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Author Topic: UBS disk write-protected  (Read 5671 times)

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deselby

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    UBS disk write-protected
    « on: November 11, 2011, 01:19:56 PM »
    Hi there,

    I've recently developed a problem with my 64Gb USB flash drive.  I've been using it for about 2-3 months without any problem, but I was trying to copy some files to it when it became dislodged mid-transfer.  Ever since, whenever I've tried to use it, I get a message that the disk is write-protected.

    Things I've tried:
    Command Prompt - DISKPART program
    No option to suggest that the disk is write-protected in Windows 7
    Obviously, disk formatting utility
    HP Disk Utility

    There is definitely not a physical write-protect switch on the device itself.  Has anyone got any suggestions?  It appears that whenever I search for this problem, the most popular response is that the device is counterfeit, but it just seems strange seeing that I got it from a reputable supplier and that I've been able to use it for so long previously...
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    Geek-9pm


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    Re: UBS disk write-protected
    « Reply #1 on: November 11, 2011, 05:32:41 PM »
    Welcome!
    Computer Hope is the number one location for free computer help.
    The forum will help everyone with all computer questions.

    Can you supply the name and model of the USB device?
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    deselby

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      Greenhorn

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      Re: UBS disk write-protected
      « Reply #2 on: November 11, 2011, 06:07:01 PM »
      Thanks! 
      Absolutely - it's a Kingston DataTraveler 200 64Gb.  There certainly does seem to be a lot of counterfeit models knocking around, which is pretty disconcerting.  I've also tried running a few verification programs, but all have been unable to verify the drive owing to the issue around write-protection. 
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      patio

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      Re: UBS disk write-protected
      « Reply #3 on: November 11, 2011, 07:05:36 PM »
      How is it reported in Disk Management ? ?

      I believe rather than counterfiet the fact that it was removed during a process has more to do with the issue...

      If it shows as RAW then that would confirm this...format it FAT32 from Disk Management and you should be good to go...unless you want to look at data retrieval...not cheap.

      For Disk Management rite clik My Computer...select Manage...then Disk Management.
      Then Rite clik the drive and select properties to find out...

      Best of Luck.
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      deselby

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        Greenhorn

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        Re: UBS disk write-protected
        « Reply #4 on: November 11, 2011, 07:13:27 PM »


        I tried something similar following guidelines from another website, but I couldn't see any option relating to the deletion of a partition (apart from the one that's greyed out in the image above).  Is there another way to format this drive, over-riding the write-protection?
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        Geek-9pm


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        Re: UBS disk write-protected
        « Reply #5 on: November 11, 2011, 07:33:08 PM »
        That Kingston model has some very special features. It is a pricey product with benefits. The sort of thing a road warrior would want.

        Did you register it with Kingston? You can contact them and if your are the original owner, they can have you send it to them for a replacement if it is still inside their customer satisfaction plan. Even if not, call them anyway ans ask.

        Did y0ou already read this page? I has a list of 800 numbers.
        http://www.kingston.com/ukroot/company/warranty.asp
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        deselby

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          Re: UBS disk write-protected
          « Reply #6 on: November 11, 2011, 08:02:33 PM »
          Just noticed I've spelled USB incorrectly in the subject.  Not a great start to my boarding career here...

          I can't find an imprint of the serial number anywhere on the device, and the packaging would have been thrown away a long time ago now.  Is there a digital method through which I can retrieve the serial number?
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          Lisa_maree

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          Re: UBS disk write-protected
          « Reply #7 on: November 11, 2011, 08:23:11 PM »
          Hi

          The files you are trying to copy are smaller than 2 gb ?. As Fat32 is limited to 2 gb file size. Also why not copy off the data and delete the partition. And then recreate and format NTFS.

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          patio

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          Re: UBS disk write-protected
          « Reply #8 on: November 12, 2011, 07:17:11 AM »
          Are those options still greyed out if you go through Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools ? ?
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          deselby

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            Re: UBS disk write-protected
            « Reply #9 on: November 12, 2011, 01:16:03 PM »
            I haven't got System Tools in my Accessories folder in the start menu, for some reason. 

            I should probably just try and get a refund, shouldn't I?
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            Geek-9pm


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            Re: UBS disk write-protected
            « Reply #10 on: November 12, 2011, 02:04:02 PM »
            Quote from: deselby on November 12, 2011, 01:16:03 PM
            ...
            I should probably just try and get a refund, shouldn't I?
            Hard to imagine that a product with a famous name does not have a serial number.
            You said it was a reputable seller. Phone them and explain it failed and you just now realized that it never had a serial number. Many Kingston products have 3 year, 5 year  and lifetime warranties. It ought to have a serial number.


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            Salmon Trout

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            Re: UBS disk write-protected
            « Reply #11 on: November 12, 2011, 02:26:35 PM »
            Quote from: Geek-9pm on November 12, 2011, 02:04:02 PM
            Hard to imagine that a product with a famous name does not have a serial number.

            [...]

            It ought to have a serial number.

            The sun ought to shine all night. Everything should be free. [rolls eyes]

            It did. The number was on a label on the blister pack. As the OP said, "the packaging would have been thrown away a long time ago now"

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