External pocket USB3 HD - Access denied

I cannot save files to my (pocket) external NTSF "Imation" USB3 harddrive.



I can create new folders on the disc
BUT cannot save files onto either the drive nor a folder on the drive.
In the past I have copied folders onto the drive (it is a backup drive)

There are two hidden folders on the drive

"$RECYCLE.BIN"
"System Volume Information" (SVI)

I understand "$RECYCLE.BIN"
I suspect SVI is the problem, but all I get is "Access denied"

Can I reformat the drive (NTSF) -- I know I will loose all data -- and will that solve the problem ?

Hiyya Gray well mate you could go further and wipe the thing and then format it if you are not concerned with the stuff on it.

I prefer to use Partition Wizard to do both operations but you can use DISKPART if you want.

Best Free Partition Manager Freeware and free partition magic for Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista and Windows XP 32 bit & 64 bit. MiniTool Free Partition Manager Software Home Edition. VERY useful tool to keep


Disk - Clean and Clean All with Diskpart Command

Myself I do object to the manufacturers putting their crap on the sticks but hey beggars can't be chooser eh? :)

Hi "ICit2lol", thank you for your response. :)

Previously this pocket HDD accepted changes but suddenly "access is denied" ?
I suspected the crap-wear but I don't have a lot of experience around systems.
Worst I could do is blow up a thumb-drive ... all for $8??
. . . I wonder if the thought police are reading this?

Occasionally I get problem drives but I think they are mostly older drives (5 yrs+)
. . . New policy is to chuck thumb-drives after two years + toss pocket HDD after 5 years.
--------
What are your thoughts on an external pocket drive as the permanent data drive.
I have just helped a senior-cit to setup her $200 govt subsidized PC for seniors.
At 85GB HDD (yes 85GB !) it is already half full with OS, Av and a few apps. (its an ex govt Dell, they (govt dept) obviously server based.) There are no OS discs nor a re-install partions, so slipping in a new HD is not an option considering the cost of M$ Windows.
. . . most of my time is spent in coaching on how to use the PC etc. web, word-processing, email.
-----
Glad you mentioned "partitioning" -- don't know if I should start another "fred",
... but seeing how you are also in OZ ...? I could do with some help on partitioning.

Regards

Hmm Gray take a look at some of these tutorials you will find a lot of different aspects of partitioning
Tutorial search - Windows 7 Help Forums

Myself I use the Partition Wizard it is useful for a heap of things from partition extending to making new ones to deleting them and wiping drives to surface tests etc etc
Very useful tool to keep on the taskbar I find anyway. Best Free Partition Manager Freeware and free partition magic for Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista and Windows XP 32 bit & 64 bit. MiniTool Free Partition Manager Software Home Edition.

Another handy tool is this Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download see this on how to use it
Imaging with free Macrium

That drive mate could you not just clone that small one to a larger one? It is easy with the Macrium I think the only thing is that you can clone from small to large drives but not large to small ones. Plus you will not need a new OS:) and if the new drive evr fails you have the original drive that you cloned from.

Having said that you can clean install as long as you have the original activation number on the Microsoft sticker see Clean Install Windows 7 onto new drive and still keep the original drive. The only setback is the updates ad nauseum

Just plugged in the problem drive. Now it is not locked ?

ASSUMPTION:-

When the drive was first misbehaving I had changed the drive "Name" several times, and when I tried to add files to the drive -- "access denied".

I wonder if when changing an external drive-name I should have safely-removed and then attached it again ?

I have decided to reformat the drive (NTSF) to remove the inherited manufacturers files.

Thanks "ICit2lol" :)

After formatting, safely removed drive ... then reconnected.

Opened Drive properties
General (tab)
Of the 298GB capacity
there is already 99.0MB used
297 free
There is now a new folder "$RECYCLE.BIN" and I assume that is the 99MB ?

Security (tab)
has 4 accounts

   Note

1. Authenticated Users
2. SYSTEM
3 Administrators (Owner-PC\Administrators)
4. Users (Owner-PC\Users)

Surely I don't need all these accounts for this lone external 300GB pocket drive.
That's assuming these accounts are specific to the target drive (or ext HDD)
PC only has WiFi connection to printer + internet router + a Sonos Router
Do these accounts refer to the drive or the device?

I am the only user, no gold bars under the bed, nor any sensitive material.
My guess is I should retain System, and Users.
Which accounts can I delete and which should stay ?

Comp Cmndo said:

Turn off System Restore for the USB drive.

Which of the current accounts is "System Restore for the USB drive" ?
... OR is there something else I should know (something in SysRestore config/settings) ??
I have only recently started creating Restore Points ... so far thankfully, not needed.


Thank you for your help :)