Usb Storage

[larrymacuk]

I am trying to format a USB stick I used to use on my Microsoft Lap Top so as I can use it on my MacBook Air It keeps telling me that it is "protected" I used to save files to it but now I cant I have tried to change the sharing etc but it does not make any difference

[Fitzer]

Depending on the size it is probable it is formatted as NTFS which Macs don't understand, re-format in the laptop using FAT32 then try again in the Mac (if exFAT is an option on the laptop use that and it will work on either device)

[larrymacuk]

I have tried this but it says it is protected I cant unprotect it

[Tuvok]

Are you using any encryption on the PC? If so remoce that first.

[Fitzer]

Protected on the laptop?

[larrymacuk]

And on the MacBook It was not protected before I used it on my MacBook but now is I can not un protect how ever much i try

[larrymacuk]

Are you using any encryption on the PC? If so remoce that first. Not to sure what this is

[Kidas]

might be best to format it from the Mac.
Windows does not like formatting anything except NTFS. Macs can read NTFS, but can't write to it.

Last time I used Windows it permitted FAT, but not exFAT.

Macs are more inclusive in that sense - plug the USB stick into the Mac, go to Utilities, select 'Disk Utility' and find the USB drive there.
Then use the 'erase' option and select exFAT format.

[erik2]

is there a lock on the side of it like a card?

[Fitzer]

If you plug it into the Mac and run Disk Utility (I think, could be disk doctor) does it see the device, might then be able to repair and then format it

[larrymacuk]

Kidas I have done that but this is where it says it is protected

[larrymacuk]

No there is not a lock on the side
I have checked everything that has been said on here but still wont let me

[davegosling]

Your OP says you're trying to format the stick, so there's obviously nothing on there that you want to keep.

If I were you, I'd be heading down to my local newsagent and buying another stick...

[Fitzer]

Including Mac Disk Utility? I know it can be tricky to keep track when so many ideas are coming so I thought I'd repeat myself :-)

[Kidas]

Hmm.
If you right-click (option-click on the drive (when attached to the Mac), and select 'Get Info' what does the 'sharing and permissions' tab (near the bottom) say?

[Kidas]

This thread may be of interest:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5297979

It may be that internal error-checking software has detected a problem and locked the drive.

If you are comfortable using the command line in Terminal, there are some options in the thread above, but it looks like the drive may be broken.

In which case, take DaveGosling's advice - get a new drive

[Old_Geezer]

Don't format the disk with the data on it, or you may lose it.
Make sure all is backed up before doing anything.