[WEB4LIB] RE: USB Flash Drives

[Alnisa Allgood]

I'm going to just respond to the list, so if others need instructions they will find them here as well.

Okay, basically the Unplug/Eject Disk/Device is a function of the Rundll32.exe, so you'll need to create a shortcut that executes a command. It's very simple here are the steps:

Step 1:) Create a New Shortcut on The Desktop
Right-click on the desktop, select New, then Shortcut

Step 2) Insert Command in the Location Field
>From Step 1, a dialog box will appear asking you the location of the item you want to create a shortcut to, enter the following line of text as is:

%SystemRoot%\System32\RUNDLL32.EXE shell32.dll,Control_RunDLL hotplug.dll

The command basically tells rundll32.exe to execute a shell command that opens the hotplug device manager

Step 3) Give Shortcut a Name
Once you've entered the command line, select continue/next or whatever verbage Microsoft is currently using. This will take you to the next screen, where you will be prompted to give the shortcut a name. I recommend something meaningful to the users like: Eject USB Flash Drive

Step 4) Save & Test
Save the shortcut then double-click to test. Double clicking the shortcut, should pop open the Unplug or Eject Hardware Manager window.

Step 5) Give it an Icon (Totally Optional)
Because this is basically a command shortcut, the icon will probably be a plain white file icon. I suggest finding an icon that maybe a bit more meaningful and applying it to the shortcut.

That's it, 4-5 easy steps.

Alnisa


-----Original Message-----
From: Eileen Lutzow <elutzow at csuniv.edu>
Sent: Fri, 04 February 2005 14:59:33
To: Multiple recipients of list <web4lib at webjunction.org>
Subject: [WEB4LIB] RE: USB Flash Drives

Alnisa,

We have this exact issue with Fortres and USB drives and would 
love to place an icon on the desktop to eject the drive, but I haven't 
been able to identify a command for "eject USB drive."  So, how do 
you "just place the eject USB Device icon on the desktop"?  Even if 
it's safe to remove the drive without stopping it, some of our 
students would feel more comfortable if the option were available.  
Thanks.

Eileen Lutzow
Charleston Southern University Library