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my external hardrive is "write protected" but only on one computer not the other... how can i fix this?

Anonymous
2023-01-27T20:50:03+00:00

i have 2 computers, i was using an external computer to put data onto it to transfer to the other pc. my other pc can read and copy it, but no matter what i do, i cant modify it.

in the computer that wont let me modify i have:
attempted to format
use diskpart to remove lock
tried aomei
took it back to my other pc and formatted it, even fresh i cant modify the drive
i completely deleted the volume the attampted to make format again on the problem pc.

for some reason my second pc will simpply not let me remove the write protection/

other usb memory devices let me use them as normal

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-01-30T22:36:34+00:00

    my windows has alredy been recently re installed, i do this as part of yearly maintanence, how is doing this again going to give me write access to my external hardrive on my other computer?

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-01-29T09:45:59+00:00

    Hello christianchessher

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    Generally, the problem occurs only on a single computer because there may be special software on that computer that has modified the permissions of the external disk, please follow the steps below for a secure boot and upgrade installation to fix the problem.

    Safe Boot:

    How to perform a clean boot in Windows - Microsoft Support

    To perform a repair upgrade: Please go to the following official Microsoft website, (Download Windows 10 (microsoft.com),click on Download Now to download

    MediaCreationTool, run it after downloading and follow the instructions to upgrade.

    Disclaimer: A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background program is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem. 

    These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by step so that it will help you get you back on track.

    If this procedure does not work, your computer may need to be reset/ clean installed. If this is confirmed to be necessary, please back up your important files if possible.

    If anything is unclear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

    Best Regards,

    Edward - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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