I can't eject ("files in use by another application") Windows/Vista Issue?

OK... so in the grand scheme of things, this really is NOT the end of the world... but it sure is super-annoying!! This is my first every Apple product (took a while to get on the bandwagon) and I was hoping for more stability and ease of use... I've called AppleCare several times and they can't help me figure this out... according to them it's a Windows/Vista issue (which DOES seem likely). I'm running Windows Vista Home Premium on a Dell Dimension E521.
Here's how it goes... I plug my iPod in, which opens up iTunes and it syncs fine. I wait until the top of iTunes says "sync complete" and the face of the iPod simply says "Connected". Then I click on the "eject" button next to the iPod listing in iTunes. It pauses for a moment, then I look down and the iPod suddenly has those syncing, circular arrows, moving again and it says "Synchronizing- do not disconnect". And then a few moments later, iTunes gives me a pop-up that says " XXXX ipod cannot be ejected because it contains files that are in use by another application"
So obviously, something else is connecting to the iPod and preventing me from ejecting it using iTunes, but I have not been able to figure out what it is!
Since it's something on my machine, I have tried the following:
- shut down AntiVirus (TrendMicro Internet Security 2008)
- turned off Windows Firewall
- went through all the programs running in the task bar and turned them off
- opened up Task Manager and turned EVERYTHING else I could see off
None of the above have made any difference. The workaround that Apple gave me was to go into Computer and then right click on the listed drive and select "Safely Remove" which usually works (the times it doesn't work, it gives a similar message saying the device was being used by another application and can't be removed, try again later). But 90% of the time it works.
I use that or the Eject option when I right click on that drive (not sure the difference, they seem to do the same thing). The workaround works, but I'd sure LOVE to get iTunes to be able to eject my iPod!!
Here's what I've done regarding this iPod and iTunes:
- reset the iPod
- restored the iPod
- uninstalled and re-installed iTunes
- selected and unselected the various things I'm syncing (currently: Music, TV Shows, Podcasts, Photos) to see if it was one of them causing the issue
NONE of the above has made any difference (and I've done each about 2-3 times, ZERO exaggeration).
I've called into AppleCare about half a dozen times now, hoping to get that one brilliant tech that knows more than the others... but no luck yet... so I thought I'd try this forum to see if one of the brilliant posters here can help me sort this out.
PLEASE- ANY help you can provide (or even just point me in the "right" direction of how to determine this) would be GREATLY appreciated!!
Thanks so much in advance,
SC

I am using windows Vista and having this problem also (not exactly, but iTunes gives pop-up that "files are in use"). Acting a suggestion from another answer in this thread, I clicked on Computer and selected eject...windows did warn me that the device was in use, but also gave me a CONTINUE button, which I clicked and it was ejected...had to go back to iTunes and eject the iPod there also, but it did eject

Similar Messages

IPod cannot be updated/restored/ejected--files in use by another app

Since I downloaded iTunes7, I cannot update, restore, or eject my iPod from iTunes. I get the error "<iPod name> cannot be updated(restored, ejected) because it contains files in use by another application." I'm still able to sync music and tv shows with the old iPod software, but not movies. I eject it using the Safely Remove Hardware icon in my system tray, or from My Computer. I've tried disabling security programs and peripherals, and even sifting through the processes in Task Manager. I had no trouble ejecting prior to iTunes 7/7.0.1.
And yes, I've done the R's I'm able to do (Restore is not an option due to the nature of the error).

Hi again, Corey!
In regard to "recovery mode" message, you'll most likely just need to restore your iPod. For more details, read here -> Restoring your iPod
If this message persists after restoring your iPod, try assigning your iPod a different drive letter; see these steps below:
Log off of any other users on your computer.
1 - Don’t plug in your iPod yet.
2 - Go to "START -> Control Panel -> Admin Tools (if you don't see this, click on "classic view" button on the left panel) -> Computer Management."
3 - Click on the "Disk Management" button in the left panel area.
4 - Now, with "Computer Management" and Control Panel windows opened, reset your iPod, and connect it.
5 - Right-click on your iPod's listing there (after a few moments when it gets recognized in this drive window), and click on "Change Drive letter and Paths". Then the "Change..." button.
Here's what it should look like:
Assign your iPod the letter "M" "N", "O" or the like (further along in the alphabet).
For more details, see this article:
Windows confuses iPod with network device / Changing drive letter
I hope this helps you!
-Kylene
If any post helps or solves your issue, please mark it that way accordingly. Thank you for helping the boards!

File in use by another Application

I've had this message pop-up twice this morning while rendering.
"File in use by another Application"
It stops the render. When I click OK and render again its fine.
The file is not being used by another application.

i'd give ya points if i could, brian. great article. makes me wonder when i install tiger shortly if i should disable spotlight and dashboard. think i'll do a little research.
zeb

"cannot be ejected because it contains files in use by another application"

Help! I don't know what to do to be able to disconnect my new ipod nano from itunes. I am not a sophisticated technology individual. I don't want to cause damage to my computer or my new ipod. Can you please tell me what I need to do in order to be able to disconnect my ipod? Our family actually purchased 3 ipods and the other two did not have this problem at all (they are all set up under separate user names and have different music associated with them). Every time I click on the icon to disconnect this ipod it appears as though I can disconnect it for a few seconds and then the message "the ipod cannot be ejected becuase it contains files that are in use by another application". I really appreciate any help you can provide!
Dell Dimension 8400 Windows ME

Hi clb047 and Welcome to Discussions!
I would first try to quit iTunes. See if you can eject the iPod from My Computer. Or, try to eject the iPod the way you would disconnect another device such as a digital camera.
Try restarting your computer. Restarting quits all applications - so maybe this will help close the application that is using the iPod.
If you have any type of antivirus software, this could be trying to use or scan the iPod. However, I am not too sure about that.
Kyle-

Can't disconnect from iTunes - some files being used by another application

ALWAYS have the DO NOT DISCONNECT message on the iPod when connected to comp/iTunes.
When I finish and try to eject it, it takes a while before telling me that some of the files may be used by another application.
Any idea what?
Or how to stop it?

Really?
Does that mean that I should never run iTunes when I'm online then?
It's funny how I never came across this in any of the info though....

Cannot disconnect iPod - files being used by another application

This is the first time I've connected my new iPod to my brand new computer(Dell E510 loaded). I've been able to down load some albums, and it has been charging (via usb port on tower) for 8 hours. When I try to eject the iPod via itunes I get the error. " iPod can not be disconnected since some of its files are being used by another application. Try again later" I don't have any other applications running. Since this if the 1st time I'm using it, I'm hesitant to follow any of the R procedures. So I close iTunes and open it again. Sometimes it recognizes the iPod and doesn't other times. Thanks for any input

I don't have McAfee and this happens to me as well (every single time since I got the 5th Gen Ipod last month).
I have been clicking on the "safely remove hardware" icon in the toolbar, and manually disconnecting it that way. It seems to work alright.
The annoying thing is that this is only an issue with my 5th gen Ipod. My Ipod Mini has never had any trouble disconnecting the normal way.

Cannot be updated because it contains files in use by another application

I have spent hours looking for a solution to this problem after updating itunes to version 7.0.1.8 I was unable to update my ipod nano to version 1.2, came up with box stating cannot update ipod because it contains files that are in use by another application. Also could not eject ipod from itunes as it came up with same error, only way to disconnect was to 'safetly remove hardward' from notification area. After searching various sites I found a solution that worked Ist time and very easy.
Look in the notification area at the bottom right of your screen, right click and remove/close any applications that might be using files, I closed OpenMG Jukebox, as soon as I had, my ipod could be updated in itunes and it could be ejected from itunes. I have now removed the OpenMG Jukebox from my system as I didn't use it anyway. Hope this helps others
Windows XP

Look in the notification area at the bottom right of your screen, right click and remove/close any applications that might be using files, I closed OpenMG Jukebox, as soon as I had, my ipod could be updated in itunes and it could be ejected from itunes. I have now removed the OpenMG Jukebox from my system as I didn't use it anyway. Hope this helps others

OUI patch install hangs, files being used by another application

Hi when a patch install hangs, and the OUI error message is that files needing to be reinstalled are being used by another application, how can you identify which files or processes are responsible so that they can be shut down? All normal Oracle services and DTC are shut down already.
This is patch 6810189 upgrade to 10.2.0.4 (from 10.2.0.3) which includes the April CPU on a Win32 server.

Please check any oracle service is still on ..
need to shutdown listener/oracle service .. and other db service belongs to Oracle.
You can download windows process explorer and check for any oracle process and kill those and then apply CPU
Link :
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx
--Girish

Tungsten 5 can't sync, port is used by another application message

When I try to Hot Sync, an error message say Hot Sync can't happen, because the port is in use by another application. Before this, I had to reset the Palm and now there is no data on it. Help! Lauraflavin
Post relates to: Tungsten T5

I'm assuming you're using a Serial port connection for your Palm, correct?
Check your computer for anything that might be using COM1 - Fax software, modem software, even XP Media Center has an option to monitor the phone line to announce Caller ID.
If you find something else using that port shut it down.
WyreNut
I am a Volunteer here, not employed by HP.
You too can become an HP Expert! Details HERE!
If my post has helped you, click the Kudos Thumbs up!
If it solved your issue, Click the "Accept as Solution" button so others can benefit from the question you asked!

My iPod has files "in use by another application"?

Ever since the new iTunes version came out, my iPod classic says this. It erased everything on it and now will not let me sync it. Is there anyway I can fix this by myself or is this something I have to take it in for? I've repeatedly restored it with no success, please help!
Thank you so much!

i suspect that the iTunes option to use your iPod as a external drive has been enabled, meaning that iTunes and the Finder/Win Explorer are using it as well...the options are:
a) de-select the use disk option;
b) quit iTunes (resolving the deadlock) and then try ejecting.
I used plan "b" and it worked...a hassle, but it works.

Cannot update ipod because it contains files in use by another application!

I recently upgraded from a powerbook g4 to an imac 20" C2D. Ever since I put my 5th gen ipod onto it it will give me that error every time i connect it or try to update it. I've tried restoring it and that doesn't fix it.
anyone seen this issue or have a solution?
Thanks a ton!

If you're talking about when syncing your iPod (as opposed to actually trying to update its software), then I've been getting this, or a similar message, sporadically ever since (I think) updating to iTunes 7, however it doesn't actually seem to stop songs (or photos) being copied across correctly, as far as I can tell - is your iPod actually not syncing correctly ?
Sometimes I get the message immediately the iPod mounts, and sometimes when it appears to have finished syncing, and it doesn't always occur. I've wondered whether it's actually being produced outside of iTunes by a Finder transaction for instance (my iPod is set for file usage as well), since as I say, I don't think I've ever noticed it not actually syncing as expected.
It's irritating though; and clearly a bug. Can't pin the circumstances down enough to be able to even think about a solution, and up until spotting your post hadn't bothered to raise the issue anywhere. But as I say, the message I'm getting isn't actually interfering with my iPod use.
G5 Dual 2.7, MacMini, iMac 700; P4/XP Desk & Lap. Mac OS X (10.4.8) mLan:01x/i88x; DP 5.1, Cubase SX3, NI Komplete, Melodyne.

HT4759 How can I track my iphone using my laptop with windows vista?

How can I track my iphone in case its lost or stolen by using my laptop with widows vista

On your iPhone go to Settings>iCloud and ensure "Find my iPhone" is on.
How to locate your device on a map:
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH2698

File in use by another Application...Again

Thought it was solved....not
Ran permissions repair and added the render folder to privacy.
Tried rendering a mixdown and the message pops up.
I added my entire External drive to Privacy..hopefully this will do the trick.

i found a scary article on spotlight,
file:///Users/adamforgione/Desktop/How%20to%20turn%20off%20and%20on%20Spotlight% 20in%20Mac%20OS%2010.4%20(Tiger).webarchive
could spotlight be effecting fcp as a whole (not only rendering, but running off jobs, print to video), i always get stuttering playback at some point when i try to run off jobs from the timeline, could spotlight be screwing with this?

30 gig IPod Unable to eject files in use ?????

Hello everyone
I recently upgraded to itunes 7 and began having this problem...
my Ipod connects and syncs alright but after its done it goes in to a continuous loops of saying do not disconnect when I try to eject it mannally it says unable disconnect files in use by another application ....
It always worked fine before ?
I have rebooted my computer and reset and restored the ipod but to no avail..
Thanks for any help you can give
fb

Set the preferences in all your antivirus/antispyware software to NOT scan iPods.
If you are manually managing your music or have disk access activated you will have to set your software to not scan external storage devices

Ipod says that files are being used by another application...please help!

My ipod lost all of my music but tells me that there is apparently still the same amount of memory used, i just can't access my music. To fix this, i'm trying to restore my ipod and just resync the music. However, every time i click restore i get the message "Itunes can not restore Ipod because it contains files in use by another application" even though there are no other applications running. I've ever tried restarting the computer to be sure that no applications are running. Please help!

I had the same issue with my new iPod 4gb nano. To be perfectly honest, I fixed it and I'm not exactly sure what part of the process actually did the job, so I'm going to attempt to explain it as best I can.
Basically I bought the nano to replace my 160gb classic aka paperweight. I'm currently deployed and the thought of traveling back to the US without a portable music player made me shudder. Within 4 days new nano click wheel decided to do the whole dying thing where I could click the buttons but not scroll through my music/change volume. I took the defunct iPod back to the BX and they exchanged it. I got home and discovered the "new" one they gave me was actually one that had been returned..because it popped up as "josh's ipod" when I plugged it in. So I'm on my third device and you can imagine when my computer informed me said device was corrupt and couldn't be read by my computer..I was pretty peeved. It took 7 or 8 tries to get the new nano update to install on my slow connection and when it finally did..I got the message that the files were in use by another application and couldn't be restored. I restarted the computer, made sure all other applications were shut down, checked my virus software. No dice. I ejected the ipod from my computer, plugged it back in and went into itunes preferences and clicked on "reset sync history". I think at this point it then treated the iPod as if it had never been plugged into my computer before. I then attempted the restore again, it did its thing and I now have a nice, new functioning iPod.

I can't eject ("files in use by another application") Windows/Vista Issue?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for