Make USB flash drive Read Only

[jenslost]

Hi guys, I have a unique situation that I could use some help with. I want to be able to save files and folders on a USB flash drive that can not be erased. The tricky part is, this is to be read by several different models of sewing machines for embroidery use. Some sewing machines have to write something, i don't know what, to the flash drive in order to format the drive to work with the machine. The only solution I have heard of that may work is to partition the drive and then flip the removable bit to secure the files on one partition. None of which I know how to do. I can purchase a flash drive and have my data pre-loaded and then locked from several online USB sellers, but none can guarantee it will work, and the start up costs are something I can not afford to gamble with, and none of the companies I have contacted are willing to sell me a prototype. Help Please!

[cnjmorris]

Something like this what you are talking about?

http://www.premiumusb.com/usb-datalock.aspx

[Harvey]

You may be able to accomplish what you want from the commmand line. Start by ascertaining the drive letter assigned to it.

From the Start menu, enter the command, CMD in the window (Start > Run in XP). This should bring up the command line (C: prompt).

Enter the command, ATTRIB E: +R *.* (assuming the flash drive is labeled E: )

This will set the attribute for all files in the root of the drive to Read Only. You can do this for any sub-folders on the flash drive, as well.

If you don't want all files on the drive to be Read Only, you can use the same commands to change just the ones you want, or if you want to set all but a few as Read Only, you can mark all of them and unmark just the few with a similar command, ATTRIB E:[filename] -R.

Hope that helps.

[dave_the_nerd]

SD cards have a write-protect tab on them, so you could use one with a USB adapter. But that wouldn't allow the machines to write temp files.

[jenslost]

Originally Posted by Harvey

You may be able to accomplish what you want from the commmand line. Start by ascertaining the drive letter assigned to it.

From the Start menu, enter the command, CMD in the window (Start > Run in XP). This should bring up the command line (C: prompt).

Enter the command, ATTRIB E: +R *.* (assuming the flash drive is labeled E: )

This will set the attribute for all files in the root of the drive to Read Only. You can do this for any sub-folders on the flash drive, as well.

If you don't want all files on the drive to be Read Only, you can use the same commands to change just the ones you want, or if you want to set all but a few as Read Only, you can mark all of them and unmark just the few with a similar command, ATTRIB E:[filename] -R.



Hope that helps.

nope, sorry didn't work. it did deny me access if i tried to delete it from the command prompt, but in windows explorer and sewing machine, it will delete. thanks for the idea though

[jenslost]

Originally Posted by cnjmorris

Something like this what you are talking about?

http://www.premiumusb.com/usb-datalock.aspx

yes, thats exactly what i want to try, "before i buy"
it will cost me initially about 400.00 to test, because i have to place an entire minimum order and lock charge, and i just cant afford to chance it. if i knew it worked, i could place my order.

[Harvey]

Originally Posted by jenslost

nope, sorry didn't work. it did deny me access if i tried to delete it from the command prompt, but in windows explorer and sewing machine, it will delete. thanks for the idea though

Try setting the attributes for the files/folders you want to protect in Windows Explorer. If it doesn't work, make sure you're logged on with Administrator privileges.

The worst that can happen is that it doesn't work, but at least, it's free to try.

[cnjmorris]

I did a google search for 'make 1 partition read only on usb' and found this... not sure if it will help you or not. Wish I knew more about it but I try =)

http://agnipulse.com/2011/11/partition-usb-flash-drive/

[jenslost]

Originally Posted by cnjmorris

I did a google search for 'make 1 partition read only on usb' and found this... not sure if it will help you or not. Wish I knew more about it but I try =)

http://agnipulse.com/2011/11/partition-usb-flash-drive/

i found that one too, didn't work. thanks for trying

[Blain]

There are write locking USB drives out there.

[jenslost]

Originally Posted by Blain

There are write locking USB drives out there.

i tried that, it works on most models of machines, but not all. a few machines need to write to the stick to recognize it. thanks though.

[cnjmorris]

Does this thread help at all?

http://www.sevenforums.com/network-s...ext-drive.html

[jenslost]

nope cnjmorris, the sewing machine will not read NTFS formated stick. thanks

[yefi]

Do the sewing machines not see drives attached through a hub? If they can only see separate partitions, and they ignore read only attributes, your only option as I see is to program it at the firmware/hardware level, say with an AVR (which is non-trivial ).