after clicking the safely remove hardware icon on the system tray, it tells me that "The device 'Generic volume' cannot be stopped right now. Try stopping the device again later." but even if i tried again, it still gives me the same message.
i tried reformatting the flash drive but it tells me that some files are in use while in fact im not using any file from that drive. i deleted all my files, but it wont allow the folders to be deleted because, according to the computer, files are in use. the drive's now only filled with empty folders but still it wont allow me to safely remove it or reformat it.
what should i do? help!
2006-08-01 02:44:22 · 12 answers · asked by stargazingmaniac 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
Your problem is that there are background program running that are accessing you flash drive while it is plug in. You need to stop the indexing service and use the classic version of windows explorer without enabling thumbnails. Then you need to close windows explorer before you try to disconnect.
If you are running XP you can probably safely pull it out at any time, but if there is a service running against it it is possible to corrupt the FAT table. Best to reboot and remove the drive while the screen is blank.
2006-08-01 07:51:02 · answer #1 · answered by bondoman01 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Look at any applications you have running to see if they are looking at any of the files. It could also be that one of them was in an a close file or open file dialog box that has the flash drive referenced. Close those and try to stop the device.
If that does not work then try simply shutting the computer down. This will also stop the device and is safer then stopping the USB services.
2006-08-01 09:50:24 · answer #2 · answered by Taztug 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Remove the USB drive.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Plug in the USB drive.
5. Re-Format the USB drive.
OK??
2006-08-01 09:49:54 · answer #3 · answered by ∂ılβεгЃ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cant have Internet explorer open while your deleting it or any kind of browser. If you have a firewall on also you need to shut that down as well. Also disable your antivirus as you are doing this. Try doing that again that should help.
2006-08-01 09:55:42 · answer #4 · answered by girl176a1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u should stop any program use this device or close any file you may use, then try again,
if you want to see the running files just use the compination of key Alt+Ctrl+Del and end any task you suspect it may related to the external device
Good luck
2006-08-01 09:50:09 · answer #5 · answered by yusuf2003 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well.. that happnes to me to, but what i do is just try to disconnect again and again, usually the second time it works, and if it doesn't, just keep trying, eventually it will disconnect.
Note: don't just unplug it, cause at anytime it can not work anymore.
2006-08-01 09:49:45 · answer #6 · answered by lomatar1186 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hey, just unplug it! i have 3 or 4 of those things and i never even notice that little icon. just unplug it, it will be fine!
2006-08-01 09:47:51 · answer #7 · answered by Harezichi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
restart your computer, there might be an application linked to you open system
this is a good place to start
2006-08-01 09:49:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont unplug it, try to reboot you computer first and try again, may be the computer is crashed hope that works for you !
2006-08-01 09:49:42 · answer #9 · answered by Big R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to task master ....bottom right just above the tool bar right click on mouse ...go to task and get rid of the process there 1st ...then u should be able to get rid of it
2006-08-01 09:48:36 · answer #10 · answered by Gypsysoul 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋