Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device "This device is currently in use. Close any programs or windows that might be using the device, and then try again."

Anonymous
2011-03-23T03:39:03+00:00

Original title:Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device

When I try to safely eject my external hard drive safely I get an error message with this title telling me that "This device is currently in use. Close any programs or windows that might be using the device, and then try again." I have done this. I have also tried closing every program running on the computer and it does not help. I have also tried restarting the computer and this also does nothing. If anyone has any ideas that would be helpful please let me know.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2011-03-24T03:24:11+00:00

Hi A. Cook,

1)       How long have you been facing this issue?

2)       Is this issue confined to any specific USB device?

This behavior can occur if there are open handles with any files in the USB (Universal Serial Bus) Mass Storage Device are in use by another program.

Method 1:

a)       Download Process Explorer from the link below

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653

b)       Click Find, Find Handle or DLL (Dynamic Link Library) in the tool menu.

c)       Type the drive letter of the USB device in the Handle or DLL substring textbox, and press Search Button.

d)       Find the process and its PID (Process Identifier) in the following box.

e)       In system process tree view, find the process according to the Find Handle or DLL dialog box.

f)        Press Ctrl + H to show Handles in Lower Pane View.

g)       Find the File according with the drive letter, and right click it, choose Close Handle.

Reference:

Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Devicehttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/555665

Note: Using Third Party Software, including hardware drivers can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Third Party Software can be solved. Using Third Party Software is at your own risk.

**Method 2:**You may refer the steps provided by Diana D in the link below

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows\_vista-hardware/problem-ejecting-usb-mass-storage-deviceits-in-use/fd56805c-ed8e-491f-8a2b-39ed1c988a71

Method 3: Run an online scan for any threat and try to fix them

**http://onecare.live.com/site/en-Us/center/cleanup.htm**

Was this answer helpful?

30+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

53 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2014-11-13T06:26:13+00:00

    I'm no expert here, but just wanted to give my 2 cents.  When I right-clicked the bottom right hand corner of the screen to safely eject, it never worked.  However, when I went to "my computer" and right-clicked the drive I wanted to eject and selected "eject" it worked perfectly.  Hope this helps someone.  GL!

    -CC

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2014-10-29T07:48:58+00:00

    I downloaded Process Explorer, but I could not find the tools menu.  I have been using USB devices since 2006 and this Sandisk USB since March 2014, but this is the worst problem I have had in ejecting the USB, just so I can copy my file on my other computer.

    One file is a book on Big Data and the financial Crisis-- 127 pages and counting. Really need to back that Up! Any advice you can give me will be appreciated.

    Robert Del Rosso

    (347) 874 -- 4246

    ******@yahoo.com

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2014-10-29T07:22:55+00:00

    I have been using USB "stick" drives since 2006.

    I have this Sandisk USB since March 2014 and I NEVER had as serious a problem ejecting it as i do now at 3AM!  I was wring a book (127 pages and counting) and about 14 articles and back ed up copies on the USB. Now, I am afraid if I do not "eject" it the right way, I will destroy those files and have no way to copy the files to my other computer.

    Thank you-- I will try your way.

    But how did it get so difficult all of a sudden.

    I am not really earning income-- so I saved $39 by not renewing my antivirus software about a year ago.

    Maybe I have a virus?

    Robert Del Rosso

    ******@yahoo.com

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2014-10-16T12:33:23+00:00

    Ejecting from "Computer" works for me. THUMBS UP!!!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments