I bought 2 120G WD Passport Portable external drives awhile back but I was surprised to find that this model did not have a write protect switch.

Is it possible but in an easy easy way to make them write protect or "read only" so they can be connected to any other PC without fear of infection. I have one main folder that contains my "D" drive backup so I can make it a "read only" folder.

Can I assume that this folder will be protected from infection when connected to other PCs but I know this solution does not protect the drive itself.

Edit: Oh btw, I did a google search but was unable to find any information on a solution. I am hoping some knowledgeable folks here may have a positive solution outside of buying more drives.

Edited February 10, 200917 yr by vagabond48

I bought 2 120G WD Passport Portable external drives awhile back but I was surprised to find that this model did not have a write protect switch.

Is it possible but in an easy easy way to make them write protect or "read only" so they can be connected to any other PC without fear of infection. I have one main folder that contains my "D" drive backup so I can make it a "read only" folder.

Can I assume that this folder will be protected from infection when connected to other PCs but I know this solution does not protect the drive itself.

Edit: Oh btw, I did a google search but was unable to find any information on a solution. I am hoping some knowledgeable folks here may have a positive solution outside of buying more drives.

Use Truecrypt to encrypt the entire disk or a large partition. Keep Truecrypt (traveler mode) on a USB stick or on a small partition. Use Truecrypt to mount the encrypted volume in read-only mode.

Or for backups you can make an image w/ something like Acronis True Image and mount it as read-only (w/ some products that's the only choice anyway).

I bought 2 120G WD Passport Portable external drives awhile back but I was surprised to find that this model did not have a write protect switch.

Is it possible but in an easy easy way to make them write protect or "read only" so they can be connected to any other PC without fear of infection. I have one main folder that contains my "D" drive backup so I can make it a "read only" folder.

Can I assume that this folder will be protected from infection when connected to other PCs but I know this solution does not protect the drive itself.

Edit: Oh btw, I did a google search but was unable to find any information on a solution. I am hoping some knowledgeable folks here may have a positive solution outside of buying more drives.

Use Truecrypt to encrypt the entire disk or a large partition. Keep Truecrypt (traveler mode) on a USB stick or on a small partition. Use Truecrypt to mount the encrypted volume in read-only mode.

Or for backups you can make an image w/ something like Acronis True Image and mount it as read-only (w/ some products that's the only choice anyway).

Thanks for the suggestions.

It is my understanding that to use Truecrypt, I have to have admin rights on other PCs. That is not always likely.

Thanks for the suggestions.

It is my understanding that to use Truecrypt, I have to have admin rights on other PCs. That is not always likely.

Oh, but you didn't say it has to be useable under mere user privileges.

So, run under Ceedo or VMWare Pocket ACE or boot into BartPE.

It is my understanding that to use Truecrypt, I have to have admin rights on other PCs. That is not always likely.

Oh, but you didn't say it has to be useable under mere user privileges.

So, run under Ceedo or VMWare Pocket ACE or boot into BartPE.

You're right, but I did write that I wanted to connect to any PC. That would include unknown PCs, such as a friend's PC or PCs at public internet cafes. That is why I wanted a "read only" solution to protect the drive from infections.

Is it possible but in an easy way to make them write protect or "read only" so they can be connected to any other PC without fear of infection.

Edited February 12, 200917 yr by vagabond48

It is my understanding that to use Truecrypt, I have to have admin rights on other PCs. That is not always likely.

Oh, but you didn't say it has to be useable under mere user privileges.

So, run under Ceedo or VMWare Pocket ACE or boot into BartPE.

You're right, but I did write that I wanted to connect to any PC. That would include unknown PCs, such as a friend's PC or PCs at public internet cafes. That is why I wanted a "read only" solution to protect the drive from infections.

Is it possible but in an easy way to make them write protect or "read only" so they can be connected to any other PC without fear of infection.

The original solution I gave is good for any PC, as all PCs do have an Admin login.

It is my understanding that to use Truecrypt, I have to have admin rights on other PCs. That is not always likely.

Oh, but you didn't say it has to be useable under mere user privileges.

So, run under Ceedo or VMWare Pocket ACE or boot into BartPE.

You're right, but I did write that I wanted to connect to any PC. That would include unknown PCs, such as a friend's PC or PCs at public internet cafes. That is why I wanted a "read only" solution to protect the drive from infections.

Is it possible but in an easy way to make them write protect or "read only" so they can be connected to any other PC without fear of infection.

The original solution I gave is good for any PC, as all PCs do have an Admin login.

Are you a lawyer?

Yes, all PCs have an Admin login but not all PC owners especially internet cafe or savvy owners would log you in as admin or give you their admin id assuming they (internet cafe workers) even know it.

I was looking for a practical solution when traveling, where I could safely connect my drive to any unknown PC.

I guess my next portable drive will have a write protect switch.

Regardless, thanks for your suggestions.