I'm trying to format a usb flash drive which originally served as a windows 7 OS reinstallation. But after using it once I found my reinstallation CDs and now want to use that flash drive as a storage device.
However when I try to format it I get a message saying the drive is write protected. I've tried removing write protect but a few files are unable to have it removed seemingly. (F:\PRELOAD\ALL.CRC F:\PRELOAD\BASE.DAT F:\PRELOAD\BASE.WIM etc)
So how do I remove the "Write protect" from those? And I have checked, there is no pin that serves as a write protect
Edit: I've opened the thumb drive (physically taken it apart) and while it was an interesting experiment in the field of "Things I never thought I'd need my tool chest for" It only revealed a simple small chip with no movable piece of any kind. So no physical write protect unless it's a connection that was made after they placed the data on it.
I've tried finding a picture so you may know better but it was to no avail. on top it says "Mentor Media" and "Dell" as well as "PA5093L-MD8U" and finally, most likely the most important piece of information "Made in taiwan" Actualy I'm surprised it doesn't say made in china
the chip itself has a white sticker on it which reads "D 8GB 511-130725107" and I noticed though it's probably irrelevant but I'll mention it anyway. that on the metal part you plug into the USB port is carved "1330" Hopefully something in there was useful
However when I try to format it I get a message saying the drive is write protected. I've tried removing write protect but a few files are unable to have it removed seemingly. (F:\PRELOAD\ALL.CRC F:\PRELOAD\BASE.DAT F:\PRELOAD\BASE.WIM etc)
So how do I remove the "Write protect" from those? And I have checked, there is no pin that serves as a write protect
Edit: I've opened the thumb drive (physically taken it apart) and while it was an interesting experiment in the field of "Things I never thought I'd need my tool chest for" It only revealed a simple small chip with no movable piece of any kind. So no physical write protect unless it's a connection that was made after they placed the data on it.
I've tried finding a picture so you may know better but it was to no avail. on top it says "Mentor Media" and "Dell" as well as "PA5093L-MD8U" and finally, most likely the most important piece of information "Made in taiwan" Actualy I'm surprised it doesn't say made in china
the chip itself has a white sticker on it which reads "D 8GB 511-130725107" and I noticed though it's probably irrelevant but I'll mention it anyway. that on the metal part you plug into the USB port is carved "1330" Hopefully something in there was useful