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PC FIX
Storage

USB or disk becomes read-only and cannot be saved

This guide is organized to classify physical lock switch and file system error items in a safe order in “disk read-only” situations. Prioritize backing up important data, then check the actual drive status using SMART and manufacturer diagnostics.

Solving Order
We've organized the methods starting with the simplest and least expensive ones. Please check the solutions one by one, starting from the top.

Do you have these symptoms?

  • Disk read-only
  • write protected
  • File not deleted
  • write prohibited

main causes

  • physical lock switch
  • File system error
  • Drive protection status

How to solve

Please check them in order from the top. If the issue is resolved, you do not need to proceed to the next step.

1

Back up your important data immediately

Repeated recognition failures, SMART warnings, abnormal sounds, and freezing may be precursors of drive failure.

Difficulty Easy time as soon as possible cost 0 won
  1. 1Copy files that cannot be replaced, such as documents and photos, to another storage device.
  2. 2Large-capacity benchmarks or unnecessary write tests are performed after backup.

confirmation point

After these steps, see if the “disk read-only” symptom decreases or disappears. If there is no change, the possibility of a physical lock switch is also checked in the next step.

2

Check SMART and manufacturer diagnostics

You can check the status and error history reported by the drive.

Difficulty Moderate time 10~30 minutes cost 0 won
  1. 1Use the manufacturer SSD/HDD diagnostic tool or the trusted SMART verification tool.
  2. 2Check for warnings, bad sectors, media errors, and temperature abnormalities.
3

Rule out cable, port, and power issues

Especially with SATA and external drives, connection issues can also look like errors.

Difficulty Easy time 10-20 minutes cost 0 won
  1. 1Use a different SATA/USB cable and port.
  2. 2External drives connect directly without a hub.
  3. 3For products with a power adapter, check the power rating.
4

Perform a file system check after backing up.

Recovery tools like CHKDSK can be taxing on unstable drives because they change the file system.

Difficulty Moderate time 20 minutes or more cost 0 won
  1. 1Verify that the backup is complete.
  2. 2Run Windows Error Checking or CHKDSK if necessary.
  3. 3If additional errors occur during testing, stop using it and consider replacement/repair.
5

Replace drive if warning repeats

SMART warnings or physical abnormal sounds may not be resolved by software settings.

Difficulty Advanced time 30 minutes or more cost New storage cost
  1. 1Prepare a new drive.
  2. 2If possible, clone data or do a clean install when it is healthy.
  3. 3Do not use a suspected failed drive as the only storage location for important data.

Precautions

If you suspect a storage device error, back up important data before recovery. If there are SMART warnings or repeated recognition failures, it is safer to not continue using it.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've put together a list of things we frequently check regarding this issue.

Related issues

If the symptoms do not match exactly, please check the issue below.

Storage

Drive reports a S.M.A.R.T. error or warning

This guide is designed to classify items such as reallocated sectors, read errors, temperature, etc. in a safe order, in “SMART error” situations, exceeding thresholds, and possibly imminent drive failure. Prioritize backing up important data, then check the actual drive status using SMART and manufacturer diagnostics.

View solutions →
Storage

Disk check CHKDSK repeats every time you boot

If “disk check every boot” is repeated, it is better to narrow the scope to file system dirty bits and drive errors rather than changing several settings at once. Prioritize backing up important data, then check the actual drive status using SMART and manufacturer diagnostics.

View solutions →
Storage

The file is damaged and cannot be opened or an error occurs.

If you see “file corruption” symptoms, possible causes include storage device or file system errors, abnormal termination, etc. Prioritize backing up important data, then check the actual drive status using SMART and manufacturer diagnostics.

View solutions →
Storage

Problem with clicking sound from hard disk

If “hard disk clicking” occurs repeatedly, it is better to narrow it down to a mechanical drive head/motor problem, power source, or physical failure rather than changing several settings at once. Prioritize backing up important data, then check the actual drive status using SMART and manufacturer diagnostics.

View solutions →

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