What can happen if you unplug a storage while 'it is being used'? fast

I Am User · 27 Dec 2013

I have an external HDD plugged into my PC. I put some files onto it, now I want to (safely) unplug/eject it. Go to the little tray down there, etc, the regular process.. But, it says that something on it is being used. Nothing is being used, I'm pretty sure.. but just in case:

If I unplug it now, without the confirmation that I can 'safely' do it, what is the worst thing that can happen? Nothing? or only that file that is being used will be damaged/lost? or.. everything?

Britton30 · 27 Dec 2013

You can corrupt all the data on the drive. Reboot and then try it.

I Am User · 27 Dec 2013

If I reboot, its the same thing then. No?

Edit: All data? even if only one file is being used?

whs · 27 Dec 2013

If you reboot, all the handles that hold the device are being removed. That is the safest way in that case. But you can take your chances and unlug it with the handles.

Or you can study this: http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/...ndling-Handles

Britton30 · 27 Dec 2013

I Am User said:

If I reboot, its the same thing then. No?

Edit: All data? even if only one file is being used?

No. did you even try it??

I Am User · 27 Dec 2013

I rebooted, then once it said its in use, then next time said its safe.. 10 second between two tries.
Everything is on it, safe.
I thought it got accepted as an internal drive and cannot be just removed. is that even possible?

Thanks everyone for replying! Kudos to all

whs · 27 Dec 2013

I thought it got accepted as an internal drive and cannot be just removed. is that even possible?

Nah, that's not it. It is just a coincidence depending which programs have been handling the device.

Britton30 · 27 Dec 2013

It may have been something as simple as Indexing running which doesn't take a long time.

Layback Bear · 27 Dec 2013

Just a question.
Can't you just shut down the computer, unplug the drive and start the computer. Will that also be safe?

whs · 27 Dec 2013

Layback Bear said:

Just a question.
Can't you just shut down the computer, unplug the drive and start the computer. Will that also be safe?

Couldn't be any safer than that.