Cannot open files or format. Write protected message appears each time.
I had all the same problems and figured it out. Right click on my computer and go to manage, then select the disk management option. Right click on the drive and select partition. Then tell it to partition the full size of the drive and make sure you dont let it use the fat or fat32 options. It will then ask you to format when you partition it, use then quick format and it formats. Works good now. I did this on xp pro so I dont know if vista will be the same.
Tried the link, just went on forever doing nothing. disconnected the drive.
used fridge magnets to wipe. plugged back into usb and restarted laptop.
redid the http://www.apacer.com/en/support/downloads/Repair_v2.9.1.1.zip and it actually formatted in just a few seconds.
then went back to the device and used windows to format the drive (which took a bit longer) but now the attache works on my vista laptop.
I had the same issue where I could not format it even with the PNY format utility (wrong IC Chip). Ran it over a refrigerator magnet a few times. Then, plugged it back in and windows recognized it. Right clicked and formatted it with default FAT 32. I have 8 gigs now.
I fixed it myself. What I did was change the drive letter to anything else. It was default at F: but I changed it to B: and it works on every computer I have so far. Hope this helps.
This program for another USB flash drive worked for me
(took me two tries for it to work)
http://www.apacer.com/en/support/downloads/Repair_v2.9.1.1.zip
http://usa.apacer.com/us/support/downloads.asp
Download type: utility
Product Type: USB Flash drive
I tried changing drive letters, the fridge magnet, and computer-manage-format.Nothing worked.Here's how I fixed mine.
Unplugged harddrive, started windows boot cd, partitioned the drive.7766MB & 8 MB unallocated space.Then turned it off, connected harddrive, & booted up like normal.Then I was able to format & use it.
I have a PNY Optima card and got the same write protect error and y solved myself, is a policy problem with vista and 7, you must change the removal policy to "Better Perfomance" this removal policy permit write. how to change polily, following this: Control panel....Administrative tools....computer management....disk management...right click in your drive letter PNY...select properties...and removal policy...done
it works for me
After trying other utilities I tried BBLOU's solution above which worked for me. After downloading the file below and running it it detected the flash drive and started to do a format. It did not finish (some have said it takes 2 tries). I did it once, it came up with the error, and then I was able to reformat it. I was experiencing the same "read only" error about everyone else was experiencing here... try the util.
http://www.apacer.com/en/support/downloads/Repair_v2.9.1.1.zip
HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool, V 2.1.8 !!! I got link from a suggestion here. Sorry about no Kudos to the poster, I lost the page. Anyways, tried all these other suggestions that didn't work, however, this one did! I have a 4g PNY that was only allowing 2g, This tool fixed it first try!
http://download.cnet.com/HP-USB-Disk-Sto...
Get it here!
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Http://www.apacer.com/en/support/downloads/Repair_v2.9.1.1.zip
This one worked for me after trying numerous other things...finally got my flashdrive back. Formatted it and now I can save my files back to it. Thanks!
I used the magnet solution...it worked!! Just be sure it is a STONG magnet. Then I formatted, which may not have been necessary, but it
works! This was a generic flash drive, however, not a PNY.
I have a PNY Optima card and got the same write protect error. I put a piece of scotch tape over the little lock slider thing and voila...it works. It's worth a try.
Lulu
Change the letter drive to anything but B, you can change it to F and IT WILL WORK!
I got lucky, sort of. The PNY tech got back to me by email within hours. I used [email protected]
His reply was
Try the flash drive in another computer, if the write issue happens there then your unit is defective and you should request a warranty exchange by following the link below.
http://www3.pny.com/rma/rmaRequest.aspx
Best Regards,
Hector
PNY Technologies Support
800-234-4597
I tried another computer without any success. So, now, I am going to request a replacement, if I can find my original receipt.
Oh, and I am never buying a PNY thumb drive again, either!!
I used the recommended fix which did not work, tried it twice like someone said and no fix, but then went back to windows formatting and tried and it worked, i now have a 2 gig drive that actually works.
Give it it a try.
I will never buy anything else from PNY co.
Saludos, Allan.
Bought the drive on June 5th and fresh out the box tried to use it. Got a message that it is write protected. Tried looking at PNY website and there is nothing there for help. FAQs are really bad. Fortunatly I kept my Best Buy receipt and will take back. Won't every buy from PNY again.
Same thing. PNY website offeres a low level format but i get an incorrect IC chip set error when trying to use that. I also threw away receipt and SOL. So i could recommand the strong magnet approach.
I've got the same problem as you all, with my new 4GB drive of the same specs. I also sent in a message to their support department, although the fact that the only other person to have mentioned doing so hasn't replied further is discouraging. At least the problem seems recent; it's not a long-standing issue that nobody has a solution to and the company isn't doing anything about. I will post again once I hear from PNY.
-Z
[email protected]
Put a very strong magnet next to it and it will descramble the infomation and once you connect it to your computer it will ask to format... it work for me.... i hope this helps ..
I used
http://www.apacer.com/en/support/downloads/Repair_v2.9.1.1.zip
after running once (said it FAILED) the light was flashing while formatting then turned on constantly... unplugged it and replugged it in and ran the utility again (said it FAILED again) but after that I was able to format it in windows... it is now fully functional now in my XP pro machine.
I believe this drive has compatibility issues with vista. (drive failed/write protected after removing it from a vista machine)
That guys website really worked try it. it deleted everything though.
I contacted PNY and spoke to two tech support people, 2 customer service people and then 1 tech support supervisor and they are willing to replace it only. They deny emphatically that there is an issue and refuse to refund money on a poorly designed product.
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The Disk is Write-Protected - Remove the Write-Protection or use another disk message appears when I try to add or remove anything from the flash drive. I've tried several methods of formatting and all are unsuccessful. I even downloaded the low level format utility from the PNY website and it does not support my model. I assume this is NOT a counterfit part because I bought it at Best Buy. It's a 4GB Optima Attache PRO. Also, there is NO switch on the outside of the flash drive itself to turn on or off like other models. Computer management does nothing either. Maybe I'll try FDISK -- who knows
Exact same problem with optima attache 2gb model
opened a support ticket on PNY - lets see if I get an answer
I have the same problem with my
Optima Pro Attaché 4gig.
Ditto here. Also ditto the lack of support from PNY. I reported this problem a while back and still no response. I bought a replacement and didn't even consider anything from this company.
They responded to my email, but the only thing they suggested was going in and exchanging it, and that should fix all my problems. I didn't get a reply when I sent an email back asking for a technical solution, rather than just getting a new one. When I called them, they said the same thing and couldn't explain why the drives have the write-protection or how to remove it. Lame.
-Z
Cannot open files or format. Write protected message appears each time
same as everyone else. Was working fine one day and the next it didn't. I get a message to "please insert disk into drive X:.". If I try to format it it gives me a "Windows was unable to complete format". I have only had it a month. I did email PNY tech support but have not heard anything back yet. If they tell me all I can do is buy another one "and that will fix my problem" I will never buy another one of there products. Simple as that. I would hope they would support their product better then that.........
Bought same product one week ago and can not use it. Unfortunately, I did not keep the wrapper so I am out $49 bucks. I am reporting them to the Federal Trade Commission, and Attorney General.
Same problem...tried to erase some files to and got a write protected message!!!
Hi all,
I have the same problem as all others with the PNY Optima Attache 4G flash drive not working - and I must add the contacted me immediately from 2 different sources. Both have said the drive is defective and even if you fix it it could re-occur. So the best advice is to take the drive back to the shop you bought it if you are lucky enough to have kept the reciept (which I no longer have)
I am having the same problem:
When I try saving, deleting or copying files to the flash drive, receive the error "Disk is Write-Protected".
Does any one have a solution for this, b eside the strong magnet?
PNY Flash Drive. Write-Protected error.
Yeah, the Cannot open files or format. Write protected message appears each time. Is a mess!!
Saludos, Allan.
attache'4G wtite protected.how to fix?
I can see my files but not add to them. It says it is write protected. How do I get it off write protected?
When I try to move files or change file names it tells me the drive is write protected but it still copies the file(s) sometimes and it lets me change file names sometimes. It's really weird. The low level format application from PNY doesn't work with my drive, so the error message says. It's very annoying. I've tried everything I can think of.
Write protected error. Will never buy a PNY product again and will tell as many people as possible about this problem.
im having the same problem, i cant believe it i only bought it a couple of weeks ago!!
I bought a PNY 4GB usb pen and its rubbish++++DO NOT BUY ANYTHING PNY++++.
It worked on the first day then never again. RUBBISH
same problem. I bought at Staples and now my flash card is read only. What junk!
Same problem as all the other postings. I cannot open files or format. Write protected message appears each time. I have contacted PNY. No response. Their website was not of use.
All the sudden I cant create new folders or add documents to thmb drive "Attach'e 4GB"
worked fine for 3 weeks; now reads as blank; refuses format; says write protected...piece of garbage because one can not find driver or fix for what should be such a simple thing!!!!!
Me too. Just bought mine a few weeks ago.
anybody find an answer?
I got the same problem two days after I bought it. The technical support doesn’t help at all. Besides, not many
people are keeping the receipt for a flash drive. They should recall these junks
at least.
I cannot open the flash drive when I connect it to the computer.
I'd started using this Optima Attache drive about 1-2 weeks ago, and was successfully saving new files onto it, and then it stopped accepting any new info, giving me an error message that it was write-protected. I can't find any utilities on the computer that would allow me to uncheck the "write protected" option (if it is a software issue), nor can I find any tabs on the flash drive itself.
I have the Optima Pro Attache 4G and I CAN NOT get it to work at all. Help! I tried to use it fresh out of the package on a new computer with Vista and it will NOT work. I'm frustrated. It completely locks down my computer. Any solutions???
I purchased the 4GB optima pro and after 1 week of usage it says write protected....Â
Bought 2x 4G Attache USB drives. One now says write protected, won't delete or add new files. Won't format or allow deletion of partition in Windows XP Disk Management. Basically it is now a brick. Bought from Aldi, but don't have reciept. Can't return as it has my private data on it. So it now acts like a ROM, not a RAM.
Write protected on mac, can't format, can't do anything with it.
Me Too. Can't get the write protect off, can't delete or add files. What a waste of money!!
i have the same problem. i need my drive to work!!!
My PNY Attache 2gb USB stick had the same problem. I fixed it by downloading the link below (a low level formatting utility). Worked like a charm first time. You lose any data on the stick, but at least it works again. FYI: Don't buy PNY junk.
http://www.apacer.com/en/support/downloa...
Cannot open files or format. Write protected message appears each time.
THANK YOU!! I recently transfered my PS3 system files to my PNY Attache 2GB Flash Drive and for some reason it activated the Write Protection. I thought the drive was trashed since I thought it was out of warranty. You saved my Flash drive!
Thank you again!
Same problem for last 3 months with 2GB Attache, tried other format utils to no avail... the apacer fix linked below worked on the 2nd try! Thanks for posting it!
I can not delete or add any files. A Write protected message.... Is is broken or can be fixed some how?
I have the same issue is there a way to solve the problem without erasing all the data that is saved to the drive
4GV Optima Attache Pro - gives write protection error
Had the same Problem with the 2G. Thanks for the link, worked first time.
http://www.apacer.com/en/support/downloa...
Won't work, write protected message appears
I have the same problem with the 2GB and i tried the link to format the drive, but how long is it suppose to take?
righters block cant get it off
attache 4g not compatible with vista so it will not work and states
write protected (but there is not a write protect option), and pny.com
has NO support. just an ancient document stating you can use a 64mb
memory stick instead of FLOPPY DISKS for cripes sake. trying the
suggested wipe to format but it is taking forever.
Had the same Problem with the 2G. Thanks for the link, worked first time.
http://www.apacer.com/en/support/downloa...
This stupid 4GB piece of garbage worked fine on XP Pro. But, as soon as I started using it with Vista I got the "write protected" error. Can't do anything with it.
I guess PNY will be one of the companies to eventually get US government bailout money so they can keep making crappy products.
LOL, okay I tried the format repair link given, and the formatting failed.
My flash drive stopped working after using it on my laptop, which has vista. I've had it for a couple of years, so I don't have a receipt to go along with it to request a new one.
I have the PNY Optima Attache 2G. One time saved a bunch of photos on it about 2 months ago on a HP desktop running Vista 64-bit. I still have more than 1.5G of space available on it. Now I can read the files and delete them too. But I cannot write anything into it. Tried it on the same HP desktop (Vista), on an HP laptop (Vista), a Compaq laptop (XP). All failed. HP laptop Vista says "An unexpected error is preventing the operation. ... Error 0x80070052".
Hold it! Just now, right after typing the above message, I went back and tried the desktop to see what the error msg there says. And guess what, this time it worked! Came back and wrote a file from the XP laptop. That worked too!
This tells me it is an intermittent problem -worse than a permenant failure. This memory stick is a write-off. Bad PNY, bad!
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