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How-To Geek Forums » Windows Vista

Removing write protect from usb flash drive

(44 posts)
  • Started 3 months ago by mfuasi
  • Latest reply from drifta
  • Topic Viewed 3144 times


mfuasi
mfuasi
Posts: 42

My desktop was recently infected with unknown malware (.vfb).I rebooted teh system and re installed windows coz it really affected the system.Prior ,to that i had used my flash disk to transfer files and the usb stick also caught the virus.I seldom use the flash disk so i didn't format it to remove the malware infection.The disk is now in a corrupt state and whats even more annoying is that i cannot carry out file transfer using the stick as i experience the following message;

the disk is write-protected.Remove the write-protection or use another disk!

by the way ,i have already tried to adjust manually the lock unlock option on the disk!can anyone help?

Posted 3 months ago #
 
raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 2495

mfuasi,

What is Name and Model of Flash Memory Disk ??

Rick P.

Posted 3 months ago #
 
mfuasi
mfuasi
Posts: 42

Its a San Disk 1 GB memory card.i accessed it thro a card reader(make is also card reader).the problem by the way doesnt lie on teh card reader coz the reader is functioning properly!

Posted 3 months ago #
 
raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 2495

mfuasi,

It Appears Your Problem is Very Common to This Card.

Found this on a google search.

"San Disk 1 GB memory card" + FIX + WRITE + PROTECTION

DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL WORK??

"put a piece of tape on the openings of the adapter on the sides, be carefully not to cover the contacts"

Post Back as to Results.

Regards,
Rick P.

Posted 3 months ago #
 
SarahJames
SarahJames
Posts: 608

That's weird - I have a similar problem on a USB connected external harddrive, just created a topic concerning that!

http://www.howtogeek.com/forum.....?replies=1

Posted 3 months ago #
 
mfuasi
mfuasi
Posts: 42

I already tried putting a piece of tape on the openings of the adapter on the sides ,but to no avail.I just read the link posted above an as an idea...i have the linux ubuntu liveCD so i think i will try to access the USB Stick thro ubuntu OS!if i get positive feedback i will definitely post the results.anyways thanks for the ideas guys.

Posted 3 months ago #
 
SarahJames
SarahJames
Posts: 608

Be careful with the bootCD's - after using the Knoppix cd I have a problem with starting my pc - it wants to boot from the cd évery time...

Posted 3 months ago #
 
mfuasi
mfuasi
Posts: 42

Ave already used the liveCD but the card was reported as a ''read only'' accessible.The best solution is to acquire a new stick.I reckon the cards days were numbered!
To SarahJames,
I think that maybe u should check your BIOS configuration as pertaining to Boot selection.Maybe you should reset your Boot selection bac to teh original default settings.

Posted 3 months ago #
 
raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 2495

mfuasi,

Boot from CD (IS) the Default FIRST ORDER Setting in machines which do not have Floppy Drives. No other way to get into a machine for maintenance unless it supports Boot from USB. That is why I always advise that folks who have Desktops or Towers invest in a $10 Obsolete Floppy Drive if machine supports one.

Regards,
Rick P.

Posted 3 months ago #
 
mfuasi
mfuasi
Posts: 42

Funny coz i have a maschine which does not have a floppy,but the default BIOS settings are Floppy,Hard disk then CD set as the last Boot option.Maybe its coz we're from different regions(am from Germany).Guess it was assumption from my part....

Posted 3 months ago #
 
SarahJames
SarahJames
Posts: 608

@ mfuasi - I'm trying to get into the BIOS to change it, but can't get to it ...

Posted 3 months ago #
 
SarahJames
SarahJames
Posts: 608

I'd expect the machine to check if there is a CD to boot from and if not to move on to booting from the hard drive, but it want's a bootCD and doesn't look any further.

Posted 3 months ago #
 
whs
whs
Posts: 6322

The way you expected it is the usual way it works. In fact, you usually have only 10 seconds to hit any key on the keyboard (I guess for confirmation) if you want it to boot from CD. Else it defaults to disk.

Posted 3 months ago #
 
raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 2495

SarahJames,

What is Make and Model of the machine you are trying to get into Bios on ??

Rick P.

Posted 3 months ago #
 
SarahJames
SarahJames
Posts: 608

Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo CPU, E4500 @ 2.20GHz 2.20 GHz, Vista Home Premium SP1, 3 GB memory, 32 bit.

Don't know what of this info is useful, so I post whatever I can think of:)

Posted 3 months ago #
 
raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 2495

SarahJames,

NO-JOY

Need Make IE: HP, DELL, etc.. Model Number IE: 1505, XXXX, etc.. of the computer ??

Regards,
Rick P.

Posted 3 months ago #
 
SarahJames
SarahJames
Posts: 608

Medion, that I know. Where do I find the other info?

Posted 3 months ago #
 
SarahJames
SarahJames
Posts: 608

Medion AG, Professional PC. It doesn't say any more than that:(

Posted 3 months ago #
 
whs
whs
Posts: 6322

Rick, this is a German make. You probably want to chase down the Mobo. Will be difficult without a model number, but let me have a look on the German website of Medion.

Posted 3 months ago #
 
raphoenix
raphoenix
Posts: 2495

SarahJames,

Appears Bios Setup key is F11 or F2. Also may be DEL key.

If you can't get into Bios, Unplug machine, Remove Main Battery, Remove Back Cover Panel and Remove 2032 Small CMOS Battery for about 5 minutes. Put back together and Bios will be set to Defaults. Will have to Re-setup Bios.

Regards,
Rick P.

Posted 3 months ago #
 

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