WD Essential prepared for safe removal but "not removed"

WD External and Portable SSD External SSD for Windows
1

I have a WD My Passport Essential - when plugged in it appears in Device Manager (but not in Explorer) with a yellow warning triangle, and when properties selected it displays the following message:

Windows cannot use this hardware device because it has been prepared for “safe removal”, but it has not been removed from the computer. (Code 47)

To fix this problem, unplug this device from your computer and then plug it in again.

FYI up until about a week ago I have been using this device without any problem.

Any advice appreciated, thanks

2

Dylan,

Search on “code 47” (with ") in browser or Microsoft. Or simply ‘restart’. The problem is associated with something call Save Remove.

Cliff

3

Make that 'restart your computer"

4

Hi Cliff,
Thanks for taking the time to respond.

I have restarted my machine numerous times, the result being that the warning sign goes away in Device Manager, however the drive doesn’t appear in Explorer still. When I attempt to safely remove the drive the same Code 47 error appears.

Code 47 searches result in numerous suggestions ranging from ‘update drivers’ (mine are up to date) to “re-install windows”. I’m hoping that someone here has had this exact issue with a WD passport drive and can advice which method they used to resolve.

Thanks again