There are a few different ways to unlock a locked USB drive depending on the type of lock that is enabled. USB drives can be locked in various ways like having a password protection, encryption, or even software that locks access to the contents. The goal is to bypass these restrictions to regain access to the data on the drive.
Quick Summary
- Forgotten passwords can be reset with brute force attacks or password recovery tools
- Encrypted drives require the original encryption key or password to unlock them
- Some software locks can be bypassed by reformatting the USB drive
- If everything else fails, data recovery services may be able to access the contents
Determine Why the USB Drive is Locked
The first step is to figure out what kind of lock is enabled on the USB drive. This determines the options available to unlock it. Here are some of the common locking methods used on USB drives:
Password Protection
Many USB drives have built-in password protection features. The drive can only be accessed after entering the correct password. This is usually done through software provided by the drive manufacturer. The software allows setting a password during initial setup.
Encryption
Full disk encryption transforms the data on the drive into unreadable cipher text. The correct encryption key is required to decrypt this data and access the contents. Encrypted drives prompt for a password or key at boot up.
Software Write Protection
Some USB drives have software that locks writing to the drive. This prevents modifying or deleting the data already present. The software may also block launching executable files. The drive needs to be reformatted to get rid of the software lock.
Hardware Write Protection
A hardware write protection switch is present on some USB drives. This switch can be manually toggled to block any kind of write operation to the drive. It must be physically switched back to re-enable writing.
Remote Management
USB drives utilized in businesses and schools are often managed through centralized device management software. This allows remotely locking drives, resetting passwords, controlling access etc. The device administrator can unlock drives locked this way.
Bypassing Password Protection
If the USB drive has simple password protection, then there are a couple of different ways to unlock it:
Password Reset Tools
Specialized software tools are available that can reset passwords on USB drives. Examples include Password Unlocker, Passper, Lockono, and Password Genius. These tools claim to remove password protection without data loss. They work by leveraging security flaws or bypassing the password verification steps entirely.
Brute Forcing the Password
The password can be figured out manually by trying all possible combinations. This brute force technique tries random password combinations repeatedly until the correct one unlocks the drive. However, it is time consuming and may not be effective for long and complex passwords.
Formatting the USB Drive
Formatting the USB drive may remove password protection in some cases. But this also erases all data on the drive. So only use this method if you no longer need the data on the drive or have backups available. Reformatting removes the password security application along with everything else.
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Password Reset Tools | Fast unlocking, retains data | May not work on all drives |
| Brute Force | Always works eventually | Very slow, risks data loss |
| Formatting USB Drive | Guaranteed removal of password | Erases all data |
Unlocking Encrypted USB Drives
Encrypted USB drives store data encrypted with a password or encryption key. The same password or key needs to be provided to decrypt data from the drive. Here is how to unlock encrypted drives:
Use the Original Password or Key
The easiest way is to use the original password or encryption key used to encrypt the drive. Normally the person who encrypted the drive keeps a copy of the password or key. If you still have the password or key, simply enter it when the encrypted drive prompts for it while booting up.
Employ a Password Attack
If you don’t have the original password, then use a password cracking tool. Software like Passper, Active Password Changer, PassFab, etc can unlock encrypted drives with a password attack. These send password guesses repeatedly until the correct one unlocks the encryption.
Reformat the Encrypted Drive
As a last resort, reformatting can wipe encryption from the USB drive along with everything else stored on it. This completely erases data but also removes the encryption protecting it. Reformat and the drive will return to a normal state.
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Original Password/Key | Fast & easy unlocking | Only works if available |
| Password Attack Tools | Decrypts without original password | Slow, risks data loss |
| Reformat Encrypted Drive | Guaranteed removal of encryption | Permanently erases data |
Bypassing Software Write Protection
Some USB drive software adds write protection restrictions. This prevents modifying, deleting or adding new files. Possible ways to bypass software write protection include:
Formatting the Drive
Reformatting the drive usually gets rid of software restrictions. Formatting erases everything on the drive but also eliminates any software limitations present. Once reformatted, the drive is restored to full read/write accessibility.
Using Third-party Tools
Specialized tools like USB Write Protector, ByteCommander WriteLock Removal Tool, and Software Secure USB can remove software write protection from USB drives. They disable or bypass the software responsible for making the drive read-only.
Disabling the Driver
If a specific driver causes the software lock, preventing that driver from loading can remove the restriction. The driver can be disabled through Windows Device Manager. Once the problematic driver is disabled, the USB drive regains write access.
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Reformat Drive | Completely removes software lock | Erases all data |
| Third-party Tools | Retains data | May not work on all USB drives |
| Disable Driver | Retains data | Only works if single driver causes issue |
Removing Hardware Write Protection
Some USB drives have a physical read-only switch. This slider switch can be moved to disable writing to the drive. To remove this hardware write protection:
Switch the Slider Back
Examine the housing of the USB drive to find the small slider switch. Gently move it back to the original position to re-enable full read/write access. Be careful not to use force and damage the switch.
Cover the Slot
If the slider is missing, the exposed area where it existed can be covered with tape. This tricks the drive into thinking the write-lock is disabled again. Electrical or duct tape works well for covering the hole originally used by the slider.
Issue Drive Commands
The hardware write-protection can be overridden through software commands issued to the drive controller. Tools like the open-source Roadkil’s Disk Image or HDD Raw Copy Tool can disable hardware write protection.
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Move Slider Switch | No data loss, quickly re-enables writing | Switch may be missing or damaged |
| Cover Slot with Tape | Can restore write access if switch missing | May not work on all USB drives |
| Software Commands | Works even if switch removed | Requires third-party tools |
Removing Remote Management Access Restrictions
Some organization-issued USB drives have remote management software installed. This allows IT administrators to remotely control access and configure these devices. If you need to remove restrictions set through such software:
Delete Management Files
The remote management software may reside in specific files or directories on the USB drive. Erasing these can disable the restrictions set through the software. But identifying the right components to delete can require trial and error.
Format the USB Drive
Completely reformatting the USB drive also eliminates remote management software along with everything else. Once reformatted, the drive is no longer bound by whatever access rules were set up remotely.
Contact Administrator
For organization drives with remote restrictions, contact the IT administrators to request them temporarily lifting the software limitations. They can remotely configure the drive via management software to grant full access as needed.
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Delete Management Files | May avoid data erasure | Difficult to identify correct files |
| Reformat Drive | Certainly removes all restrictions | Also erases data |
| Contact Administrator | Official method, retains data | Access not guaranteed |
Using Data Recovery Services
If all else fails, specialized data recovery experts may be able to retrieve the contents of a locked USB drive. They are skilled at accessing data without the original passwords or keys. However, keep the following in mind:
- Data recovery attempts may end up destroying the data
- Professional services often charge hundreds of dollars and offer no guarantees
- Partial recovery of data is common rather than retrieving everything
- Success depends on the method of USB drive locking
So view professional data recovery as a last resort when you have no other way to access an important locked USB drive. Avoid this route unless the data is absolutely critical.
Preventing USB Drive Locking
To avoid dealing with inaccessible locked drives, take measures to stop them from getting locked in the first place:
- Don’t enable password protection or encryption unless absolutely necessary
- Carefully keep copies of any passwords or encryption keys
- Disable software write protection features if available
- Store USB drives securely to prevent malicious locking
- Maintain regular backups of your important USB drive data
Following these precautions reduces the chances of losing access to your USB storage down the road.
Conclusion
Unlocking a locked USB drive revolves around bypassing the specific type of access restriction in place on it. Password protected drives can be unlocked with password resets or brute force. Encrypted drives require the original key or password. Software locks need drive reformatting or bypassing the restrictive application. Hardware write protection is reversed by moving the physical slider switch back. And remote restrictions may be removable by deleting related management software or reformatting. When all else fails, data recovery experts attempt retrieving the data by other means. With so many possible locking methods, it is best to try avoiding USB drive lockouts altogether. Maintaining the password/keys, restricting software access control, and backing up the data guarantees access in the future.