Disable USB Storage Device Writing (Service Pack 2)

USB storage devices are very easy to use in Windows XP. Since they use the built-in mass storage drivers, anyone can just plug in a memory key and download whatever they want onto it. This can be a security concern for both business networks and home users who let others have access to their PCs. This is especially true because of the large amount of information that can be put on the typical memory key, and the speed of their use.



If you are concerned about this issue, Windows XP Service Pack 2 contains a feature that lets you combat it. You can now make USB storage devices read-only, meaning that no one will be able to move data onto them.
To make USB mass-storage devices read only:
Open Regedit and navigate to 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ CurrentControlSet\Control key'
Highlight the subkey 'StorageDevicePolicies' If there is no such subkey, create it by right clicking 'control key' and choosing 'new\key'. Once you have the 'StorageDevicePolicies' subkey highlighted, right click it and select 'new\ DWORD value.' Give the value the name WriteProtect. Double click the new value and give it the value of '1' Exit and restart.