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Resolved Can't Dismount USB Drive

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by virginia, 2023/09/18.

  1. 2023/09/18
    virginia Lifetime Subscription

    virginia Geek Member Thread Starter

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    Occasionally when I use a flash drive to save or transfer files, I get the following message when trying to remove the flash drive:
    "Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device -This device is currently in use. Close any programs or windows that might be using the device and then try again."
    Often, closing all open programs has no effect. Any idea what might be causing this?
     
    virginia,
    #1
  2. 2023/09/19
    retiredlearner

    retiredlearner SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    Hi Robert, I think the message refers to closing the Program you were copying/transferring to the USB drive unit.
    e.g. If you have Explorer open to save a file from Documents - Close Explorer.
    Just my thoughts.;)
     
    retiredlearner,
    #2


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  4. 2023/09/20
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    Once upon a time there were two settings to choose from on USB Drives... Both were related to ejecting and one works better then the other.... Maybe when my coffee kicks I can remember where the settings are.
     
    Steve R Jones,
    #3
  5. 2023/09/20
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    This is a common problem. A program was used to open a file on the thumb drive. When the program is closed, some part of the program still remains running, usually a DLL. There is what's known as a "thread" in software and a "pointer". The pointer to the thread is still "alive". It eventually will time out and the drive can be safely ejected. To eject the drive sooner one must locate the running process that is linked to the drive. It won't show up in Task Manager, one must use a 3rd party utility and it's not a 1-2-3 job. Myself, I just yank the thumb drive when it happens and cross my fingers I don't corrupt data on it.
     
    TonyT,
    #4
    virginia likes this.
  6. 2023/09/20
    virginia Lifetime Subscription

    virginia Geek Member Thread Starter

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    Thanks for the responses. I too have "yanked" the thumb drive from time to time but was always fearful that my computer/thumb drive would disintegrate. I won't worry so much about it now.
     
    virginia,
    #5
  7. 2023/09/20
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    You CAN Kill the file in question or more when you yank out the drive... Course a reboot or shutdown fixes the issue too.
     
    Steve R Jones,
    #6
  8. 2023/09/20
    retiredlearner

    retiredlearner SuperGeek WindowsBBS Team Member

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    If I recall correctly, from Windows 8 on there was less chance of corrupting info if the USB drive was just yanked/jerked/pulled instead of using the Eject process? ;):eek:o_O:D
     
    retiredlearner,
    #7
  9. 2023/09/21
    Steve R Jones

    Steve R Jones SuperGeek Staff

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    Here is a link that shows the two options I mentioned: (quick remove and better performance)
    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us...to-eject/aafd6eb2-2448-4fd6-9d31-fa93c0642eda
     
    Steve R Jones,
    #8
  10. 2023/09/28
    ephemarial

    ephemarial Well-Known Member

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    Have a USB drive that use for backups and always get that message when try to remove it.
    Get the message even when simply plugging it in and immediately trying to remove it with the eject icon.
    Doesn’t matter if policy is set for Quick Removal or write caching.
    Quick removal is the default so simply yanking it has never caused any problems.

    Another option to remove it is to uninstall it in device manger.
    It’ll reinstall next time plugged in.
     
    ephemarial,
    #9

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