![\"How](\"https:\/\/www.hovatek.com\/blog\/bpyeki\/uploads\/2014\/07\/Lock-Wooden-USB-Pen-Drive.jpg\")
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In our previous articles about USB storage devices, we focused mainly on recovering corrupted files (see https:\/\/www.hovatek.com\/blog\/how-to-recover-corrupted-files-lost-files-from-corrupt-or-accidentally-formatted-usb-devices\/<\/a>\u00a0)\u00a0and fixing corrupted USB storage devices (see\u00a0https:\/\/www.hovatek.com\/blog\/how-to-fix-repair-corrupt-memory-card-sd-card-or-usb-drive\/<\/a>\u00a0) . This time around, we’ll look at a rather interesting security feature for USB storage devices called Write Protection.<\/p>\n What is Write Protection of storage media?<\/span><\/p>\n Write protection is a security measure implemented on storage devices mostly aimed at preventing data alteration, corruption or deletion. Storage devices work using Input\/Output or Read\/Write processes. When a storage device becomes write protected, it can only be read from, not written to.<\/p>\n What are the benefits of write protection?<\/span><\/p>\n Write protection protects the files on the storage media from corruption, alteration or deletion without adequate permissions; however, this could sometime backfire if the process goes rogue.<\/p>\n How do I setup write protection on storage media?<\/span><\/p>\n Are there any disadvantages of setting write protection on storage media?<\/span><\/p>\n I wouldn’t really say there’s a disadvantage if the storage device is intentionally write protected because\u00a0removing it should be just as easy. The write protection process could however go haywire , especially when initiated by unwanted factors. In such cases, you’ll be unable to add or \u00a0delete files from the storage device.<\/p>\n I don’t remember setting write protection on my storage device, where did it come from?<\/span><\/p>\n Accidental write protection could be as a result of:<\/p>\n How do I remove write protection on storage media ?<\/span><\/p>\n Some Techniques you could apply are:<\/p>\n 1. <\/p>\n : If you’re making use of a lockable Memory card reader or Flash drive then check the sides, you should see a movable switch (write protector). Try changing the position then insert the card reader into the PC again. Ensure it doesn’t shift while inserting into the PC’s card reader \/ USB slot. Try changing the memory card reader too.<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0<\/p>\n :\u00a0<\/span>The Windows Registry is a database that stores settings and options for Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains information and settings for hardware, operating system software, most non-operating system software, and per-user settings. The registry also provides a window into the operation of the kernel, exposing runtime information such as performance counters and currently active hardware.<\/p>\n To open Registry Editor:<\/p>\n 3. <\/p>\n : To grant permission;<\/p>\n\n
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Disable the Write Protection switch<\/h3>\n
Edit Registry to delete \u00a0the\u00a0StorageDevicePolicies\u00a0sub-key<\/h3>\n
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Grant adequate permissions<\/h3>\n