Member Avatar for Icarus_Night

Hello, good people,

I have a PNY Attache 1Gb flash drive that is behaving strangely.

I can add files to the drive without a problem. It currently has a total of 982mb with a mere 816 kb free. I have also ran the drive through a just-updated virus check to ensure that it is clean.

Whenever I try to delete files, I get the message saying "Cannot delete (filename): The disk is write-protected. Remove the write-protection or use another disk." The PNY website says that there is no protection available for this device.

I also can not format it in Windows or Disk Manager or defrag it, getting a similar write-protection message. Does anyone have any ideas? This device is one of a 3-pack that I bought at a pretty good bargain, at least I thought it was a bargain until this one started acting up.:rolleyes: The other two are working perfectly fine.

Thanks in advance,
Icarus_Night

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by TragicTattoo88

Dani AI

Generated

As observed and confirmed, this kind of flash‑drive symptom—Windows allows writes but blocks deletes/formats with a “write‑protected” error—usually stems from one of three things: a Windows-level write‑protect flag or volume corruption, or a controller/firmware/hardware fault that forces the device read‑only. The immediate priority is to preserve readable data: copy any accessible files to a safe drive before attempting repairs or destructive fixes.

Non‑destructive checks (in roughly this order) that often help:

  • Run a filesystem repair: from an elevated command prompt run chkdsk X: /f (replace X: with the USB volume letter).
  • Test the stick on another OS (e.g., a Linux live USB) to see whether the device is treated read‑only there and whether kernel logs report controller errors.
  • If Windows prevents writes because of a policy flag, create/clear the StorageDevicePolicies write‑protect DWORD (registry editing is sensitive—back up the registry first).

DiskPart method (double‑check the disk number—wrong selection destroys data):

diskpart
list disk
select disk N     ; pick the USB disk by size
attributes disk clear readonly
list volume
select volume M
attributes volume clear readonly
exit

If the StorageDevicePolicies key is missing, a small .reg file can create it:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies]
"WriteProtect"=dword:00000000

Save as fix_writeprotect.reg and merge as admin (only if comfortable editing the registry).

When those steps fail, the drive is likely enforcing hardware/firmware write‑protect (common on failed or low‑cost/counterfeit sticks). At that point the practical options are manufacturer repair/RMA or professional recovery for critical data; further low‑level tools or “firmware” utilities are device‑specific and can risk permanent loss.

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Member Avatar for 'Stein

The only thing I can think of is have you tried using another USB port?

commented: Thanks anyway. You were the only one who tried. +2
Member Avatar for Icarus_Night

Stein,
Thanks for your reply. I have tried other ports and other PCs, including those at my job. This is really a bizarre happening.
Icarus Night

The only thing I can think of is have you tried using another USB port?

Member Avatar for TragicTattoo88

I'm having the same exact problem with mine except I can't take anything off or put anyting on. I came here looking for answers. It told me to run "regedit" then open a bunch of other folders, but when I get to the part where I'm supposed to open a folder called "StorageDevicePolicies", it's nowhere to be found. I have a PNY attache' 1GB (it's black and purple) and I've tried putting it in other computers, using different USB ports, and even formatting it. It's really important that I get some help b/c I'm a songwriter and music is my life and, basically, my life is on that disk. Unfortunately, I don't have any other available disks to use other than my RCA Pearl MP3 player.

Member Avatar for Icarus_Night

TragicTatoo88,

I downloaded and tried several fixes that did not work. I returned to the manufacturer's website to see if their developers have added anything useful.

PNY now has a resolution that I did not initially find. You can copy your files to your hard drive and then reinstall your flash drive. If you have a PNY, instructions and the link may be found at .

I hope this helps!

Icarus_Night

Member Avatar for TragicTattoo88

I will deffinately try that. Thank you very much.

Member Avatar for TragicTattoo88

TragicTatoo88,

I downloaded and tried several fixes that did not work. I returned to the manufacturer's website to see if their developers have added anything useful.

PNY now has a resolution that I did not initially find. You can copy your files to your hard drive and then reinstall your flash drive. If you have a PNY, instructions and the link may be found at .

I hope this helps!

Icarus_Night

Well, I tried that and nothing works. My best friend (whom I think is a technical genious) tried to fix it using default methods and he can't even find the reason for it's lock up.

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