USB Flash Drive - Can't Safely Remove


  1. tjg79
    Posts : 512
    Windows 7 Professional x64 SP1
       New #1

    USB Flash Drive - Can't Safely Remove


    Hi,

    I'm experiencing intermittent issue with a USB Flash Drive that can't be safely removed. When I attempt to eject the 128GB SanDisk Cruzer Glide I get a pop-up, Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device. The dialogue box indicates:
    "Windows can't stop your 'Generic volume' device because a program is still using it. Close any programs that might be using the device, and then try
    again later."
    There are no programs using the device. I did scan the device with my internet security software, but the scan results were dismissed and the program is back in it's monitoring role.

    I've noticed this issue if I start the system with a USB mass storage device installed. There doesn't appear to be any thing open that loaded onto the device, but the system behaves as if the device is in use.

    What is the solution to cause the system to remove all handles on the device so it can be safely removed?

    Thank you for your assistance.

    Regards
      My Computer
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  3. jumanji
    Posts : 7,055
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit
       New #2

    1. You can use the freeware (donationware :) - donate if you want to. No compulsion) Unlocker to kill all the processes holding your drive and then safely remove. UNLOCKER 1.9.2 BY CEDRICK 'NITCH' COLLOMB (author's site ) or download from Softpedia Unlocker Download

    2. If you do not want to install any such helper program then do the following:

    Right click on My Computer > Manage >Disk Management and open Windows Disk Management.

    On the left of the Disk map, right click on your external device > offline. That will take your device offline. Now Click on the Taskbar safely remove icon and you should be able to safely remove it without any problem.

    USB Flash Drive - Can't Safely Remove-12-12-2015-09-44-52.jpg

    NOTE: When you plugin that external storage again, you must have to put it online by following above steps.
    Last edited by jumanji; 12 Dec 2015 at 11:35. Reason: Link to alternate download included
      My Computer
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  4. Callender
    Posts : 4,776
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       New #3

    Also maybe try disabling write caching on that device.

    Write-Caching - Enable or Disable

    Just for information purposes only see this post and the ones below it.

    Windows can't stop your 'Generic volume' device
      My Computer
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