Hii,I recently bought a new AMD x4 945, MSI 785 chipset system and installed Windows 7 ultimate edition on it. Now when i connect my old External USB WD hdd to it it is successfuly able to connect, it is able to read copy the data but i am not able to delte/write any data to it. I connet the same HDD to my old Windows XP sp2 system and it works fine there. Seems like the HDD got only read only access in windows 7. How will be able to write/delete data from it ?

Hi there, First of all, have you install the following hotfix for USB issue? Most USB issue can be fixed by it.http://support.microsoft.com/kb/976972 if the issue persists after installing the hotfix, pls let me know what the exact error you may encountered when you try to delete/write to the old external USB HDD. Meanwhile, do you have the same issue when you use other USB flash disk or external HDD? Additional, you can also backup your files on the HDD and format it under Windows 7 as a quick fix, do you still have the same issue now?

Thank you for your reply. I have not applied the hotfix yet. I do not get any error while delete/write data to the USB disk. The options to create new folder or delete any file/folder are not available for the data in my External USB HDD. Seems like it system is opening it in Read only mode. I am not sure if i should apply this hotfix as i am not facing any of the issues mentioned in the kb. Currently i switched over to my old system as i needed to do some work with that data on HDD. In next 2 days i will switch back again to my windows 7 system and check if it has "NVIDIA USB EHCI" controller and will apply the hotfix and update you guys on the staus. Formatting the USB HDD with Windows 7 will be pain as it's a 1 TB HDD and i do not have any other space available to backup that data.

Addtionally, I would like to suggest you checking the permissions of the disk. If it is read-only, try to take ownership of the disk and edit the permissions to have write/delete privilege. How to take ownership of a file or folderEdit the permissions:=============1) Right click the drive.2) Hightlight Security tab.3) Select the current user.4) Click Edit and check the Allow box of Full control.5) Click Apply and OK. Best RegardsDale

Can't edit the security and take ownership as the security tab is not showing on the properties page.

I installed hotfix as per http://support.microsoft.com/kb/976972 , Performed the "StorageDevicePolicies" registry key but problem still exists. Format and Diskpart still needs to be tried. Soon i will arrange for the backup and perform diskpart as well. I do not think disk part will help much as when i saw external hdd status in diskpart it does not shows it as read only.

Surprizingly I was able to write/delete data 2 days back. It worked fine for hours. I deleted some of the data fine. I shut down the pc and again I am not able to write/delete any data from it. I still can't figure out how it worked and why it is not working now.

Still No go with it..DiskPart shows it "Read Only: No" both at disk and volume level. As suggested in the article i still tried "ClearReadonly" but no luck.. Any more suggestions..?

I tried many methods on Internet: regedit, diskpart, etc. not work on my HP8GB on Lenovo T410. Co can't get rid of Win7 either. This is for sure a bug.

Thanks for the info. Of all of the processes I tried, this was the only thing that worked and without deleting any of my files. Very simple too.LMCfashions@comcast.net

Hi, you wrote: "Thanks for the info. Of all of the processes I tried, this was the only thing that worked and without deleting any of my files. " But you did not mention what you exactly did... Can you explain?

hi there, been there, tried everything..just registered to help you.. follow this: open usb, right click, then Tool, Check now.. that will fix the usb disk next reinsert the disk and format it, but using FAT not FAT32. after you finished that your disk won't be write protected anymore and you also will gave Security tab.. i hope this helps..it did to me.. all the best

None of this worked I went through all of the motions, creating the director in the registry along with the CMD and everything else. Are there any other alternatives?

Thanks for your post. I have a generic USB 8G flash drive that is stuck in write-protect mode in WIN7-64 bit. It does not format nor can the properties be changed. I have tried several 'fixes' including a usb utility that didn't find the drive. I checked the registry for the StorageDevicePolicies but didn't find it. This drive does not format on XP, either. I had some success with the diskpart on the CMD line. attributes disk gives the listing and shows the Current read-only state: Yes. There is another attribute called read-only:No Why these attributes do not agree is unknown. However, the attributes disk clear readonly command executes OK and did not clear the current read-only state:Yes. The readonly state changes to Yes with SET and changes to No with clear. Although the commands seem to work OK, the drive write-protection is not cleared. Your suggestions are welcome.

1. Start > search bar -> CMD and press enter 2. type< diskpart 3. type< list disk 4. type< select disk # (# is the number of the USB HDD you’ve pluged in) 5. type< attributes disk clear readonly Attributes disk clear readonly worked for me, thanks

Hi I have a USB drive that is write-protected. I used this procedure; If the issue persists, you may have to run the following command as a fix: ==================== 1. Start > search bar -> CMD and press enter 2. type< diskpart 3. type< list disk 4. type< select disk # (# is the number of the USB HDD you’ve pluged in) 5. type< attributes disk clear readonly It completed OK and there is no change on the write-protecion for this USB dirve. I suspect it has a hardware failure. Anybody have another idea? Thanks

HI I TRIED ALL THE THINGS BUT STILL UNABLE TO REMOVE WRITE PROTECTION IN USB

Gordon, very useful info it help me very much i tried to remove write protection from my friend flash drive for so many days. but the second option running cmd command was help me and no need to restart.you Thank you

Hi, I don't know if the problem I experienced is in any way related to yours, but I thought that I would share my experience, and perhaps it will help. I use Windows Media Center (WMC) in Windows 7 to record TV programs, and I set WMC to store my files on an external drive. I was watching live TV in WMC when I got the surprising message that my disk had run out of space. I did not think that I was anywhere close to that condition, and in fact I had plenty of room on the drive. I happened to notice in Explorer when I viewed the properties of my Recorded TV folder and its files, that they were all set to the Read-only attribute, and that was strange since I never set my files/folder to Read-only. So I Googled "read only" and found these articles: http://itexpertvoice.com/home/fixing-the-windows-7-read-only-folder-blues/ http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326549 Apparently Microsoft has changed the attributes for security-related reasons during one of their Windows updates. The articles explain that you cannot use the Properties dialog to change a FOLDER from read only - it has to be done from the DOS prompt. And apparently because my WMC Recorded TV folder was Read-only it thought it was out of space. (Why this would be so I have no idea.) I have unset the Read-only folder attribute, and I am now waiting to see if WMC is happy. Perhaps your issue is related.

Hey! Try this way! I just find out and it works! I am using Win. 7 and I had problem with my USD. Try this: - Right click and choose "Properties" - Find " Sharing" tab - Look for " Advance Sharing" click on it. - Tick " Share this folder" - OK Let me know if it works for you... You should know what Folder Sharing mean when you want to share.

Hey! Try this way! I just find out and it works! I am using Win. 7 and I had problem with my USD. Try this: - Right click and choose "Properties" - Find " Sharing" tab - Hi! Friends, I have tried all this things but not working for me please need help

I suggest using CHKDSK and see if there is any error with the file system on the USB storage. Windows MVP 2010-11, XP, Vista, 7. Expanding into Windows Server 2008 R2, SQL Server, SharePoint, Cloud, Virtualization etc. etc. Hardcore Games, Legendary is the only Way to Play Developer | Windows IT | Chess | Economics | Vegan Advocate | PC Reviews

Hi! Friends, I have same issue , tried this things but not working for me please need help

friends , My problem solved. Try this this post : How to Remove Read Only Protection From USB Drive thanks Thank you sir .. last method helped me

follow the steps 1.Open a new note pad file. 2.Copy this cd\ reg add HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies /t Reg_dword /v WriteProtect /f /d 0 3.save it as DISABLEWP.BAT 4.Then copy it to start up folder. When you insert a pendrive it remove write protection.If it becomes.Or simply use any software which fix this kind of problem.You may try long path tool from http://longpathtool.com .It may help you.Thanks.

Hi, Regarding the hotfix, I think you can install it directly. The hotfix will replace/update some USB related system files which would be helpful for USB related issues. Actually, I have had this type of issue before and format is a quick fix to me (please remember to formant it under Windows 7). Since you do not have other free space, you can consider copy those data to another PC (of your friends or the PC in your office) Meanwhile, what would happen when you try to save file to this USB HDD? If you receive error message stating "The disk is write-protected. Remove the write-protection or use another disk, please remove write protection from your USB flash drive using the below method: ==================== 1. Open start menu, in the search bar type REGEDIT and press enter. This will open the registry editor. 2. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies Note: If the registry key StorageDevicePolicies does not exist, you will need to create it manually. 3. Highlight StorageDevicePolicies, and then create a New DWORD (32-bit) Value named as WriteProtect. 4. Double click the key WriteProtect in the right window and set the value to 0 in the Value Data Box and press OK button 5. Restart your computer and try copying files into your USB drives. If the issue persists, you may have to run the following command as a fix: ==================== 1. Start > search bar -> CMD and press enter 2. type< diskpart 3. type< list disk 4. type< select disk # (# is the number of the USB HDD youve pluged in) 5. type< attributes disk clear readonly Do you still have the same issue after reboot? Please post your update info if you have make any progress If u are using Antivirus program like Quick Heal, it has data theft protection, so please check that and disable it for removable storage devices.

I agree. This is a BUG. I have read all the words from Microsoft about making folders read only but it's the drive that's read only for me. Can't backup, won't allow me to format. Changed the registry to 0 ran CMD clear read only, changed the drive path, made sure of my permissions etc. Best I got was a couple of hours then changes back. I don't care what the reason that microsoft has for this but I totally agree with Eaglequest that this is a Windows 7 BUG and needs to be fixed.

I suggest that when USB3 becomes more widely installed that problems with USB disks will be less problematic. This problem is that USB2 is only provisioned with 500mA which is 2.5W which is very limited for a hard disk that may need more when used heavily. USB3 provisions the ports with 900mA which is almost double the power which will be of immense help to USB attached disks. USB3 cases for notebook disks are now available on eBay. Still about $20 right now but prices will fall soon. USB3 adapters are also available for PCIe x1 slots as well. Windows MVP 2010-11, XP, Vista, 7. Expanding into Windows Server 2008 R2, SQL Server, SharePoint, Cloud, Virtualization etc. etc. Hardcore Games, Legendary is the only Way to Play Developer | Windows IT | Chess | Economics | Vegan Advocate | PC Reviews

if anyone is using a HP machine like my netbook, the HP support tool can find drivers etc and updates fine use it Windows MVP 2010-11, XP, Vista, 7. Expanding into Windows Server 2008 R2, SQL Server, SharePoint, Cloud, Virtualization etc. etc. Hardcore Games, Legendary is the only Way to Play Developer | Windows IT | Chess | Economics | Vegan Advocate | PC Reviews

I got the 2TB HDD. I use sony vaio windows 7 professional. The computer/Disk management screen DOES show the Hard Disk as a Disk 1, unknown, 1863.01 GB, Not Initialized with the message of UNALLOCATED. But my computer does NOT display this 2tb HDD in the folder. Therefore, I cant run the attrib commands on my computer. I will be greateful if you can help me please...

It worth to mention that I have tried EASE Partition Master 8.0.1 Server Edition but my above mentioned problem is still there....

I have given up on USB storage in favor of using a server, too many times the disk is wiped with errors that cannot be recovered. Windows MVP 2010-11, XP, Vista, 7. Expanding into Windows Server 2008 R2, SQL Server, SharePoint, Cloud, Virtualization etc. etc. Hardcore Games, Legendary is the only Way to Play Developer | Windows IT | Chess | Economics | Vegan Advocate | PC Reviews

I have the same issue. I am running Windows 7 Professional - 64bit. I've tried several USB drives with different format types: FAT, FAT32 and NTFS. I am unable to write to the drive. I am unable to right-click and see the security tab. Since I am in a domain environment, I tried logging on as a member of the domain administrator group - no luck. I then tried logging on as THE domain administrator and it works. I am able to write to the disk. I have tried all the suggestions in this thread and nothing works. I obviously can't have the users logging in as administrator. They are already local administrators. I have turned off the UAC. I am at a loss. This only happens on the Windows 7 64bit clients.

Hi Gordon 7, Sadly your suggestion does not work for me. It is a definately a software issue. I have locked 2 USB memory sticks proving it. The first one was a surprise, the second a planned experiment. Our industrial safety PLC program sets the current Read-only State to yes when we archive our programs. If this problem can't be solved we are going to use a lot of memory sticks. Kind regards, Dave_48.

"RAMABADRAN V" wrote in message news:9b08213c-9c35-4237-8c4e-c041fd810389... HI I TRIED ALL THE THINGS BUT STILL UNABLE TO REMOVE WRITE PROTECTION IN USB Some USB sticks come with a hardware switch for safety check yours. Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth I had a dumb moment, been trying solve this all morning, then realized it was indeed a switch for safety. Thanks Noel. :)Teching It Easy: With Windows |ActiveWin | Notebooks | Microsoft MVP

"Andre Da Costa" wrote in message news:1c25fe81-0cd2-43ee-a9e6-88b8b8df9102... I had a dumb moment, been trying solve this all morning, then realized it was indeed a switch for safety. Thanks Noel. :) Teching It Easy: With Windows |ActiveWin | Notebooks | Microsoft MVP BTDT :) Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC | The Three-toed Sloth

This problem just happened to me yesterday while I was trying to copy some files from my windows 7 laptop to my 4 GB sandisk cruzer blade flash disk and voila I got the message: "Disk is write-protected" I was stuck. Could not delete any file or paste one onto it. After checking the net I tried different format tools but in vain. I came to realize that this glitch was more common and increasing. Unfortunately there is still no solution!

try the stick on another machine to see if its okWindows MVP 2011-12, XP, Vista, 7. Expanding into Windows Server 2008 R2, SQL Server, SharePoint, Cloud, Virtualization etc. etc. Hardcore Games, Legendary is the only Way to Play Developer | Windows IT | Chess | Economics | Vegan Advocate | PC Reviews

THE ABOVE WORKED!!!!!! FINALLY!!! I've been dealing with this issue of "Administrator Permission" or "Access Denied" for 5 months now, and the first part of the above answer WORKED!!!! I'm re-pasting it below, if for no other reason than it made my day! Start -> Run... -> gpedit.msc -> OK Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Removable Storage Access In here I disabled all of the "Deny read access/write access" options; you may only want to disable the ones relating directly to the type of media that you want to access. Here are the ones I changed: Removable Disks: Deny execute access Removable Disks: Deny read access Removable Disks: Deny write access Double-click each one and select the 'Disabled' radio button. Do the same as above, except the first step is "User Configuration" instead of "Computer Configuration"

Dear Joe, I have tried both of the ways but my problem is still there...................please help me with some other way that can remove write protection from my pendrive. thanks. Muhammad Ali

what make/model of usb stick do you have? Windows MVP 2011-12, XP, Vista, 7 and 8. Hardcore Games, Legendary is the only Way to Play Developer | Windows IT | Chess | Economics | Vegan Advocate | PC Reviews

Hello. I am new to win 7 about 4 days. I have this problem with my usb drives flash and sata. I followed an above instruction to change the registry. Search REGEDIT. Follow the path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies. My registry didn't have StorageDevicePolicies. At Control there was no value entered so I entered a value of 0. It worked. All usb drives are not write porotected, they don't shut off or become unrecognized by the system. I don't know what future effect this will have on the system but I think not alot. By making this registry change your putting a instruction Zero where no instruction was. GOOD LUCK.

for gideonsis; where exectly did you put value of 0? was it in control itself or you created new key in control and if you did what was the name of the key you have created? I have tried all of the above and none helped me to fix this problem. Maybe you have a solution but I am not following you 100% so please clarify when you have a minute. thanks!

Hi, I have a Dell Latitude E6400 laptop with Intel Core2 Duo CPU (2.80GHz), running Windows 7 Professional (64-bit). I started to have this same problem after my RAM upgraded from 4GB to 8GB a few weeks ago (well, also had some Windows updates installed), but never had this issue before. I'm a domain user and also a member of the local Administrators group. I tried the following ways suggested here (thanks for all the advices!) with different USB drives/portable HDDs/memory cards (that I used before without this issue, none of them has write-protect lock), but NONE of them worked: - Hotfix (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/976972) When trying to install it, I got a message saying this does not apply to my system and could not continue. - Registry key WriteProtect under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\StorageDevicePolicies HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\Control\StorageDevicePolicies They all have value 0. - "attributes disk clear readonly" command within the "disk part" tool There is no need since "Read-only state" already shows No. - Local Group Policy (via gpedit.msc) Disabled "Removable Disks: Deny execute/read/write access" Disabled "All Removable Storage Classes: Deny all access" under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Removable Storage Access User Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Removable Storage Access - Control and ownership All of my removable device have FAT or FAT32 file system, there is no security tab in the Properties window. I formatted one USB drive to NTFS, then checked Properties>Security, I am the owner with full control. Every changed above was followed by a reboot. But nothing helped. When I tried to create a folder or copy a file to the USB drive, I got a "Destination Folder Access Denied" message (see screen shot): Very oddly, I did the following and don't understand why (in command mode, I'm able to create a folder but unable to delete it): So right now I'm totally out of clue what to do... please help! Thank you.

You know what, people ? :) I tried all of the above and been wasting last 2 hours on this problem. Nothing worked. Tried everything on the internet and everything that was included here. I was getting this darn Unable To Write error... Then i tried uninstalling everything and solution was that DISK DEFRAGMENTING SOFTWARE ( O&O Defrag Software) was issue and preventing from writing to usb drive. I hope this solves somebody's problems! Cheers.