Why does my computer reboot when I remove a device?

Why does my computer reboot when I remove a device like a flash drive, or when powering off my printer (which has a built-in card reader)?

This question was answered on September 29, 2005. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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Do you tell your computer your removing your flash drive? When you plug in your flash drive you should get a message saying new hardware installed or something like that When that message appears your computer is in constant communication with your device If you remove it without cutting off communication you can cause all kinds of errors When you want to remove a device connected via USB there an icon that looks like a flash drive with a green arrow above it that says Safely Remove Hardware Click it and a window should open showing all devices connect via USB Select the device you wish to remove and a message should say that it is 'Now Safe to Remove Hardware' If your still getting problems, check all your wires for loose connections to the tower as that can cause the computer to reboot without warning.

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Posted by Nathan of Chandler-Gilbert Community College on September 29, 2005

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