I typically run PortableApps from an external hard drive. Let's say I plug in one or two USB sticks after PortableApps is running. I run Explorer++ from the copy that is loaded on the hard drive. If I subsequently try to eject either of the USB sticks I get the "can't eject right now because a file is being used" or a similar nastygram. I get this message even when Explorer++ does not have its focus on either USB stick, but, for example, on the C drive. I need to close the copy of Explorer++ that is running in order to eject either USB stick without getting the nastygram. I have seen this on both XP and Win 7 machines.
I hesitate to label this post as a [bug] because perhaps this is PEBCAK.
Visit the Community page
Join our forums
Subscribe to our email newsletter
Subscribe with RSS
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Mastodon
Follow us on BlueSky
It happens also with the default Explorer – definitely with Windows 7 and I also think with XP. My non-technical explanation would be that Windows Explorer keeps a copy of the disk structure or file structure in its memory, and therefore prevents ejection. I have often seen it happening with CF or SD cards (i.e. camera cards inserted in a reader), a USB key, or an external hard drive, with or without PortableApps on it.
With CF card, the problem may be "solved" by right-clicking on the card and selecting Eject. With other "non-ejectable" devices such as USB keys, it doesn't work and you have to close all Windows Explorer windows.
And since Explorer++, Total Commander and Free Commander use good chunks of the Windows Explorer code, the same problem exists.
Michel Gagnon
Montréal (Québec, Canada)
I also see this if I have a mounted TrueCrypt volume on a stick and try to dismount it with Explorer++ running. TrueCrypt complains and does not want to complete the dismount. BTW, I don't see this with TrueCrypt if I am running Windows Explorer. I attribute things like this to a gigantic conspiracy intending to drive me crazy. It's working ...