How to Format a Disk Using the Registry

Formatting a disk using your computer's registry is a task you can accomplish swiftly.

A removable disk, also known as disk storage, is a portable device where you can store files and information from your computer's hard disk drive so you can transfer them to other computers or have as backup. This type of disk comes in various formats and shapes, including floppy disks, removable cartridges and USB flash disks (pen drives). When using a removable disk, it isn't uncommon to get error messages when you try to copy or remove files from the device. In this case you can fix the problem by formatting the disk through your computer's registry.

Instructions

1. Connect the disk to the computer. Click the "Start" menu button in the bottom-left corner of your desktop, type "Run" and press "Enter" to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type "regedit" in the Run box and press "Enter." The Registry Editor will open.

3. Click on the path that says "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE" on the left side of the window. Click the "SYSTEM" option on the drop-down menu, click the "CurrentControlSet" option on the submenu, click on the "Control" option and then click the "StorageDevicePolicies" option to open the folder.

4. Double-click the key that says "WriteProject" located on the right side of the Registry Editor window. A pop-up box titled "Edit DWORD Value" will then be displayed on your screen. Set the value to "0" in the field located beneath where it says "Value data" and click "OK."

5. Exit the Registry Editor, disconnect the disk and restart your computer. Reconnect the disk you formatted (USB flash disk, floppy disk, removable cartridge) once your computer restarts and use it as usual.

References

• Word IQ: Disk Storage - Definition
• Kioskea: Remove Write Protection on Pen drive