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Thread ID: 46639 2004-06-30 22:31:00 deleting 'write-protected' programme colmack (2939) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
248713 2004-06-30 22:31:00 Recently I bought a USB flash-drive. I copied an .exe file on to it (no problem), but when I wanted to delete it, I got a message which said something like "Write-protected: unable to delete. Remove write-protection and try again" (or something like that - I'm writing this from memory). How do I remove this write-protection? I right-clicked and looked at Properties, but couldn't see anything obvious.

Hope this makes sense. I'd really appreciate help, as I don't want my flash drive to slowly accumulate stuff I can't remove :-(
colmack (2939)
248714 2004-06-30 22:33:00 There may be a little switch (like on SD cards) that write protects the drive. If there is then sliding that to the unlocked position should fix it. Otherwise it could be the attributes of the file(s) you are trying to delete. Sb0h (3744)
248715 2004-06-30 23:42:00 I'd love a USB flash drive.

Is it possible to reformat the drive to clear everything off it?
Greg S (201)
248716 2004-06-30 23:52:00 If the write protect switch is on, you cant format it. Otherwise they usually ship with a format utility to allow it.

Was given another flash drive this week from a client company, as a "corporate gift". Better than a ballpoint pen, I must say.
godfather (25)
248717 2004-07-01 01:13:00 I've got to agree with you there GF, I have quite a heap of monogrammed ballpoint pens and NO USB drives. None of the ballpoints has a write protect switch, but I still have difficulty erasing the output.
I seriously dobt that methylated spirits would work on the USB drive though.
R2
R2x1 (4628)
248718 2004-07-01 04:24:00 Thanks SbOh (and others) - you were right, and I feel stupid :8}. Now I know what the little switch with the open and closed padlock sybol does... colmack (2939)
248719 2004-07-01 04:29:00 LOL robsonde (120)
248720 2004-07-01 04:41:00 > None of the ballpoints has a write protect switch,

Really? Most of mine do.

With the switch in the "up" position, the writing tip is recessed into the pen body, and writing with the pen is inhibited. Its quite an effective write protect mechanism actually.
godfather (25)
248721 2004-07-01 08:46:00 > > None of the ballpoints has a write protect switch,
>
> Really? Most of mine do.
>
> With the switch in the "up" position, the writing tip
> is recessed into the pen body, and writing with the
> pen is inhibited. Its quite an effective write
> protect mechanism actually.


What happens if you turn off the protection and write "ctrl Z" ?
Jester (13)
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