"robgraham" <rttgrahamwow@btinternet.com> wrote in message
news:h9ydnfSwjOApBNHXnZ2dnUVZ8rKdnZ2d@bt.com...
>I often simply unplug my memory stick without any ceremony, but I know this
>is frowned on. What is the problem with doing this?
>
> Also, when I try to use 'Safely remove hardware' it tells me that it
> cannot be removed 'at this time, try again later'. Assuming I've waited
> until all files have finished being saved, why is it that such a message
> is generated?
>

Provided your memory stick is configured for 'Optimise for fast removal'
(which it seems that it is), you can remove it as soon as the activity light
is not showing/flashing.

Safely remove hardware will give the response you report because there is no
write cache to flush.