XP
I keep getting the message that windows can not let me disconect my usb thumb drive because it is being used by another program.
Is there a setting to fix this?
Just pull it out?
That's a NO NO. Removing a USB drive without Safely Removing Hardware icon can corrupt the stuff on the drive.
@princeton
That usually means you still have something open using the contents of a folder on the drive (e.g. do you still have a file Explorer window open looking at it)
Usually try closing stuff. Or you can try OpenFilesView tool to see what might have it open.
Otherwise, you're best to shutdown the computer before removing the drive to be sure you won't corrupt it
It's very rare that you can corrupt something. I'm yet to ever experience it with any of my SD readers, flash drives, ipods or phones.