Flash Drive Removal

I have to use a PC running Windows XP in my web apps class. I have no admin rights. But I have to ask: Is there a cure for the dreaded "I 'can't' remove 'generic' device right now" message? This is even when I use the remove safely box and specify the named drive. I also use my mac (I don't have all the programs, but I do have control) and sometimes switch files back and forth. Mac only gives the message when something is open. But the PC give me the message even when the drive isn't in use. l end up having to turn the darned thing off completely to retrieve the drive.

I read this was common with Windows XP, did anyone ever find a solution?
I have visions of a Star Wars Imperial Walker crushing it flat - that's how frustrated I get!

I open the programs first (and it's very slooooow about loading those as it is.) My previous flash drive for class went kerblooey for no apparent reason - once it just gave me an unformatted message - when it worked fine a minute ago - and once it crashed and when I put it back in the Mac my finder went crazy. So I'm highly distrustful of this PC, I don't know what it's doing but it's a real pain.

nonantroll said:

There should be an option in Device Manager to turn of the caching to your flash drive. Then you can ALWAYS remove it if the light's off.

Also, make sure that any program that used a file on your flash drive has been terminated, and that you don't still have a directory open on it.

Upgrading to SP3 might fix this problem.
Then again, it might add new ones.
The SP3 (System Pack 3) is a free Microsloth download. I suggest you download it, even if just for future use, before Billious Gates removes all support for XP.

Click to expand...

Herein lay the real problem. No matter what solution there is lies thru the admin account, which the school techs are paranoid about letting any student into - even those specificall who need it. Honestly, you can't count on them to screw in a light bulb properly!