External drives

[Zam]

I have a portable drive connected via USB that I use to save work and other stuff on instead of on any computer I happen to be using.

Question is I seem to be having problems with it. It recommends that it be removed using the 'remove safely' function. However, I continue to get a 'not responding try removing' later message.

Can I simply disconnect the drive from the USB port? While the computers is on?/Off?. Without losing or damaging info?

 

[jwmorrice]

I have a portable drive connected via USB that I use to save work and other stuff on instead of on any computer I happen to be using.

Question is I seem to be having problems with it. It recommends that it be removed using the 'remove safely' function. However, I continue to get a 'not responding try removing' later message.

Can I simply disconnect the drive from the USB port? While the computers is on?/Off?. Without losing or damaging info?

When I get that message, I just turn my computer off and then turn off the external drive. I've had no problems subsequent to doing so. I'm running Windows XP Pro. I'd be leery about removing the external drive while the computer is on.

jwm

 

[onehunglow]

When you get the message that the drive is still in use, it may be that your antivirus or some other program may be doing a scheduled scan. As long as you are sure that the work you saved has been saved, i would just shut down the computer. When its off just power down your external. If you continually get this message every time you want to turn off your external, i think you may have an issue. I use externals all the time and this happens about 5% of the time. Never had any problems after shutting down the computer first.

 

[Zam]

Removed it from the desktop and tried it on my laptop. It worked, nothing lost. thanks.