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My flash disk encountered an error saying that it has been write protected, so of course I can't even copy files or even format my flash drive.

What happened to my flash drive to cause this?

Any suggestions, advice or tutorials to fix this problem?

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i'm curious to see a screenshot of this error. If the device has been made read-only as a protection mechanism, it is either the operating system, or the device itself, that is doing this. It must have a way to be undone. – Ian Boyd Feb 22 '11 at 15:57
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USB flash disks are easily got corrupted in time and this seems to be the case for you. The first thing you should do is to recover your files on the flash disk. There are several programs to do that. Then you can discard the disk and buy a new one. Never trust USB disks and always remember to back up your data.

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thank you for the info – iDarine Jun 29 '10 at 12:18
What happens if the drive has a write protect switch? ... Especially as he can read from it (I think). I know I said corruption as well, but I think this is an important point. – William Hilsum Jun 29 '10 at 12:20
You're welcome. – Mehper C. Palavuzlar Jun 29 '10 at 12:20
@Wil: If the drive had a switch on it, I thought he would have easily seen it. Hence I proposed him to buy a new one after trying to recover his files. That does not mean that your answer has no point, of course. – Mehper C. Palavuzlar Jun 29 '10 at 12:25
if its in warranty get it replaced/repaired instead of throwing it out. – rzlines Sep 4 '10 at 21:12
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up vote 6 down vote

Check that your flash drive doesn't have a switch on it somewhere that turns on write protected mode.

If you can't find a switch (and you bought this / e.g. not a promotional stick that is designed for write once) then it may be corrupt or otherwise damaged.

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thanks for the help – iDarine Jun 29 '10 at 12:18
+1 for pointing out protection switch. – Mehper C. Palavuzlar Jun 29 '10 at 12:30
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