Win7 says USB device in use when it's not 2

[VicM]

I'm running Win7 64-bit and occasionally plug in USB flash drives or an USB external hard drive (a WD My Passport at 1TB, which is used for weekly backups). When I try to eject any of those drives after use, I often get the message that it is still in use. But the drives are NOT in use. I make sure that they are not selected in Windows Explorer and usually close that application anyway. Also, I don't run any executable programs from those drives. I basically either store data on them or retrieve data from them as copies from/to my laptop's HD. So I'm at a loss as to why the system is telling me the device is in use. I think it would be safe to just unplug the device, but I want to be sure. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Vic

 

[rclarke250]

Is windows indexing turned on? it is by default, and it could be indexing in the background.

 

[mscallisto]

Probably safer to shut down the PC then remove the flash drive.

sam

 

[goombawaho]

Often you can LOG OFF and then back on and try the "remove usb device" again and it will be ok to remove.

"Living tomorrow is everyone's sorrow.
Modern man's daydreams have turned into nightmares.

 

[xwb]

Have you disabled caching on the device? It is supposed to be the default but you never know what changes these things.

Start devmgmt.msc (or open the Device Manager by whatever route you wish to use)
Expand disk drives
Select the USB device
Right click, select properties
Under the policies, make sure Quick removal is selected.

 

[Diancecht]

Process Explorer can help you to find out what's going on. Take a look at this

Cheers,
Dian

 

[mscallisto]

Well that seems to be a handy tool Dian, nice post; have a star

Sam

 

[VicM]

Folks,
Thanks for all your suggestions. Unfortunately I never received notice that anyone responded to this thread.
So, again, thanks. And another star for Dian!
Vic

 

[LeungHW]

Just install Unlocker, right click on drive icon and then 'Unlocker'. It will search all handles for whoever is locking that drive for some reason. You will found it useful!

LeungHW