What does "Safely Remove Hardware" actually do?

[Felecha]

I was using memory sticks for a long time before someone told me that I had to do the "Safely Remove Hardware" routine. If I didnt I would risk ruining my data. I have never had any problem with my data that I know of, but most of the time I dutifully do the Safely Remove, especially if I am actually moving data that is really important, just in case.

But what does it do, anyway?

 

[NuroMancer]

As far as I know the safely remove hardware process makes sure that there are no open reads or writes or open file handles from the OS to the USB or other removalbe hardware unit.

So if you were to write a file to a usb key, leave it and the background, forget, and pull it out, there is a good chance your usb key wouldn't work anymore.

Now, there are recovery utilities that return it to functionality, but thats a pain in the ass.

 

[corkyg]

It makes sure that any write caching action is flushed so that there is no data left behind.

Most flash devices should be setup to optimize quick removal and turn off write caching. When that is done, there's no longer a need to worry about losses due to pre-mature unplugging. Most of us use flash devices as quick ins and outs, so that setting is worth while.

To do this, go to the drive's properties, and click on the Policies tab, and select Optimize for Quick Removal.

 

[Felecha]

Well, learn something new every day.

I looked and its already set for quick removal, but its nice to know about.

Thanks all

and another Twain - "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."