"safely remove hardware" window

[Guest]

Windows cannot use this hardware device because it has been prepared for
"safe removal", but it has not been removed from the computer. (Code 47)

To fix this problem, unplug this device from your computer and then plug it
in again.
...the above is what appears in the Device Manager under properties for the
Mass Storage Device..
and there isn't anything plugged in .. to take out???

I'm thinking that the above is the reason that my computer is having trouble
shutting down.. when i try shutting down, it just hangs on "saving mysettings"

why would the "mass storage device" be listed in the 'safely remove
hardware" icon window?? its listed in there everytime i restart my
computer?!?!?!?
help please..thank you.

 

[Maurice N ~ MVP]

Did you at one time have or use a USB connected disk drive? or a USB flash
drive? It seems to me you may currently have a USB disk on this system.
These are classified as removable. And thus the icon for Safe removal will
be present. It does not mean you have to use it. If you need to un-hook the
drive, then it is suggest you do use safe removal process.

See this link to an archive of replies. See Kelly's response and Art's
suggestion.
http://tinyurl.com/sxauy

HTH

 

[Guest]

about a week ago, i installed an external dvd lightscribe drive?? would that
be the problem?? Would this also prevent Windows from shutting down???
thank you for your advice!

 

[Maurice N ~ MVP]

Yes, that may be the change that led to the problems later on. What you want to do, as a safe practice, when using "external devices":
after you have finished your tasks and are (1) about to remove (de-attach) the device, or, (2) about to shutdown Windows,
click on the "safely remove" icon and select the device, and disconnect.

Give this a try: First close all Windows Explorer windows (if any are open). Go back to Device Manager. Click on the icon for your computer (topmost icon). Then select Action, then "Scan for hardware changes".
Does that help?

On shutdown issues: See Windows XP Shutdown & Restart Troubleshooting at
http://aumha.org/win5/a/shtdwnxp.htm

See what Event Viewer has in it's log. Select Start button/ select Run , then type in

eventvwr.msc<enter>

-- or Go to Control Panel / Performance and Maintenance/Administrative Tools >Event Viewer.

Review the sections and look for recent Errors or Warnings.
Double click---the information "may" give a clue.