Protecting Disk from writing (On Windows)

I am not aware of this features on Windows Embedded but in Window XP , 7 it is possible through command line tool

DISKPART

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Since it is interactive command I would suggest you to read further @ http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc766465(WS.10).aspx

Steps to be followed (as system administrator):

- Run DISKPART

DISKPART> LIST DISK
DISKPART> SELECT DISK <chosen disk number from previous output>
DISKPART> ATTRIBUTES DISK  <Command to view current attributes>
DISKPART> ATTRIBUTES DISK SET READONLY -- Set DISK READONLY 
DISKPART> ATTRIBUTES DISK CLEAR READONLY -- Set DISK WRITABLE

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Hope this helps

Looks greate.
Does it work on the OS partition ?

In "Windows Embedded"   SW can "write" to the disk. It just does not do any thing......


Thanks
zmau

Yes you can use for individual partition as well..
Partition is referred as VOLUME in this tool


Commands would look like...

- Run DISKPART

DISKPART> LIST VOLUME
DISKPART> SELECT VOLUME <chosen disk number from previous output>
DISKPART> ATTRIBUTES VOLUME  <Command to view current attributes>
DISKPART> ATTRIBUTES VOLUME  SET READONLY -- Set DISK READONLY 
DISKPART> ATTRIBUTES VOLUME  CLEAR READONLY -- Set DISK WRITABLE

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Hope this helps..

Which version of Windows Embedded are you referring here?

pritamdutt,

1) I think that All versions of Windows Embedded have these features.
    I am sure about XP embedded and later versions.
2) DISKPART of Windows XP does not seem to have the "ATTRIBUTES" command.
3) Somehow I feel that Windows will not let you protect the "OS partition". I Will check.


Thanks
zmau

zmau, it would not be logical to set OS partition read only considering, there is frequent need for temporary files and paging files..


As regards to  XP Embedded, it does offer DISKPART command, but not the functionality of Attributes is not available

Any updates? Is your query resolved?

pritamdutt,

I had a long vacation....
I just came back.

it would not be logical to set OS partition read only considering, there is frequent need for temporary files and paging files..

-->> this is what I was afraid of.... But this feature is a MUST.

One more question : I wondel what is the level in which the attributes are set ?
In other words : what will be the outcome of the following scenario :
1) You set a disk to readOnly using "ATTRIBUTES VOLUME  SET READONLY" command.
2) you take the disk to another computer.
Is it stil write protected ?


Thanks
zmau