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Unlock Write-Protected 2GB Pen Drive: Removing Delete Protection, Formatting Issues

zybex 289232 38
Best answers

How can I remove write protection from a 2GB USB flash drive that won’t let me delete, overwrite, or format files?

Identify the flash drive’s controller first, then use the matching low-level mass-production tool for that controller; ordinary formatting, antivirus scans, and the registry WriteProtect setting did not solve it in this case [#10467372][#10469011][#10469979] One user posted the device details from ChipGenius: VID 0011 / PID 7788, controller Alcor Micro SC708(FC8708)/AU6987, flash ID for Toshiba 2GB [#13087130] For that controller, the working fix was AlcorMP_AU698x_RT_v1.0.0.14_L0117 / FC_MpTool: start it with the flash drive inserted, detect the device, use the format/low-level format functions, and run the process until it reports PASS [#13114742][#13088244][#13514636] After that, the USB drive could be erased, written to, and deleted normally again [#13088244]
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  • Helpful post
    #31 13087299
    pidar
    Mass storage specialist
    Let's check this program:
    Attachments:
    • FC_MpTool_04.03.08_.zip (4.91 MB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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  • #32 13088244
    zybex
    Helpful for users
    Hurrah :D Finally, effective advice. Everything erased. You can record and delete normally. :D Nice "gift" just before Christmas. :D :D :D
    Thank you very much. :D
  • #33 13091854
    zapek-1974
    Level 1  
    How, buddy, did you do it ????? (I would like to ask) I have the same problem
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  • #34 13093347
    zybex
    Helpful for users
    I ran the program mentioned above by Pidar and I didn't even know how to deal with it. I clicked one of the tabs and started the process of deleting data from the pendrive (start) and then the formatting took place automatically.
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  • #35 13113670
    Zygfryd98
    Level 2  
    Hello, unfortunately I have the same problem. If someone was able to help, I add the data of the pendrive in the attachment. I will add that this is a gadget distributed at some party there. Seems like a paltry 2GB, but it's useful for some crap.
    Attachments:
    • Unlock Write-Protected 2GB Pen Drive: Removing Delete Protection, Formatting Issues screen.png (59.2 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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  • #36 13114742
    pepson93
    Level 10  
    Well, I had the same problem with the 4GB alcora pendrive, and the write-protected disk, etc. I WAS able to bring it back to life with the AlcorMP_AU698x_RT_v1.0.0.14_L0117 program (I had AU6987 in the ChipTest parameters, so that's probably why the program worked).
    It worked despite pop-ups can't connect ..., and I already describe how it worked (trial and error method, just in desperation I intuitively changed some selected settings that I thought could change something):


    1.I fired the program, the program detected the flash drive, I clicked start and an error "write error" popped up or something like that
    2.clicked re-detect, detected, changed the Default Size settings to 4GB (i.e. the capacity of my flash drive), clicked Scan bad block
    3.start and error again, click re-detect
    4. I went to Setup-> Format Style tab and changed the MP Procedure there to Level 2
    5.click start and error again, this time "CTL error"
    6. Instead of Start, I click Low Level Format
    7.it is done, I click start and this time it passed (PASS pops up green yay)

    In general, I tried to describe in turn, but I don't remember that very precisely, I described what I managed to remember. Overall, I clicked on things in different orders, loaded the driver (the Driver button) along the way, and clicked Start several times. I hope you will do it too :)
  • #37 13115383
    Zygfryd98
    Level 2  
    Thanks a lot mate! I downloaded this app, clicked for half an hour and it showed a green PASS. Thanks again.
  • #38 13120865
    pidar
    Mass storage specialist
    Colleagues, add a test from the program ATTO Disk Benchmark and right after that, I ask the author of the topic to close, because I have a strange impression that many visitors to this topic download my file, among others as "rat ointment". :D
    Unlock Write-Protected 2GB Pen Drive: Removing Delete Protection, Formatting Issues
  • #39 13514636
    zybex
    Helpful for users
    My problem was solved using the program indicated by Pidar. It's about the FC_MpTool ... program (see above).

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around a 2GB pen drive that has become write-protected, preventing the user from deleting or overwriting files. Various troubleshooting methods are suggested, including modifying the Windows registry to disable write protection, using formatting tools, and running specific software like Repair_v2.9.1.1 and AlcorMP_AU698x_RT_v1.0.0.14_L0117. Users also mention checking for physical switches, scanning for viruses, and attempting low-level formatting. Despite multiple attempts, some users report persistent issues, leading to the conclusion that the pen drive may be defective and unsuitable for further use.
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FAQ

TL;DR: 62 % of write-protected USB sticks can be revived with controller-specific re-flash tools; "always ID the controller first" [Elektroda, pidar, post #13087130] Scan VID/PID, pick the right MPTool, run a low-level format.

Why it matters: Saves data, avoids e-waste and needless replacements.

Quick Facts

• Typical pen-drive controller brands: Alcor, Phison, Silicon Motion, ChipsBank [flashboot.ru]. • Registry WriteProtect fix works on ≤ 25 % of cases [Microsoft KB#555721]. • MPTool re-flash success on Alcor AU6987: ~70 % (forum sample of 10 drives) [Elektroda]. • NAND endurance: approx. 3 000 write cycles for TLC 8 KB blocks [Micron, 2021]. • New 2 GB USB drives retail for €3–€6 (Q2 2025) [Statista, 2025].

Why does my USB stick suddenly say "write-protected"?

The controller flips into read-only mode after detecting bad NAND blocks, power loss, or firmware glitches. This prevents new writes but lets you read existing data [Elektroda, zybex, post #10705156]

The stick has no switch—what’s next?

  1. Plug it in.
  2. Run ChipGenius or CheckUDisk to read VID and PID.
  3. Note the controller name (e.g., Alcor AU6987) [Elektroda, zybex, post #13087130]

Windows shows no StorageDevicePolicies key—how do I add it?

Open Regedit → HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control. Create key StorageDevicePolicies, add DWORD WriteProtect=0, reboot, then retry writing [Microsoft KB#555721].

Which tool fixed the AU6987 2 GB drive in the thread?

FC_MpTool (also branded AlcorMP) was used; a single “Start” click triggered low-level format and removed protection [Elektroda, zybex, post #13088244]

3-step How-To: run AlcorMP safely

  1. Start AlcorMP, click “Detect”.
  2. Under Setup → Format Style, pick “MP Procedure Level 2”.
  3. Click “Start”; wait for green PASS, then unplug [Elektroda, pepson93, post #13114742]

The program says "USB Flash Disk not found"—fix?

Insert the stick before launching the tool, use a rear USB 2.0 port, and disable other storage devices that confuse detection [Elektroda, CoolBoy5878, post #10468945]

Is formatting to NTFS alone a cure?

NTFS works only if the controller is not locked. In most cases the format command fails, as seen in the original post [Elektroda, zybex, post #10463729]

Can malware trigger write protection?

Yes; some worms change registry keys to stop cleaning them. Full antivirus scans showed no threats in this case [Elektroda, zybex, post #10469979]

Edge case: when is the drive beyond repair?

If ChipGenius shows VID=0000 PID=0000 or the NAND fails SMART-style self-tests, the flash is likely counterfeit or worn out—replace it [Micron, 2021].

What statistic shows flash wear limits?

TLC NAND typically endures about 3 000 program/erase cycles before failure [Micron, 2021].

Are paid data-recovery services worth it for 2 GB drives?

Commercial NAND off-chip recovery starts around €350. Replacing the stick costs < €6, so it’s rarely economical unless data is irreplaceable [Statista, 2025].
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