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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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  • #1 10463729
    zybex
    Helpful for users  
    Recently, I have a new 2GB pendrive. It has no switch. I've only used it a few times to transfer files between my laptop and desktop. Since yesterday I don't know what happened, but I can't delete or overwrite any files. The attempt to format also failed. A message will appear that I have delete protection enabled. How can I remove it?
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  • #2 10465363
    electro_Nick
    Level 33  
    Do you know the model or do you have a photo?
  • #3 10466820
    zybex
    Helpful for users  
    It's a metal rectangle, a gadget without any manufacturer. I can take a picture tomorrow without the casing, if that helps.
  • #4 10467372
    CoolBoy5878
    Level 13  
    Try it like this-
    Run the registry editor Start - Run - regedit - confirm with enter.
    In the registry editor we go to branch
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet \ Control \ StorageDevicePolicies]
    and we change the value of WriteProtect to 0
    "WriteProtect" = dword: 00000000
    We can also delete the string. From that point on, saving to USB was turned on again.
    I'm not 100% sure this is the problem, but try ...
  • #5 10468552
    zybex
    Helpful for users  
    I have the same problem on two computers. So, should I do this procedure on both computers?
  • #6 10468791
    CoolBoy5878
    Level 13  
    If it helps with one, then also do the other .... Have you tried to format with programs, or just PPM and Format?
  • #7 10468883
    zybex
    Helpful for users  
    I tried to format and nothing happened. As for this PPM, I don't know what the abbreviation is.
    I tried to find in the registers what you wrote above, but unfortunately I do not have such a thing as StorageDevicePolicies. I just came to Control and it still doesn't have the name you entered.
    As for the second computer, it's some bad luck, because today it cannot be started. It stopped responding to the start button.
  • #8 10468902
    CoolBoy5878
    Level 13  
    RMB - right mouse button
    what system? Must be an option ...
    zybex wrote:
    I tried to format and nothing happened

    The program? or PPM-> Format?
    Try this program Repair_v2.9.1.1
  • #9 10468918
    zybex
    Helpful for users  
    This link asks for a password. :|
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  • #11 10468938
    zybex
    Helpful for users  
    After launching this program, the following window appears: "Error: USB Flash Disk not found!".
    I will try to restart my computer.
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  • #12 10468945
    CoolBoy5878
    Level 13  
    Insert the flash drive and then start the program.
  • #13 10468993
    zybex
    Helpful for users  
    Thanks for your patience, but there's still nothing you can do about it. I can read a video file from a USB flash drive, but first there is a message that it is write protected.
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  • #15 10469142
    zybex
    Helpful for users  
    Unfortunately, and this application did not cope with it.

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

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

    Unlock Write-Protected 2GB Pen Drive: Removing Delete Protection, Formatting Issues
  • #16 10469151
    CoolBoy5878
    Level 13  
    In my opinion there is something to the flash drive. Have you tried to scan it with antivirus?
  • #17 10469979
    zybex
    Helpful for users  
    The scan showed nothing. The antivirus also signaled about the blockade.

    Unlock Write-Protected 2GB Pen Drive: Removing Delete Protection, Formatting Issues
  • #19 10695891
    Kafaroo1
    Level 1  
    It is very simple. Go to my computer -> PPM (right mouse button) to the "flash drive" -> format -> select NTFS and after the problem ;)
  • #20 10696064
    CoolBoy5878
    Level 13  
    Hah ... well done for your perceptiveness
    zybex wrote:
    The attempt to format also failed

    ...
    By the way, don't dig up old topics
  • #22 10705156
    zybex
    Helpful for users  
    I will just add that this flash drive is a gadget given out at a conference. I currently have an "avi" file of around 700MB on it, which I can play normally. The capacity of this flash drive is 2GB. It shows me I have over 1.3GB of free space left. Unfortunately, I still can't delete it or add anything. I have tried various programs, but it still says "Remove delete protection".
  • #23 12952537
    szymon231
    Level 1  
    If the message "Write-protected disk" appears when formatting.
    Put the flash drive into the computer and on each computer try
  • #24 12980735
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #25 12999349
    mattias997
    Level 1  
    Hello
    I had the same with the SD card and it turned out that there is a small slider next to the card and it writes a lock. If it moves, the card is blocked. so you have to move it the other way and it's ok
    How is it with a pendrive, I do not know
    Kisses
  • #26 13027183
    sadus
    Level 11  
    I've had something like this on different flash drives several times.
    Check vid and pid, e.g. with ChipGenius or CheckUDisk
    Then on the site http://flashboot.ru/iflash/ look for your flash and upload it again. I can not write a more detailed instruction, because depending on the flash drive there is a different course of action.
    It happened to me once that I resurrected some pena , I succeeded, but it was visible as Kingston :-)

    I made use of this:
    https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic1829663.html#8796481
  • #27 13076679
    zapfq
    Level 9  
    has someone repaired this problem? because I have the same with mp3 and before that I could upload everything
  • #28 13076892
    zybex
    Helpful for users  
    Unfortunately, I can't do anything with mine. I have a video recorded and I cannot overwrite or delete anything. :cry:
  • #30 13087130
    zybex
    Helpful for users  
    Description: [E:]Masowe urządzenie magazynujące USB(Generic Flash Disk)
    Device Type: Mass Storage Device

    Protocal Version: USB 2.00
    Current Speed: High Speed
    Max Current: 100mA

    USB Device ID: VID = 0011 PID = 7788
    Serial Number: 34312EF1

    Device Vendor: Generic
    Device Name: Mass Storage
    Device Revision: 0103

    Manufacturer: Generic
    Product Model: Flash Disk
    Product Revision: 8.00

    Controller Vendor: Alcor Micro
    Controller Part-Number: SC708(FC8708)/AU6987 - F/W EC04
    Flash ID code: 98D59883 - Toshiba TH58NVG4T2DTG00 - 1CE/Single Channel [TLC-8K] -> Total Capacity = 2GB
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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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