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Stupid Vista question: Safely remove hardware - permanently?

Discussion in 'Technology' started by El Wayne, Feb 1, 2011.

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  1. El Wayne

    El Wayne F1 World Champ
    Staff Member Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Aug 1, 2002
    18,069
    San Marino, CA
    Full Name:
    L. Wayne Ausbrooks
    #1 El Wayne, Feb 1, 2011
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2011
    1. Inserted PRODuo memory stick from camera.

    2. When done, clicked on "Safely Remove Hardware."

    3. Removed memory stick when safe.

    4. Now that port refuses to recognize the memory stick, even weeks later.

    5. Tried restarting computer, turning it off and back on, etc.

    I have two other computers, also running Vista. I was able to insert the memory stick and access photos only once on each. After "safely removing" the stick, none of the computers will now recognize it. What gives? Am I an idiot? There has to be someway to "reset" that port, no? (I assumed it would do that on its own once the stick was removed.)
     
  2. 430man

    430man Formula Junior

    Jan 18, 2011
    489
    #2 430man, Feb 1, 2011
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2011
    Congratulations... You just removed the whole card reader from Vista! ;-/

    Then it seems Vista did not reset when you restarted. (as it should) Is this an HP?

    Generically speaking, you're going to have to reinstall the device. Sadly there is no bulletproof technique for this I can type. If it is not working automatically, you're going to have to fiddle with it. You can try this:

    Turn off the computer, disconnect the power cord and remove any batteries. (laptop)

    Press the power button on the front of the computer for five seconds. Insert batteries, reconnect the power cord and turn on the computer then test the card reader.

    Going forward, never use "Safely Remove Hardware" because that removes the hardware. (hence the name) Use "Eject" since it is media.
     
  3. El Wayne

    El Wayne F1 World Champ
    Staff Member Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Aug 1, 2002
    18,069
    San Marino, CA
    Full Name:
    L. Wayne Ausbrooks
    #3 El Wayne, Feb 1, 2011
    These are three different computers (none are laptops) - two Acers and an HP.
     
  4. 430man

    430man Formula Junior

    Jan 18, 2011
    489
    #4 430man, Feb 2, 2011
    Did the shutdown trick work? If not, go to 'Add Hardware' and see if you can auto find the card readers. BTW- If it asks if you want to reinstall the drivers hit NO. (unless you have the drivers)

    If that does not work, open the case, unplug the cable going to the card reader and reboot. Then shutdown the computer and hook it up again then turn the computer back on. This will make Windows look for new hardware.
     
  5. TheBigEasy

    TheBigEasy F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Jun 21, 2005
    18,633
    California
    Full Name:
    Ethan Hunt
    #5 TheBigEasy, Feb 2, 2011
    Buy an Apple.
     

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