Modify USB Drive

[keyboardcowboy]

is there any way to modify a USB to write protect it.

[stevo1210]

Re: Modify USB Drive

Not sure.... but maybe you can set every individual folder or file to read only?

[zandrax]

Re: Modify USB Drive

It depends: if your usb device is a flash drive a.k.a. pen drive without the "write protect" switch (the wide majority hasn't it), you should have the datasheet regarding the controller since most of them has a pin used for the switch.

Zandrax

[keyboardcowboy]

Re: Modify USB Drive

The drive that i want to modify is a Corsair Flash Voyager 1 GB,it uses a Prolific 2518 controller,i have seen its data sheet it does have write protect pins.How can i use it??

[zandrax]

Re: Modify USB Drive

The drive that i want to modify is a Corsair Flash Voyager 1 GB,it uses a Prolific 2518 controller,i have seen its data sheet it does have write protect pins.How can i use it??

Download this datasheet from Prolific: pin 26 is SM_WPB and pin 33 is SM_WPBIN, WP means Write protection. SM_WPB seems connected to memory chips while the latter is in the "Misc" category.
Try soldering on such a small chip is a risk: you may damage your drive, the usb port you connect it and lose all data on it. According to datashet, the controller supports the creation of "hidden" partitions with a Prolific utility (Prolific MFG kit): try looking for it. It's likely to be a Windows tools: hidden or secured partitions are unreacheable on all other operating systems.
OTOH if you don't mind risking damaging your usb drive, then backup all data and open it: I don't know how the WP pin should be connected nor I tried soldering on my drives, but if I were you I'd short SM_WMPIN to a ground pin or, even better, use a small switch to open and close the short circuit. If it does work, congratulations; if it doesn't and it smells burn ... controller gone at 99%. It's a risk.

Zandrax