How to verify the process that is holding external device

Asked By Michael W Rayner 10 points N/A Posted on - 05/23/2013

 

I am having a problem in ejecting my USB device. What should I do to solve this error message? 

 

Problem Ejecting USB Storage Device

This device is currently in use. Close any programs or windows that might be using the device, and then try again.

I need your help guys!

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• Question Category: Storage

Best Answer by Marshall Kwak

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Answered By Marshall Kwak 15 points N/A #172965

How to verify the process that is holding external device

Hi Michael W Rayner,

This could be caused by a certain file/program that gets stuck when you plugin your USB stick.

 

You may find which program/file that is holding the stick by performing these steps:

• Download Process Explorer (This is a free program which tells you what are the things running in the background while your computer is ON). Download it here
• Launch Process Explorer.
• From Process Explorer menu window click Find.
• Then click Find Handle or DLL.

• Type the letter of your USB drive (It could be drive E: F: G:)

• Click Search
• Examine the results. From here you could tell which program is currently operating from your USB stick.

• If you find the program/file in your USB drive unfamiliar you may consider deleting it because it could be a virus.

About Marshall Kwak

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• Posted on - 05/25/2013
• Question Category: Storage

Answered By Aguilar Wulff 25 points N/A #172967

How to verify the process that is holding external device

Hi Michael,

You can solve this problem by downloading a program called Unlocker. You may download it by clicking on this link.

Download and install Unlocker. After that, open up “My computer”. Right-click on the USB drive and select “Unlocker”. In the new window that will open, click on “Unlock All”. Then, go ahead and try to eject the USB drive by right-clicking on its icon on the system tray and selecting “Safely remove hardware”.

In case this does not work, then you can still use Unlocker but this time, select the “Kill Process” button.

I hope this helps.

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• Posted on - 06/02/2013
• Question Category: Storage