windows cannot run disk checking on this volume because it it write protected

Question

Want to do chkdsk/f in windows 10.  Receiving the following: cannot lock current drive.  Windows cannot run disk checking on this volume because it is write protected.

Answer 1

Hi Marshal

What drive are you trying to check, is that your C drive?

If so, Windows cannot check that disk with Windows running from it . . .

Open Windows File Explorer (folder icon on your Taskbar)

On the left, click 'This PC'

On the right, right click your C Drive and choose Properties

On the resulting dialog, choose the Tools tab and click 'check'

Windows will refuse to check the disk, and ask you if you want to check that disk on a restart, choose Yes

Then restart your PC . . .

Answer 2

Hi Marshal

I recommend you try rebooting into the recovery environment then try running it there.

Press Control + Alt + Delete

Hold down the shift key on your keyboard while clicking the Power button on the screen.

Continue to hold down the shift key while clicking Restart.

Continue to hold down the shift key until the Advanced Recovery Options menu appears.

Click Troubleshoot

Click Advanced Options

Click Command Prompt

At the same command prompt, type the following then hit Enter:

C:> chkdsk /F /R /X C:

Answer 3

Hi Marshal. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 9 year Windows MVP and Independent Advisor, here to help you.

See possible fixes here for Write Protected drives:

https://www.easeus.com/storage-media-recovery/f...

In WIndows 10 this is often due to chronic problems we see with account corruption. You can try creating a new test Admin account to see if the same problem persists:

http://www.howtogeek.com/226540/how-to-create-a.... If not you can move your files over, test all programs run correctly, then when ready delete the old account. You can then link your MS account to the new one: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5375-switch...

To even do the automated Reset may not work due to these restrictions, although you can try it from Repair Mode where Windows has no say: https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-tip-re...

What does always work and normally prevents repeat problems if you keep with only the tools and methods included is this Clean Install which should get you past all difficulties as it has hundreds of thousands of others who have followed the steps in this link and never come back to report another problem: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Make sure during the booted install to follow the illustrated steps to delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, then click Next to let it auto-create the needed partitions, format them and begin install - this makes it foolproof.

You may need to create bootable media to access Repair Mode or do the Clean install:

To create Windows 10 Installation Media on another PC install Media Creation Tool and follow the directions here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m.... Uncheck the box for Recommended Settings to choose the exact version and bit rate for the target PC only.

Insert media, boot it by powering up PC while pressing the BIOS Boot Menu Key: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutor...

If the media won't boot you may need to enter BIOS/UEFI Setup (pressing key given in chart in link above) to turn off Fast Boot or Fast Startup first.

Choose the boot device as a UEFI device if offered, on second screen choose Repair Your Computer, then Advanced Troubleshoot Options, then System Restore. If that fails go back to Troubleshoot Options to try a Reset.

If that fails choose Install Now, then Custom Install, then at the drive selection screen delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, click Next to let it create needed partitions and start install - this makes it foolproof. Everything needed to get the best possible Clean Install is here: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki.... It is a better install than any amount of money can buy and a great learning experience that will make you the master of your PC because you will learn what works best and how to apply it with your own hands.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

______________________________________________

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Answer 4

Hey i had this problem yesterday and solved it . 

ITS A VERY SIMPLE EASY SOLUTION - NO COMMANDS  REQ

Unfortunately you need to create a bootable live usb ether Windows to go, or Hierens PE is absolutely fine.... Thats the hard bit !

Boot from live USB

Find the control Panel 

Run as Administrator View devices and printers / device manager 

Select Disc drive and click on drive thats write protected and no volume 

Select drivers and click disable drive 

THE DRIVE IS NOW NOT WRITE PROTECTED ! 

YOU ARE NOW FREE TO FORMAT CREATE PARTITIONS / VOLUMES

Cheers Guys 

Chris