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

[I Am User]

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]

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

 

[I Am User]

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

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

 

[whs]

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/1044/A-Handy-Guide-To-Handling-Handles

 

[Britton30]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Layback Bear]

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

 

[whs]

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.

 

[kathy025]

Good you have resolved your problem.

In addition, Unlocker is also nifty one to have.

It just adds an option to your context menu which allows you to unlock your drives, folders, or files from all processes holding them captive (which prevents you from safely removing, moving, or deleting).

 

[Golden]

In addition, Unlocker is also nifty one to have.

I'd exercise some caution with that tool, especially given the ESET flag - perhaps a bundled toolbar or similar?

https://www.metascan-online.com/en/scanresult/file/e7ed2faf19d246c39d70f24577bf36d7
https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/...b2f2623e263dbb5b625be746/analysis/1388328194/

 

[kathy025]

Ah yes, it comes with this "Delta" toolbar. One can always opt out of such options though.