How To Fix A Sandisk Usb Flash Drive That Is Write Protected: A Simple Guide
What To Know
- Generally, USB Flash Drives become write-protected if the ‘Lock’ switch on the USB Flash Drive is turned to the ‘Lock’ position.
- If the ‘Lock’ switch is in the ‘Unlock’ position, but the USB Flash Drive is still write-protected, you can try formatting it.
- Whenever, you insert your SanDisk USB Flash Drive into your computer, it prompts you to format it.
Are you having trouble using your SanDisk USB flash drive because it is write protected? If so, don’t worry! There are a few simple steps you can take to fix this issue. In this article, we will walk you through the process of removing write protection from your SanDisk USB flash drive.
How To Fix Sandisk Usb Flash Drive Write Protected
SanDisk is very famous all over the world. SanDisk manufactures various types of storage devices such as USB Flash Drives, SD Cards, Portable Hard Disks, etc. SanDisk USB Flash Drives are very reliable for storing your data.
However, sometimes a SanDisk USB Flash Drive may become write-protected. A write-protected USB Flash Drive means you cannot delete any file from it. The files on the USB Flash Drive will remain intact, but you cannot delete or add any file to it.
Why SanDisk USB Flash Drive Becomes Write-Protected?
Generally, USB Flash Drives become write-protected if the ‘Lock’ switch on the USB Flash Drive is turned to the ‘Lock’ position. If this ‘Lock’ switch is accidentally set to ‘Lock’ position, the USB Flash Drive becomes write-protected.
Sometimes, a SanDisk USB Flash Drive may become write-protected if a file gets corrupted on it. In this case, if you attempt to delete the corrupted file, the USB Flash Drive becomes write-protected.
How to Fix SanDisk USB Flash Drive Write-Protected?
To fix a SanDisk USB Flash Drive that is write-protected, you can try the following steps:
1. Check the ‘Lock’ Switch:
Make sure the ‘Lock’ switch on the USB Flash Drive is not in the ‘Lock’ position. If the ‘Lock’ switch is in the ‘Lock’ position, switch it to the ‘Unlock’ position.
2. Format the USB Flash Drive:
If the ‘Lock’ switch is in the ‘Unlock’ position, but the USB Flash Drive is still write-protected, you can try formatting it. Formatting will erase all the data on the USB Flash Drive, but you will be able to use it again.
3. Use CMD:
You can try using CMD (Command Prompt) to format the USB Flash Drive.
How Do I Remove Write Protection From My Sandisk Usb Flash Drive?
- 1. Check to see if your SanDisk USB flash drive is write-protected.
- 2. If it is write-protected, you can try removing it by restarting your computer.
- 3. If that doesn’t work, you can try removing the write-protection by formatting the drive.
- 4. If that doesn’t work, you can try removing the write-protection by using a third-party tool.
- 5. If that doesn’t work, you can try removing the write-protection by taking the drive to a service center.
How Do I Format A Write-protected Sandisk Usb Flash Drive?
How Do I Format A Write-protected Sandisk Usb Flash Drive?
For your information, the SanDisk USB Flash Drives are programmed to not allow any writing on it, hence it is generally write-protected.
Whenever, you insert your SanDisk USB Flash Drive into your computer, it prompts you to format it. The “drive letter” that was assigned to your SanDisk USB Flash Drive becomes an “unallocated space”.
In order to format your SanDisk USB Flash Drive, you have to “Unlock” it, which is write-protected.
Unlocking a Write-protected SanDisk USB Flash Drive
Press “Windows” + “R” from your keyboard.
Type “cmd” and then press “Enter” from your keyboard.
Click “Yes” if it prompts you to give administrator permission.
Type “diskpart” and press “Enter” from your keyboard.
Type “list disk” and press “Enter” from your keyboard.
Type “select disk n” (n is the “Drive Letter” of your SanDisk USB Flash Drive) and press “Enter” from your keyboard.
Type “attributes disk clear readonly” and press “Enter” from your keyboard.
Type “exit” and press “Enter” from your keyboard.
Formatting a Write-protected SanDisk USB Flash Drive
Now, your SanDisk USB Flash Drive is unlocked and you can now format it.
How Do I Unlock A Sandisk Usb Flash Drive?
To unlock a SanDisk USB flash drive, follow these steps:
1. Connect the flash drive to your computer.
2. Open “Computer” or “This PC” (depending on your operating system) and locate the drive.
3. Right-click on the drive and select “Properties.”
4. In the Properties window, click on the “Security” tab.
5. Under “Security,” click on the “Edit” button.
6. In the “Edit Security Settings” window, click on the “Add” button.
7. In the “Select Users or Groups” window, enter your username and click on the “Check Names” button.
8. Click on the “OK” button.
9. Click on the “Apply” button.
10. Click on the “OK” button.
11. Close the Properties window.
12. Unplug the flash drive and reconnect it to your computer.
13. The flash drive should now be unlocked and ready to use.
How Do I Unlock A Sandisk Usb Flash Drive Without Formatting?
To unlock a SanDisk USB flash drive without formatting, you can try the following steps:
1. Check the drive’s lock switch: The lock switch on the drive may have been accidentally switched to the “locked” position. Check to ensure that the switch is unlocked.
2. Check if the USB drive is write-protected: Some SanDisk drives have a write-protection switch that prevents data from being deleted or modified. Ensure that the switch is set to the “off” position to unlock the drive.
3. Use a different USB port: Try connecting the drive to a different USB port on your computer. Sometimes, a faulty USB port can cause write-protection issues.
4. Use a different computer: Connect the drive to a computer running a different operating system and see if the issue persists. This will help you determine if the issue is with the drive or the computer.
5. Use a third-party software: If none of the above steps work, you can try using a third-party software to unlock the drive. Some popular options include SanDisk SecureAccess, LockHunter, and Unlocker.
Remember that unlocking a write-protected drive may delete all of the data stored on it, so it’s always a good idea to back up your data before attempting to unlock the drive.
How Do I Fix A Sandisk Usb Flash Drive That Is Write Protected But Not Locked?
To fix a SanDisk USB flash drive that is write protected but not locked, you can try the following steps:
1. Update your SanDisk USB driver: Go to the website of your SanDisk USB flash drive manufacturer and download the latest USB driver for your device. Install the driver and see if the issue persists.
2. Format the SanDisk USB flash drive: Connect the SanDisk USB flash drive to your computer, right-click on the drive in File Explorer, and select “Format.” Choose a file system like FAT32 or exFAT, and then click “Start” to format the drive.
3. Run the CHKDSK command: Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” to open the command prompt with administrator privileges. Type “chkdsk F: /f” (replace “F” with the letter of your SanDisk USB flash drive) and press Enter. This command will scan and repair any errors on the drive.
4. Remove write protection using Diskpart: Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” to open the command prompt with administrator privileges. Type “diskpart” and press Enter.
Key Points
In conclusion, fixing a SanDisk USB Flash Drive that is write protected can be a frustrating experience, but by using the methods outlined in this blog post, you should be able to get your drive working properly again in no time. Remember to exercise caution when handling computer hardware and to always back up your files before attempting any repairs. If all else fails, you may have to consider formatting your drive as a last resort.
