Unless you change the Policies settings for the flash drive, unplugging it without going through that Safely Remove icon is a sure way to corrupt all the files on the drive, and maybe even permanently destroy the drive too. If that's what you're doing and then it's not recognized when you reconnect, that could be part of your problem.

If you want to be able to unplug without using Safely Remove icon, plug the drive into USB and open Device Manager. Double-click flash drive entry in Disk Drives list, and click Policies tab. Check the box "Optimize for quick removal". Click OK back to Device Manager.

When you're back at Device Manager, expand list under USB. Double-click each root hub, one at a time, and click Power Management tab. Uncheck the box "Allow PC to turn off this device to save power".

See if that helps.

Ron

Thanks for your reply

I had the device set for quick removal the first time I used it. And this setting has not changed.

I changed all the power management settings on all of the USB hub listings as you suggested also.

So, after all that, I used the "Stop" button and unplugged the flash drive -- it disappeared. Plugged it in again and no dice -- it won't show up again unless I reboot.

Something is still wrong... I am still irritated. Will try again tomorrow. Maybe a chat session with Dell Support will help

Message Edited by DrWorm_ on 01-16-2006 08:19 AM

New information --

Oh boy.. the problem may be with the flash drive...

DrWorm
Sounds like it could be a bad flash drive. If it's under warranty contact PNY for replacement. Otherwise, you could try reformatting it (back up the files first).

Good luck!

Ron