When using any external storage device, you must practice proper removal procedures to ensure that data is not corrupted or lost. The following provides you with a couple of methods for Safely Removing External Drive from your Windows 7, Vista or XP computer.
Option 1:
- Click on the Safely Remove Hardware icon located in the Windows System Tray
- A pop-up opens showing extenral devices connected to your computer. Click on the drive. A pop-up window will appear notifying you that is now Safe to remove the device from the system. At this point, you can safely disconnect the drive from your computer.
Option 2:
- Double-click on the Safely Remove Hardware icon located in the Windows System Tray. The Safely Remove Hardware window opens. Check Display device components (if not already done so) to get a comprehensive view of all connected, external devices.
- Select the hardware device you wish to remove and click Stop. The Stop a Hardware device window opens.
- Select and confirm which device to stop and click the Stop button.
Note: At times while Safely Removing an external drive, Windows may show a warning that the external drive is busy and cannot be disconnected. If this occurs:
- Retry Safely Removing the device
- Shut down your computer and then disconnect the external drive
