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Post by jerrysmith on Dec 29, 2012 8:37:54 GMT -5
Folks, I just learned something valuable about external hard drives and flash cards: you DO NOT just jerk them out of the socket when finished with them. To do so invites total destruction of the device and its contents.
While most such devices are almost foolproof in that respect, if it happens to be doing something when you pull the cord, you could cause various components to crash beyond recovery. And considering the way today's machines and software operate, you never really know when it's doing something. The little blue light can blink so fast you can't see it, so don't trust that either.
You need to perform an Exit procedure.
Move down to the bottom line of your screen, called the taskbar. Find an icon that says something like Safely Remove Hardware, click on it, and follow instructions before removing the device. The icon may be hidden, so click on the << symbol to Display Hidden Icons.
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Post by nanichris on Dec 29, 2012 11:34:06 GMT -5
Do I take it that you learned this by experience?
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Post by jerrysmith on Dec 29, 2012 12:28:35 GMT -5
Nope. Just happened to read it in a magazine story about data backup. I have a 250gb external hard drive that I use for monthly backup, and there was nothing mentioned in the literature about safe removal. I remember back in the old days of huge disc drives that we had a "parking" routine for the heads, but was unaware such a thing was still needed.
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Post by nanichris on Dec 30, 2012 8:48:41 GMT -5
You know a lot more than I do. I don't have a clue what you're talking about. And you know what? I really don't want to know that much about computers. I want to be able to do a few things on them, and that's it. My Grandson hits the "On" button as soon as he comes home from school and doesn't shut the damn thing off until he goes to bed. Too many kids doing that and too many parents letting them. But, of course, we Grandparents don't know anything and our opinion is NOT wanted.
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Post by jerrysmith on Dec 30, 2012 9:42:55 GMT -5
Is it your computer or his?
As far as not wanting to know anything about computers, that's like refusing to read about diseases so you won't get sick.
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Post by jb on Dec 30, 2012 12:44:47 GMT -5
I knew about this for awhile now, BUT had to be educated about it as I didn't know and I was going to pull out without protection when she slapped me. ;D
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Post by nanichris on Dec 31, 2012 12:17:24 GMT -5
Well Jerry, you don't want to vote in national elections which I consider much worse than not wanting to know the ins and outs of computers. Obviously I can communicate on them and look up things, as well as print out articles I wish to have on paper. I think that is enough for me. You wish to delve deeply into the workings of the techie world which is just fine. I have other interests such as the Coast Guard Aux. and Kiwanis. I also enjoy gardening and my animals. I'd love to be more involved in flying but the expense is just too much for a retired person who didn't make much of a fortune during her lifetime. Each to his own is my thinking.
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Post by jerrysmith on Dec 31, 2012 13:09:04 GMT -5
Well Jerry, you don't want to vote in national elections which I consider much worse than not wanting to know the ins and outs of computers. . I rest my case based upon the most recent POTUS fiasco. At least when I push a key I usually get what's printed on that key. |
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Post by nanichris on Jan 1, 2013 10:16:16 GMT -5
You're right in that. The last election was a real dud. I'm of the opinion that a lot of it was illegal.....starting with the democrat's candidate!  |
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