how can I remove my flash drive-it tells me it is being used

Question

how can I remove my flash drive-it tells me it is being used

iMac desktop 2010, latest iOS .1015 El Capitan system

I inserted a flash drive in order to print a file off it and I wasn't able to.

I then went on goolge and asked how to print from a flash drive, then I realized that I can insert my flash drive into my printer.

Now when I try to bring it down to toss it in the trash-I am told that other ??? are using it, I got out of everything, even safari and it tells me the same thing??? Thank you...

iMac, Mac OS X (10.0.x), imac desktop

Posted on Aug 30, 2016 8:33 AM

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Answer 1

hokanst

Level 2

301 points

Aug 30, 2016 12:22 PM in response to monafromwalnut

You could try force quitting (Apple Menu > Force Quit …) the Finder that may be holding onto the drive/file.

Rebooting should fix the issue.

You could also simply unplug the drive - while this is not generally recommended it should be fairly safe if nothing is actively writing to the drive.

You can also use Terminal commands to force file deletes or unmount drives, even though apps may be using them.

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Answer 2

mona91

Level 1

16 points

Aug 31, 2016 4:07 PM in response to hokanst

Thank you, you are a GREAT help.

Mona

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