Disable USB Removable Mass Storage Device Drive Access in Windows
It’s possible to simply disable USB ports support in PC BIOS in order to prevent and forbid computer user from using USB removable flash drive or mass storage device (portable hard disk drive) to copy and transfer data and files. However, disabling USB ports totally also shutdown the ability for system to use USB based keyboard, mouse, webcam, printer, scanner and etc, which has become a common connectivity norm in modern computer.
As a workaround, use the following registry hack to stop USB Mass Storage Device drivers from starting when the system boots up.
- Run Registry Editor (regedit).
- Navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor
- In the right pane, double click on the Start value name.
- Change the value data to 4 to disable the removable USB mass storage device drive access.
- To revert and re-enable the drive access for removable USB mass storage device driver, change back the value data for Start to its original default of 3.
The change will take effect immediately to block any USB mass storage device such as USB flash drive, USB key and portable harddisk from been used in the system, while still allowing hardware components to work properly via USB connection. The hack works in most Windows operating system such as Windows Vista, XP, Windows Server 2008, 2003 and 2000.
For user who dare not to modify the registry manually, simply download the following registration entries file to enable or disable the USB drive. Extract the downloaded content in .ZIP format, and then double click on the .REG file to open and apply or merge the registry values to system.
Download DisableUSBDrive.reg
Download EnableUSBDrive.reg
IntelliAdmin also has a free tool named USB Drive Disabler that automatically change the registry key value accordingly to enable or disable the USB drives on Windows 2000, 2003, 2008, XP and Vista system with just one click. In Windows Vista, the program has to be run as administrator.
Select Disable USB Drives or Enable USB Drivers and then click on Apply to set the registry setting accordingly.
Download IntelliAdmin USB Drive Disabler: DisableUSB_Free.exe
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[...] nameChange the value data to 4 to disable the removable USB mass storage device drive [...]
I've tried so many times but it doesn't let me do this all still there is an error that the value can't b changed. how can i solve this problem.
I have read your post and a few others like it, and found out a way for the “Start=4″ to not be reset to 3 when a new device is installed:
Simply rename the key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesUsbStor
to UsbStor1 and mass storage devices will charge, but will not load as mass storage devices.
Kewl!
(Sorry for the "Reply" rather than the normal post!)
hi i can purchased one dell new machine.Its avilable only for usb port an keyboard and mouse but i disable only usb moster storage device. hindly reply me
i am using mouse and keyboard through by usb port.i need to block only the pen drive usb port only. plz suggest me to solve this problem
I have read your post and a few others like it, and found out a way for the "Start=4" to not be reset to 3 when a new device is installed:
Simply rename the key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesUsbStor
to UsbStor1 and mass storage devices will charge, but will not load as mass storage devices.
Kewl!
[...] [...]
thanks good work
its working properly
its nice software…it works properly
Thank you, this is what i need…
I want to disable mass storage and want that my data card can work. Is there any way to do it, as when i Disable my massstorage my datacard also stop.
it will work only on that day
on next day it will comes to default value 3
if any other option is there then post me please
it was not working
Fine it works fine – copywrite of the Pen drive
Thanks
how to enable/disable the USB Mass storage when HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesUsbStor has been not allowed to change?
It really works thanx a lot
Just use diableusb_free.exe
very very thanx
how to enable/disable the USB Mass storage when HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesUsbStor has been not allowed to change?
Thanks a lot for your help. this is necessarily a Security requiement.
This is a greta help for R & D organistaions.
Hi,
here's a program to Enable and Disable USB Mass storage devices and still have your keyboard and mouse working. You can also use your USB as a key to lock and unlock your PC, and more at…
Free download at this link:
http://www.best-it-pros.com/usb-drive-monitor/
it's worked. thanks pisan euy..
This Answer very useful to me
thank you very much
and one thing
If sometime not open registry editor while virus in the system, what to do that time please send ans anybody
the problem is that while the registry setting DOES disable USB drives, the second you plug in a new USB drive, one that hasn't been seen on the system yet, Plug&Play takes control, and resets the registry setting to 3, allowing full control over the USB drive.. I wish there was a way to mess with P&P so that I could disable it..
Thank you so much! I really needed this…
Don't make such hassles. Just go forward and try the best software for such a task. its uHook 2.1 and its awesome because it selectively allows/blocks access to required USB device. Download it from dataresolve.com and from my experience it delivers exactly what is claims. Using it you can password protect and enable and disable your USB data transfers when required and even keep them under check. As for the price, it gives other companies a run for their product because uHook has an excellent product and an excellent pricing.
Thank you Very much !!!
This It So Helpful For Me.
Thanks alot it is working fine desktop and laptop as well and there is no problem like Wireless mous.
Godd job……
sajeer
thanks….
i don't have acess to registry editor in my login
bec it is disabled by office it dep
plc do tell me
i rely need that
and i am not going to use this for wrong porpose
Easy to "un-hack". Plug in a USB storage device. Go to Device Manager. Uninstall the USB storage device. Restart computer. Picks it right backup.
Anything better?
Thanks alot for this helpful tips.
Sorry it seems i done some mistake. It works when using your disableusb.reg.
Thanks.
I have used the registry hack but when i change my flash drive the registry hack don't work
it seems the dword value back to 3. Please advice.
Thanks
Thank you Very much !!!
this worked like a charm! now i need to roll this out to 120 users
[...] is a registry hack that able to disable the USB drive access to USB mass storage device such as flash drive, USB key, thumb drive, pendrive and portable hard disk while keeping the USB [...]