How can I remove write protection from a microSD card so I can delete files?

Asked 8/3/2014

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I’m trying to delete test photos and videos from a microSD card used in my Polaroid XS100i, but the card appears to be write-protected. I’ve tried connecting the camera by USB, using a card reader, using a full-size SD adapter, and even DiskPart, but I still can’t remove or delete files. What should I check to disable write protection?

microsd card-reader windows memory-cards write-protection

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

12y ago

2 Answers

Turns out to be a setting in the Registry, look at:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies

If there is a value WriteProtect, set it to 0, if not, create it as a DWORD and set it to 0

Solution found at kioskea.net

Originally by user31594. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user31594

12y ago

AI Answer

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First check the physical lock tab on the full-size SD adapter. MicroSD cards themselves usually do not have a lock switch, but many SD adapters do; if that tab is in the locked position, the card will appear write-protected in a reader.

If the adapter is not locked and the issue happens on Windows, check whether Windows has enabled storage write protection:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies

Look for a DWORD value named WriteProtect. If it exists, set it to 0. If it does not exist, create it and set it to 0. Then reconnect the card and try again.

If the problem only happens with one particular adapter or reader, try a different adapter/reader as well, since the adapter lock mechanism can sometimes be the cause.

How can I remove write protection from a microSD card so I can delete files?

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