LogFAQs > #962792113

Random tech question. Figured this would be the perfect place to ask.

So, I don't know how often any of you even use flashdrives anymore....but they used to be pretty cool. Little plastic thingies that could carry gigs of space so you could take pictures off your computer and put them on another device, etc. Or just have backups for important files.

Mini external hardrives.

Lately, I've been using them to backup some of my art projects....because I get super paranoid about my desktop computer just crashing some day....and losing all my progress. So I always back them up on a 2gig flashdrive just in case.

Anyway.....I didnt realize it until my brother pointed it out to me a very very long time ago....but it's (apparently?) not a good idea to just pull it out of the USB slot when you are done using it.

You are supposed to right-click on it....and properly eject the flashdrive from your computer...and wait for the prompt that tells you "You can now safely remove your hardware" (or something to that effect....depending on what kind of computer you have, etc).

I guess this helps prevent the files you transfered from being corrupted or something?

Is it bullshit? Or is this really a thing?

I mean....I could understand not wanting to pull it out if the files are literally in the process of being written onto the flashdrive.....because that would definitely mess it up.

But if the files are competely done being downloaded or uploaded to/from the flashdrive......why can't you just pull it out?

Why the steps to properly eject the device?