removing USB key .. do you always do it "safely"

[apprentice]

not saying that my time is SO valuable, but the time it takes to go through the 'safely remove hardware' process always seems like time well wasted ..

anyone here have any bad experiences arising from NOT doing it safely? or have you always just torn it out of the computer without any problems?

the apprentice

 

[mmouse]

Your PC may lockup or blue screen depending on the device, and I guess you might corrupt data or worse on the device itself, but it's probably OK most of the time.

 

[Berlin]

I try to do that whenever I can unless the system ( as on one of my desk tops running Xp sp2 as the rest ) fails to allow me from doing that. In that case , I disengage it anyway.

I never had such problem with mac and powerbook though.

 

[Keebler Elf]

anyone here have any bad experiences arising from NOT doing it safely?

I STRONGLY recommend disconnecting safely. I use USB keys a lot and I've had several nearly catastrophic losses of information. Usually one or more files become corrupt and unrecoverable. I've had to start entire projects over b/c the key didn't disconnect properly and corrupted the file in question.

Furthermore, BACKUP your key!!! They are not as reliable as you think, especially if you use them freqeuntly. I've had two different keys (different brands) burn out within a year and a half. I always backup my keys on a weekly basis now. Not to mention the danger of losing the little device.

Finally, if you're putting confidential info on them, either get a key with encryption ability or zip your files with a password.

 

[xarir]

I've had some older keys get corrupted but I think that was from physical abuse of the keys (too hot outside, too cold, getting crushed inside a bag ...) as opposed to not doing the safe removal.

Never had any troubles with keys on my Mac though.