We have an external USB HDD plugged into a server we use for tertiary backups. It has the option in the clock tray to safely remove, but this does not disconnect the drive. There is nothing writing to it, there are no files open. I am unsure why we cannot remove it. Is there a way to safely get this off the server without shutting the whole server down?

Hi, As I understand that when you left-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the notification area and then click Safely remove Device_name. The device may not be removed as expected. Additionally, you do not receive a message that verifies whether the device was safely removed. This problem occurs because of a timing issue in which allocated memory may be released while the system is removing the selected device. When this behavior occurs, the system can no longer find the information about the selected device. Therefore, the device is not removed. To work around this problem, use one of the following methods: l Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the notification area, click the device, and then click Stop. l Right-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the notification area, click Safely Remove Hardware, click the device, and then click Stop. Best Regards DalePlease remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.