Why do I get error messages and drive letter changes when connecting or disconnecting Iomega® PC card or USB drives in Windows® 2000 or Windows® 98/95
Document # 10426.html

Unplugging the Iomega® USB or PC card drives in Windows® 2000 while the computer is running may generate error messages. Although Windows® supports hot swapping (connecting and disconnecting while the computer is running), doing so without allowing enough time for Windows to respond will cause an error message.



  • Windows will read the devices connected to or removed from the computer and assign drive letters as needed. To avoid potential problems, use the following guidelines when changing drives:


    What happens when a device is connected to or disconnected from the computer while it is running?
    1. When the device is connected to the system, Windows detects the drive and loads the appropriate drivers. The drive letter assignments are adjusted if needed to accommodate the new drive.

      Note: This is not done instantly. The operating system may take up to 1 minute to load drivers and make drive letter adjustments. Please allow enough time for the operating system to make adjustments. Disconnecting the drive may cause an error message.

    2. When disconnecting the drive several things must occur:

      1. Any data copied to the drive must be allowed to finish.

      2. Any data stored in the computer's memory (the cache) must be flushed.

      3. Windows must release the drive properly.


    How do I release a PocketZip (Clik!) PC Card drive properly?
    1. Double-click the PC card icon on the taskbar.



    2. Highlight the PocketZip (Clik!) PC Card drive and click the Stop button.



    3. Click OK to confirm that the card has been stopped and may be removed.


    How do I release an Iomega USB drive properly?

      The USB system bus is handled differently within Windows than the PC card slots. To remove a USB drive, unplug the data cable from the computer and then turn off the power from the drive. Windows will rescan the USB bus, remove drivers, and adjust drive letters accordingly.

      Note: This is not done instantly. The operating system may take up to 1 minute to load drivers and make drive letter adjustments. Please allow enough time for the operating system to make adjustments. Quickly connecting and then disconnecting the drive may cause an error message.

    23 February 2000