Another way to safely disconnect it is to go to my computer, right click the drive and push disconnect. You could try setting a password at startup and waiting about 15 seconds before you logon, this has worked before for other icons, im not sure about the LAN and hardware disconnect though, but you do have a gig of ram so i dont think that would solve the problem. Ive heard that you dont need to worry about it in XP, unlike 2000 you only need to worry about loosing data when the write light is on. Otherwise you can unplug it. Ive used usb keys myself all the time, and alot of people at school use them and they always unplug them and ive never heard of anyone loosing their data.

 

thanks for the info.

I've tried disconnecting the drive through my computer but the option isn't available. I've been just pulling it out and that seems to be ok for now. I was just wandering if this was something that might indicate a bigger problem, and if there was any way to fix it (just 'cos it's annoying)

thanks again

 

I dont think it indicates a problem, sorry i cant play around and see if i could find a way to make the disconnect option appear becuase i dont have a usb drive with me right now.

 

Have you tried a System Restore? Also see if you can reinstall the drivers for the USB Hard Drive (if there are any).

 

unfortunately I don't have any restore points dating back before this problem started...and the HD didn't come with any drivers. Thanks for the suggestions though. Any more ideas?!!?