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    For a USB device, what is the diff. between eject and "safely remove."

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by JWBlue, Nov 25, 2009.

  1. JWBlue

    JWBlue Notebook Deity

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    In Vista......................
     
    JWBlue, Nov 25, 2009
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  2. fred2028

    fred2028 Sexy member

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    No clue, but who actually does this? I've never did this in my life, I just yank my USB device out when it's done.
     
    fred2028, Nov 25, 2009
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  3. The Fire Snake

    The Fire Snake Notebook Virtuoso

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    I do :). This is a good question and I would like to know too. I always felt that "safely remove" did more than "eject", but I don't know. I always choose "Safely remove" and have never had any problems.
     
    The Fire Snake, Nov 26, 2009
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  4. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    They both unmount the device from the filesystem, assuming Windows treats devices in a similar way to Linux. I think they are the same. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
     
    Bog, Nov 26, 2009
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  5. davepermen

    davepermen Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    well, if it's a cd rom, eject actually puts out the media. safely remove would remove the whole cd rom drive (if it's an usb cd rom).

    for flash drives / external hdds, it's the same, i guess.


    oh, and safe remove is required if the disk is set to performance, and not for quick removal. as writes then get buffered and delayed. copying something on the stick/disk and taking it out would then lead to the data not being on it.
     
    davepermen, Nov 26, 2009
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  6. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I tend to just remove the device - but I have used safely remove hardware on my WD passport drive.

    One - not perfect way - of assessing whether you can remove a drive is looking at the little light somewhere is on it.
    If its flashing, blinking then the drive is writing, if its constant its not.
    This is not 100% failsafe - but a good indicator.
     
    DetlevCM, Nov 26, 2009
    #6