How to remove Write Protection on USB Memory (Flash drives,Memory Card) [SOLVED]

What is 'write-protection'?

'Write protection' is a type of security measure which places a 'lock' on digital files. The locking action prevents modifications from being made to the stored data, and is a simple way to avoid changes being made to important files without your permission. So far, so logical; but occasionally these security measures can backfire, essentially locking you out of your own home.

Write-protection is often a physical (rather than a virtual) security measure; lifting it usually involves flicking a switch on the mass storage device. The trick is to first find the switch, and or to change the virtual settings on your computer to accept the physical changes.

Changing security on a USB memory stick

Trying to change a write-protected files often generates messages such as 'Drive can't be written on. Please, remove write-protection'?

Most memory sticks have simple switches on the side to amend write permissions.  USB sticks are slightly different.  Some may have switches at the side, like in the illustration below, but these are just to extend the USB connection rather than a write protection switch.

Have a look at the SD card's exterior; is there a small switch on one side? Changing the positioning should turn write protection off and let you change the contents.

If not, then try the following:

·         Insert the memory stick into the computer

·         Go to My Computer and under Devices with Removable Storage look for your card reader

·         Right-click on it and click Properties

·         In the pop-up box, sometimes there's an option to Remove write-protection. Change the status of this option and try again.

Still no luck?

·         Remove your memory stick from the drive

·         Click Start > Run...

·         In the box type regedit and press OK

·         A new window will appear. Go to:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies

·         If you can't locate StorageDevicePolicies then you will need to create this folder

o    Right-click on Control and click on New > Key. Name this StorageDevicePolicies

o    Right-click on the new folder you created called StorageDevicePolicies and click New > DWORD Value.

o    Name this WriteProtect

·         Double-click on Write Protect and change the Value Data to 0 and then click OK

·         Close the Registry Editor and insert the memory stick into your computer