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Can't safely remove usb drive

This is a recent problem: If I insert a usb jump drive/thumb drive and open a word document, close the document and then try to safely remove the usb drive it works. I can safely remove it.

However, if I insert the usb jump drive and attach the Word document to an outlook email, and send the email, I cannot safely remove the drive--says it is still in use: Can't close generic drive because it is still in use.

I have done this very systematically on both xp and vista computers with two lexar jump drives (different models and sizes). Same problem on both. Sometimes if I find an open process (winword.exe) and close it from task manager I can then safely remove the drive. Otherwise, I have to shut down and restart.

If I just pull it out without safely removing it, the file I sent in Outlook is corrupted.

younghv

That is probably because the Word "*.tmp" file is still open, but I'll wait for one of the Word guru's to check in to verify.

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gikkel

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Datedman

If the attachment gets corrupted then you *haven't sent it.* :)

Just be glad it's not a Mac...if you pull a USB drive without throwing it in the trash the file system gets hosed. WTH

nobus

you can try safely remove : http://safelyremove.com/?pid=1
there's a trial period

SOLUTION

Iain MacMillan

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monacoassociates

ASKER

Thanks for your help. Tried it once and it worked. We'll see if it works consistently.