How does one remove an USB Flash Drive safely from Windows 98 SE?

[Ant]

In Windows 2000 and XP, one goes through the system tray and remove it
by telling Windows that you're not using the drive anymore because of
possible data loss. I assume it was the same for 9x, but then I noticed
USB system tray icon was missing. PCMCIA system tray icon exists to stop
the devices for removal.

How does one remove the USB flash drive safely without turning off the
computer (actually a Toshiba Satellite Pro notebook)?

Thank you in advance. :)
--
"But, you may argue, our uniqueness is so extreme! More extreme than the
platypus which looks like a collection of leftover parts? More unique
than the societal honeybee with its division of labor? More unique than
the communist ants who keep aphids as farm animals?" --John Logan
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Phillip (Ant) @ http://antfarm.ma.cx & http://aqfl.net
| |o o| | E-mail: or
\ _ / Nuke ANT from e-mail address if your e-mail was returned.
( )
Ant is/was listening to a song: Haiducii - Dragostea Din Tei (Gabry
Ponte Extended Remix)

[Bill in Co.]

My guess is: in Control Panel, System, Device Manager. (As to how
"safe" that is in your case, I can't tell ya with certainty).

Ant wrote:
> In Windows 2000 and XP, one goes through the system tray and remove it
> by telling Windows that you're not using the drive anymore because of
> possible data loss. I assume it was the same for 9x, but then I noticed
> USB system tray icon was missing. PCMCIA system tray icon exists to stop
> the devices for removal.
>
> How does one remove the USB flash drive safely without turning off the
> computer (actually a Toshiba Satellite Pro notebook)?
>
> Thank you in advance. :)
> --
> "But, you may argue, our uniqueness is so extreme! More extreme than the
> platypus which looks like a collection of leftover parts? More unique
> than the societal honeybee with its division of labor? More unique than
> the communist ants who keep aphids as farm animals?" --John Logan
> /\___/\
> / /\ /\ \ Phillip (Ant) @ http://antfarm.ma.cx & http://aqfl.net
> | |o o| | E-mail: or
> \ _ / Nuke ANT from e-mail address if your e-mail was returned.
> ( )
> Ant is/was listening to a song: Haiducii - Dragostea Din Tei (Gabry
> Ponte Extended Remix)

[Ingeborg]

Ant > wrote in news:#oDBtFxkEHA.1152
@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl:

> In Windows 2000 and XP, one goes through the system tray and remove it
> by telling Windows that you're not using the drive anymore because of
> possible data loss. I assume it was the same for 9x, but then I noticed
> USB system tray icon was missing. PCMCIA system tray icon exists to stop
> the devices for removal.
>
> How does one remove the USB flash drive safely without turning off the
> computer (actually a Toshiba Satellite Pro notebook)?
>
> Thank you in advance. :)

Rightclick on the drive icon, choose eject. The cache will be flushed, and
after a few seconds you can remove it.

[Greg]

The understanding I have about USB devices
and Windows 98SE is all you need to do is
unplug the USB devise. This is how I use any
and all of mine, Win98SE made it a quick
swap port and with only 2 ports you can use
a multitude of devices without ever shutting
down the PC.
Hope this helps.
>-----Original Message-----
>In Windows 2000 and XP, one goes through the system tray
and remove it
>by telling Windows that you're not using the drive
anymore because of
>possible data loss. I assume it was the same for 9x, but
then I noticed
>USB system tray icon was missing. PCMCIA system tray icon
exists to stop
>the devices for removal.
>
>How does one remove the USB flash drive safely without
turning off the
>computer (actually a Toshiba Satellite Pro notebook)?
>
>Thank you in advance. :)
>--
>"But, you may argue, our uniqueness is so extreme! More
extreme than the
>platypus which looks like a collection of leftover parts?
More unique
>than the societal honeybee with its division of labor?
More unique than
>the communist ants who keep aphids as farm animals?" --
John Logan
> /\___/\
> / /\ /\ \ Phillip (Ant) @ http://antfarm.ma.cx &
http://aqfl.net
> | |o o| | E-mail: or

> \ _ / Nuke ANT from e-mail address if your e-
mail was returned.
> ( )
>Ant is/was listening to a song: Haiducii - Dragostea Din
Tei (Gabry
>Ponte Extended Remix)
>.
>

[Rick Chauvin]

Ant wrote:
> In Windows 2000 and XP, one goes through the system tray and remove it
> by telling Windows that you're not using the drive anymore because of
> possible data loss. I assume it was the same for 9x, but then I
> noticed USB system tray icon was missing. PCMCIA system tray icon
> exists to stop the devices for removal.
>
> How does one remove the USB flash drive safely without turning off the
> computer (actually a Toshiba Satellite Pro notebook)?
>
> Thank you in advance. :)


For instance let's take the SanDisk Cruzer, for W9x it says you can just unplug
them and that's what I've always done with no problems ever, or you can also
right click on the Drive Letter it takes in MyComputer and click Eject ..which
all-round is prolly the best way to do it anyway just in case.

As you said though, and as it is strongly advised for W2K & WXP you must always
right click the item and select to 'Remove' it first before unplugging.

Rick

[Bill Blanton]

"Rick Chauvin" > wrote in message ...
> Ant wrote:
> > In Windows 2000 and XP, one goes through the system tray and remove it
> > by telling Windows that you're not using the drive anymore because of
> > possible data loss. I assume it was the same for 9x, but then I
> > noticed USB system tray icon was missing. PCMCIA system tray icon
> > exists to stop the devices for removal.
> >
> > How does one remove the USB flash drive safely without turning off the
> > computer (actually a Toshiba Satellite Pro notebook)?

> For instance let's take the SanDisk Cruzer, for W9x it says you can just unplug
> them and that's what I've always done with no problems ever, or you can also
> right click on the Drive Letter it takes in MyComputer and click Eject ..which
> all-round is prolly the best way to do it anyway just in case.

Agree.. It's probably best to eject, for the reasons Ingeborg states.

> As you said though, and as it is strongly advised for W2K & WXP you must always
> right click the item and select to 'Remove' it first before unplugging.

In XP, you can configure it either way. Disable write caching on the device, and
you can just unplug it. (for the Memorex "thumbdrive" anyway.. ;) I saw a 2GB Sony
in a magazine, was about the size of a credit card, with a flip out USB connector.
Nice. :)

[Rick Chauvin]

Bill Blanton wrote:
> "Rick Chauvin wrote in message
> ...

[...]
>> For instance let's take the SanDisk Cruzer, for W9x it says you can
>> just unplug them and that's what I've always done with no problems
>> ever, or you can also right click on the Drive Letter it takes in
>> MyComputer and click Eject ..which all-round is prolly the best way
>> to do it anyway just in case.
>
> Agree.. It's probably best to eject, for the reasons Ingeborg states.

Understood ..just for a fyi on mine, just reading the pamphlet that came with
it here again - it just says don't unplug it while data transfer is live
(unit's light flashing) ..and when done close all associated windows before
unplugging ...it goes on to say that for W98SE & WXP that it is not required to
use the taskbar icon way to unload it before unplugging.. ..oh well, as
mentioned after reading that when I first got mine I usually have never for
W98x ejected it and just unplug it, but I always do it for 2K & WP ..but if
ever asked I would always advise on the side of safe and that's to say Yes to
use the Eject or Unplug option in all cases..

(for me, never wanting any absolutely unnecessary extra things running live in
my system tray anyway that's not absolutely needed, and so in msconfig I
unchecked the always on USB Monitor that this mini cruzer installed extra (on
9x) and uses, and instead I just let it start up automatically when I actually
plug it in - I do that with most things and my tray is trim, as it should be)

>> As you said though, and as it is strongly advised for W2K & WXP you
>> must always right click the item and select to 'Remove' it first
>> before unplugging.
>
> In XP, you can configure it either way. Disable write caching on the
> device, and you can just unplug it. (for the Memorex "thumbdrive"
> anyway.. ;) I saw a 2GB Sony in a magazine, was about the size of
> a credit card, with a flip out USB connector.
> Nice. :)

Imagine, a tiny 2GB usb plugin ...ain't technology grand (: :)

...the next 100 yrs ought to be ..technology amazing.. ..wish I could live that
long to see it..

Rick

[Ant]

On 9/4/2004 11:27 PM PT, Ant wrote:


> In Windows 2000 and XP, one goes through the system tray and remove it
> by telling Windows that you're not using the drive anymore because of
> possible data loss. I assume it was the same for 9x, but then I noticed
> USB system tray icon was missing. PCMCIA system tray icon exists to stop
> the devices for removal.
>
> How does one remove the USB flash drive safely without turning off the
> computer (actually a Toshiba Satellite Pro notebook)?
>
> Thank you in advance. :)

Thanks to everyone. I will use the right click and eject on the drive. I
did not try this!
--
"Whenever I see an old lady slip and fall on a wet sidewalk, my first
instinct is to laugh. But then I think, what if I was an ant, and she
fell on me. Then it wouldn't seem quite so funny." --Saturday Night Live
FAQ: Deep Thoughts
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Phillip (Ant) @ The Ant Farm: http://antfarm.ma.cx
| |o o| | E-mail: or
\ _ / Nuke ANT from e-mail address if your e-mail was returned.
( )
Ant is currently not listening to any songs right now.

[Menno Hershberger]

"Bill Blanton" > wrote in
:

> "Rick Chauvin" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Ant wrote:
>> > In Windows 2000 and XP, one goes through the system tray and remove
>> > it by telling Windows that you're not using the drive anymore
>> > because of possible data loss. I assume it was the same for 9x, but
>> > then I noticed USB system tray icon was missing. PCMCIA system tray
>> > icon exists to stop the devices for removal.
>> >
>> > How does one remove the USB flash drive safely without turning off
>> > the computer (actually a Toshiba Satellite Pro notebook)?
>
>> For instance let's take the SanDisk Cruzer, for W9x it says you can
>> just unplug them and that's what I've always done with no problems
>> ever, or you can also right click on the Drive Letter it takes in
>> MyComputer and click Eject ..which all-round is prolly the best way
>> to do it anyway just in case.
>
> Agree.. It's probably best to eject, for the reasons Ingeborg states.
>
>> As you said though, and as it is strongly advised for W2K & WXP you
>> must always right click the item and select to 'Remove' it first
>> before unplugging.
>
> In XP, you can configure it either way. Disable write caching on the
> device, and you can just unplug it. (for the Memorex "thumbdrive"
> anyway.. ;) I saw a 2GB Sony in a magazine, was about the size of a
> credit card, with a flip out USB connector. Nice. :)

I looked it up... it's actually a little hard drive. I think I'd be
more comfortable if it was just memory.

--
-- What happens if you get scared half to death twice? --

[Bill Blanton]

"Menno Hershberger" > wrote in message ...
> "Bill Blanton" > wrote in
> :
>
> > "Rick Chauvin" > wrote in message
> > ...
> >> Ant wrote:

> >> > How does one remove the USB flash drive safely without turning off
> >> > the computer (actually a Toshiba Satellite Pro notebook)?
> >
> >> For instance let's take the SanDisk Cruzer, for W9x it says you can
> >> just unplug them and that's what I've always done with no problems
> >> ever, or you can also right click on the Drive Letter it takes in
> >> MyComputer and click Eject ..which all-round is prolly the best way
> >> to do it anyway just in case.
> >
> > In XP, you can configure it either way. Disable write caching on the
> > device, and you can just unplug it. (for the Memorex "thumbdrive"
> > anyway.. ;) I saw a 2GB Sony in a magazine, was about the size of a
> > credit card, with a flip out USB connector. Nice. :)
>
> I looked it up... it's actually a little hard drive. I think I'd be
> more comfortable if it was just memory.

Thanks. I didn't see that.
Agree.. probably too delicate.
Anything that can be carried, will be dropped.

[Libor Striz]

Ant > Sat, 04 Sep 2004 23:27:30 -0700 wrote ...

>In Windows 2000 and XP, one goes through the system tray and remove it
>by telling Windows that you're not using the drive anymore because of
>possible data loss. I assume it was the same for 9x, but then I noticed
>USB system tray icon was missing. PCMCIA system tray icon exists to stop
>the devices for removal.
>
>How does one remove the USB flash drive safely without turning off the
>computer (actually a Toshiba Satellite Pro notebook)?
>
>Thank you in advance. :)
>

I use USB 256MG flash disk be Seitek.
When I/O are performed, its LED shines almost all the time.
When mounted, its LED is blinking.
When ejected/unmounted ( right clink on drive icon end eject ),
its LED stops shining.

There is another option to disable write delay caching...

Press Winkey+Break, click on tabs
Performance -File System - Removable disk(?)
Then disable write delay for removable disk units...


--
"Libor the Wanderer" >
Sorry for my english in case of such troubles.
As dialup user I am sorry for late response.
ForPrivateResponseRemoveDelAndThisFromAboveAddress .

[Rick Chauvin]

Libor Striz wrote:

> I use USB 256MG flash disk be Seitek.
> When I/O are performed, its LED shines almost all the time.
> When mounted, its LED is blinking.

No biggy - but I think you meant that the other way around.
When data is transferring - it blinks/flashes as it goes along.
When it's plugged in but idle, it stays light continuous.

Rick


> When ejected/unmounted ( right clink on drive icon end eject ),
> its LED stops shining.
>
> There is another option to disable write delay caching...
>
> Press Winkey+Break, click on tabs
> Performance -File System - Removable disk(?)
> Then disable write delay for removable disk units...
>
>
> --
> "Libor the Wanderer" >
> Sorry for my english in case of such troubles.
> As dialup user I am sorry for late response.
> ForPrivateResponseRemoveDelAndThisFromAboveAddress .

[Libor Striz]

Rick Chauvin > Tue, 7 Sep 2004 16:37:30 -0400 wrote
....

>No biggy - but I think you meant that the other way around.
>When data is transferring - it blinks/flashes as it goes along.
>When it's plugged in but idle, it stays light continuous.
>
>>
So you mush have other stuff then me :-)

when idling the LED is switching ON/OFF in period of about 3 seconds.

In transfer It shines almost continuous....

--
"Libor the Wanderer" >
Sorry for my english in case of such troubles.
As dialup user I am sorry for late response.
ForPrivateResponseRemoveDelAndThisFromAboveAddress .

[Rick Chauvin]

Libor Striz wrote:
[...]

> So you mush have other stuff then me :-)
>
> when idling the LED is switching ON/OFF in period of about 3 seconds.
>
> In transfer It shines almost continuous....

Okay thank you Libor for the information.
....have a nice day

Rick


> --
> "Libor the Wanderer" >
> Sorry for my english in case of such troubles.
> As dialup user I am sorry for late response.
> ForPrivateResponseRemoveDelAndThisFromAboveAddress .