How Do I Stop A "generic Device"?

[10ClarionSt]

I want to remove a flash drive and switch to another one but I don't just want to unplug it, as a friend did this once and lost all his files. I've clicked the icon to safely remove, but it says the device cannot be removed - try stopping the device before removing. Does anyone know how to stop the device so that I can insert my other flash drive? Thanks in advance.

[VHG]

Maybe turn off the computer which should shut down the generic drive.

Then remove it and turn PC back on again.

[Buenchico]

You need to close the application which Windows thinks is still using the device. For, example, if you've got an image-viewing program open and it's displaying a file from the flash drive, you won't be able to remove it. Even having a Windows Explorer window open, displaying the presence of the drive, can cause the problem.

However it can be tricky finding out what's holding on to the flash drive. (It could, for example, be that you anti-virus program is scanning it). If you've got Unlocker installed you can right-click on the drive and select 'Unlocker' to see what processes are accessing it. You can then close them normally or use the 'Kill Process' option in Unlocker:
http://www.filehippo.com/download_unlocker/

If all else fails, of course, you simply switch your computer off and then remove the flash drive. Logging off and then on again is quicker though and seems to work for some people.

[Old_Geezer]

It can be an awful pain trying to find out what the OS is moaning about. Clearly a poor system used by the OS. It shouldn't matter but can do. I back up my flash drive automatically and take the risk of just removing it. Life's too short to be playing these MS games. Still; I may look into the unlocker suggestion.

[Old_Geezer]

Beware it will try to sneak a toolbar installation past you, plus a default search engine change. Not a good start.

[Old_Geezer]

It looks to be more for aiding you deleting folders and files (which you have to search for yourself) than to do with releasing the flash drive. Don't really have the enthusiasm to study in depth.

[Old_Geezer]

If you do the right click thing it says that a digitally signed driver is required so windows has blocked it. Think I'll uninstall.

[Old_Geezer]

And as I do so I find a window it hid under the others which may have been some use. Must be still in memory as it said the flash drive was locked (no details) and clicking the unlock button it now claims it is unlocked. May be some use after all, too late now.

See how allowing an edit facility avoids multiple posts ?