I bought a used workstation from a company that had gone out of business. The computer works normally, but every front USB-A port has a physical port blocker installed. These plugs require a special tool to unlock and remove, similar to the security locks once used on car radios. They look like the blockers sold in commercial USB port lock kits. What is the safest way to remove them without damaging the USB ports?
2 Answers
The easiest and safest option is to identify the brand or model of the USB blockers and purchase the matching removal key. These devices usually are not individually keyed, and compatible tools may work across several similar products. Trying to pick or force them out can bend the port contacts or damage the motherboard, so use the proper tool if possible.
A clear close-up photo of one blocker would help determine which removal tool it needs. Different designs can look similar but release in different ways, so avoid gripping it with pliers or pushing random objects into the port until you know the mechanism.
That makes sense. The blockers look very similar to one of the common commercial kits, although I do not currently have the computer nearby to take a photo.