Can't safely Eject External Hard Drive

[goorambatman]

When I go to safely eject my External hard drive I always get the following
error:

Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device

Windows can't stop your 'Generic volume' device because it is in use.
Close any programs or windows that might be using the device, and then try
again later.

It is a ST332062 0A USB Device (Seagate NTFS) in a Xcraft Cooler Master case.

It doesn't have this problems on other people's computers. This computer
successfully ejects other external media.

The activity light doesn't flash when I am not browsing it so I don't think
any background software is using it.

Perhaps Windows needs enhancement in this area, like the ability to detect
and list what applications are accessing the hard drive and the ability to
force the drive to eject as I am going to un-plug it anyway.

My OS is Windows Vista Home Premium SP1, why can't I eject this drive ever?

 

[Paul Montgomery]

When I go to safely eject my External hard drive I always get the following
error:

Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device

How do you "eject" an external hard drive?

I just check "Safely Remove Hardware" (sometimes) and disconnect it.

 

[goorambatman]

I just attempt to safely eject it, it fails then I unplug it. Not good.

 

[Paul Montgomery]

I just attempt to safely eject it, it fails then I unplug it. Not good.

Again... what do you DO when you try to "eject" it? The only things
on MY computer that can be ejected are optical discs (CDs and DVDs).

 

[goorambatman]

I got to the icon on the task bar, Right click it and then click "safely
remove...". Works for all other external media, not this external hard
drive. But this drive can be ejected on other systems. I just think this
feature needs improving, i think but arent sure mac systems might have this
mastered.

 

[Paul Montgomery]

I got to the icon on the task bar, Right click it and then click "safely
remove...". Works for all other external media, not this external hard
drive.

OK... you're doing it the right way, just using the wrong term
("eject"). "Disconnect" would have been a more appropriate term.

What are you using that drive for? Is it being monitored by System
Restore? Do you have your page file there?

 

[Paul Montgomery]

I got to the icon on the task bar, Right click it and then click "safely
remove...". Works for all other external media, not this external hard
drive. But this drive can be ejected on other systems. I just think this
feature needs improving, i think but arent sure mac systems might have this
mastered.

Try what this says:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555665

 

[goorambatman]

I couldn't find any processes using anything on drive H (USB Mass Storage).
My Drive is optimized for quick removal.

I am not sure if it is being monitored by system restore.

If system restore causes this problem then this is a bug Microsoft need to
fix.

 

[Paul Montgomery]

I couldn't find any processes using anything on drive H (USB Mass Storage).
My Drive is optimized for quick removal.

I am not sure if it is being monitored by system restore.

If system restore causes this problem then this is a bug Microsoft need to
fix.

Just unplug the damned thing and be done with it.

I'm done with it.

 

[goorambatman]

And I do, I just find this whole thing a little odd, I doubt any damage is
done.

 

[billr7]

When I go to safely eject my External hard drive I always get the following
error:

Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device

Windows can't stop your 'Generic volume' device because it is in use.
Close any programs or windows that might be using the device, and then try
again later.

It is a ST332062 0A USB Device (Seagate NTFS) in a Xcraft Cooler Master case.

It doesn't have this problems on other people's computers. This computer
successfully ejects other external media.

The activity light doesn't flash when I am not browsing it so I don't think
any background software is using it.

Perhaps Windows needs enhancement in this area, like the ability to detect
and list what applications are accessing the hard drive and the ability to
force the drive to eject as I am going to un-plug it anyway.

My OS is Windows Vista Home Premium SP1, why can't I eject this drive ever?

 

[goorambatman]

ok, has to be 3rd party software, probably iTunes