Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device

Double · 16 Jan 2014

After attempting to 'Eject' my flash drive (all programs closed), I got this message. I've just transferred lots of data over to it using Synctoy, and do not want to risk pulling it and potentially damaging what's on there. In the past I've pulled these drives regardless of message, but ended up with various empty (0-1KB) picture files strewn everywhere.

The drive is still plugged in, I want to learn how to remove this flash drive safely. Can someone help?

TVeblen · 16 Jan 2014

The simplest way: Restart Windows.
In closing down Windows will force an end to the writing process and "safely remove" the drive before shutting down to restart.

whs · 16 Jan 2014

If you did not have any write activities to the drive in the last minute or two, you can ignore the message and unplug the stick. This is actually a nuisance message because some dumb program did not release the handles.

Double · 16 Jan 2014

TVeblen said:

The simplest way: Restart Windows.
In closing down Windows will force an end to the writing process and "safely remove" the drive before shutting down to restart.

Good answer, thanks! :)

Double · 16 Jan 2014

I tried other options too, but none of them worked.

I tried opening Task Manager, closing and re-adding explorer.exe, but it still wouldn't eject.

I then tried downloading Unlocker Portable, but that didn't seem to help either, after "unlocking all" processes associated with the removable drive, I was still unable to eject it.

Shutdown does seem to be best, but I'm unsure about a Restart. I'm actually surprised that the ejecting procedure is expected of users, many aren't even aware to eject their stuff.

whs · 16 Jan 2014

Restart of the OS does the trick, but it is an overkill. Safely remove is to protect you against losing data that is written out, But with today's devices, there is nothing left to write after a few seconds of the last write operation. That's why you can disconnect the device soon after the last write. I don't even bother any more with safely remove. Never had a problem.