Apple OS X 10.4 Tiger, external drive removal error

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Q: I properly ejected my external hard drive and waited until the icon disappeared from the desktop before disconnecting and/or powering down the drive. However, I got an error saying that I'd not properly removed the drive.

A: Sometimes the drive is still writing and closing files even after the icon is no longer visible. Also, anti-Virus software may be scanning the drive on dismount.

Some drives will actually spin down (stop spinning) once they are finished all write activities. You may want to wait a few seconds after requesting the eject before disconnecting the drive. Try feeling the drive with your hand to sense when the drive spins down, or observe the indicator light to see when it is no longer blinking.