?
If they have left you a USB with this measure and you want to "skip it", here we are going to give you several options to achieve it. Of course, it is up to you to carry them out, especially if it is something that you should not do.
What does it mean to have a USB write-protected
Have a write-protected USB (flash storage drive) means that data stored on the drive cannot be written to or modified. In other words, you can only read existing files on the drive, but you cannot add new files, delete existing files, or modify the content of existing files.
Esto It can be useful when you need to protect the integrity of the data stored on the USB. For example, if it is used to distribute important or confidential information, such as business presentations, legal documents, or research data.
It can also be used when you want to use a USB as a read-only storage device, such as to distribute software or music files that should not be modified.
Although before we said that in many USB devices or flash drives have a button to protect what is inside, the truth is that most of those currently on the market do not have this option (it was somewhat problematic because sliding the button to the other side unlocked it). However, there are programs that protect these devices. And there are ways to skip them afterwards.
That is what we are going to explain below.
How to bypass the ban on a write-protected USB
If you have a write-protected USB, here we are going to talk about several methods that can help you unlock it. Now, you must be aware that it may be the case that you damage either your computer or the USB. That's why You cannot go lightly with these actions and always leave them as a last option.
Remove write protection
If you have the Windows operating system, We're going to use this to get the USB unlocked. To do this, you have to go to the Windows menu (you know, in the bottom bar, on the left) and put "Run". At the top, an app called the same will appear as the best match. Click and a new window will open.
Now You have to write the name of the program that you want to open with Windows. In this case, you must type regedit and hit accept. Most likely, it will ask you if you really want to allow that program to make changes to your computer. Say yes and move on.
In the next window, you will have a bunch of folders on the left. You have to look for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies. Once you select it, you will see options on the right. Hit WriteProtect twice and a properties tab will come out. There we will edit the value by putting a 0 in Value information. Hit accept and exit completely.
The USB should now work without write protection.
What if you don't have that folder?
Are you looking for the StoreDevicePolicies folder and it doesn't come out. First, make sure there are no hidden folders. And second, you may not have it. If it is the latter, you will need to create it to be able to access to remove the permissions.
To do this, on the same screen, look for the Control folder. Select it and click the right mouse button. In that menu, click New / Key. Put that name and click accept.
Once you enter the folder, you will see that it is empty, so you will have to put the cursor to the right and click the right mouse button. There to New / DWORD (32-bit) Value. Set it to WriteProtect.
Finally, you will only have to hit that file twice and put the number 0 in Value information.
Use the 'prompt' command
Another possibility to remove write protection from a USB is to use this option.
To do this, you have to go to Start and put Run. When the window appears, instead of the previous program that we put, put CMD and press enter.
This will open an MS-Dos and there you will have to write diskpart. Hit enter and it will cause a new window to appear. In it write List Disk and hit Enter. Now you will get some settings and you have to locate your USB memory (put the command Select disk x (that x is the number or letter of your flash drive). In the window, when this is selected, put attributes disk clear readonly and thus you will delete the USB write protection.
But, be careful, you will also delete all the data that was on it, so it is as if a format was done.
Format
Another option, related to the previous one, is to proceed with a format. This will obviously delete all the information that is inside it, so it will not help you if what you want is to take the data that is inside it. What it can be used for is to reuse that USB device.
Use a program to unlock the USB
Finally, the last option that we propose is to use a program to unlock a write-protected USB. Not all of them are going to get it (because it will depend on the degree of protection it has and what the program can do), but there will be some that hit the key (especially those that are paid). Some examples of these are Write Protect, a free third-party program, or HDD Low Level Format Tool.
Of course, you must bear in mind that using programs can damage both your computer and the USB device itself and there are no guarantees that they will work, so before doing so you should try other methods.
That being said, now you know what to do if you have a write-protected USB and how to unlock it to make it accessible to modify, copy or delete the information inside it. Have you ever had a USB with this condition? Were you able to unlock it? Tell us your experience.
