Lately something has been stopping me from ejecting external HDDs from both of my Windows machines. It doesn't seem to affect UFDs, but occasionally I may need to click the eject button on them a second time. I know I can safely pull a UFD as long it isn't in use. Is there any way to find out what program is supposedly using the external HDD that stops me from ejecting it? Thanks.
You can try these tools https://quickandeasysoftware.net/software/usb-disk-ejector https://safelyremove.com/index.htm
Thanks but... https://quickandeasysoftware.net/readmes/USBDiskEjector.html That one might have potential. Still, it would help to know what the problem program is.
I run USB Safely Remove and it reveals the culprit and allows a forced eject. Run as admin, NirSoft's Opened FIles View is darned good at its job and offers close and kill functions if Task Manger don't do it for you. It's loaded with other management tools relative to its core processes... https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/opened_files_view.html Stand-alone (portable) and free.
Logging out and logging in afterward should close enough programs to safely eject disks or usb flash drive. You can search for handles to files on specific path using Process Explorer. https://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/windows-in-use.html
Oh the irony... next chance to test and guess what?! Yep, both machines ejected the external drive immediately, no problem detected. I guess that's always the way though.
Reminds of when I was just learning W98SE. I'd call my friend cause I borked it AGAIN. He said try this ........ I said I tried that 2 dozens times already. He said try it again. I did & it worked. LOL. The ghost in the machine.
