"robgraham" <rttgrahamwow@btinternet.com> wrote in message
news:arKdna5twqiBe9DXnZ2dnUVZ8i6dnZ2d@bt.com...
>
> "Lil' Dave" <spamyourself@virus.net> wrote in message
> news:eamuna8%23JHA.4984@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> "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?
>>>
>>> Rob Graham
>>>
>>
>> Depends on XP and how its setup, and any 3rd party apps installed. Some,
>> or XP itself, may be working in the background waiting for the previous
>> app or XP itself to be done with it. There may be a lapse in time
>> between these things were no indication of access of the drive is
>> visible. The user, thinking the PC is done with it, then reaches to
>> remove, and at that moment the waiting app or XP itself also accesses it
>> at that same moment. That is where the danger lies.
>> --
>> Dave
>>
>>
>
> How does this stack up with M.I.5's reply above? He implies - no, states -
> that if the stick is configured for fast removal (don't remember doing
> that but maybe I did) it's OK to remove it when the activity light goes
> out. You're suggesting that this ain't necessarily so.
>
> Rob
>

Nope. I'm agreeing with that premise, AND, being a bit more specific in the
mechanics behind it. And that the safely remove asset is sensitive in the
background for both waits for data writes and possible read checks of those
writes, and, XP itself or antivirus waitng to subsequently access that
drive.
--
Dave