how to STOP PCMCIA DAQcard before ejecting?

[citizenDAK]

What's the proper way to "stop" my DAQcard's device driver, before removing it from the PCMCIA slot?

DETAILS:  Before installing the newest NI-DAQmx 8.0 & 7.4.1-traditional, there was always a "Unplug or Eject Hardware" icon down in Windows XP's notification-tray area.  I would click that, and select "stop DAQcard-6036E", then after a moment Windows would tell me "It is now safe to remove your device".  After upgrading the drivers, that icon is gone.  Now there's a new icon for NI Device Monitor, but it doesn't seem to give me the same function.  Should I just pull the card, after stopping my LabVIEW app's?


thanks for your assistance,
citizenDAK

[Jesse_O]

citizenDAK,

For PCMCIA cards, windows has a utility that will allow you to stop a card before it is ejected.  The application displays the tool tip 'Safely Remove Hardware' and has a green arrow as part of the icon.  This application is part of Windows, and is used for PCMCIA and USB devices. If this icon is not present the safest way to remove the hardware is to turn the computer off before pulling the card out of the laptop.

Regards,

Jesse O.
Application Engineering
National Instruments

Message Edited by Jesse O on 03-01-2006 01:58 PM

[citizenDAK]

That was my whole point:  That icon is now missing.

The icon returned when I uninstalled NI-DAQmx 8.0.0f0, and reinstalled 6.9.(something).  Then it disappeared again when the newer 8.0.0f0 was reinstalled.

So my question still remains:  How can I stop the device's driver so the card can be ejected, without shutting down Windows?

[Jesse_O]

citizenDAK,

I am currently trying to reproduce the functionality you are describing, and then test what happened to this option.  When I find out more information I will let you know.

Regards,

Jesse O.
Application Engineering
National Instruments

[citizenDAK]

Additional information:  Even when another removable device is attached, that other device can be stopped via the usual Windows notification icon.  That icon does not include the N.I. DAQCard in it's list.

[Jesse_O]

citizenDAK,

I was able to reproduce the behavior you are experiencing.  I have passed this information on to our R & D department and they are looking into this.  Unfortunately, for now the best way to eject the device is to turn off the PC. Regards, Jesse 0.
Applications Engineering
National Instruments

[citizenDAK]

Can you tell us which NI-DAQ versions are affected, and which are not?

(Is it a certain combination of mx and Traditional?  Certain OS's only?  These answers would help me to specify "recommended" driver versions... for now I still use 6.9.3-f5.)

[Chris_K_]

Hello citizenDAK,

While using NI-DAQmx 7.5 or later the DAQcard will no longer be listed in the Windows Safely Remove Hardware Application.  It is not possible to stop the DAQcard under Windows unless you are using DAQmx 7.4 or earlier.

Message Edited by Chris_K_ on 12-26-2007 09:20 AM

[RitB]

I downloaded and installed the latest NI-DAQmx, 8.7.1. Even with this latest driver package my 6024E PCMCIA "DAQCard" does not appear in "Safely Remove Hardware".

I've experimented and MAX seems no have no problem if I pull the card, wait and re-insert it. When it is out it is shown as NI-DAQmx Device "Dev1", but dimmed, . The icon brightens and the device works as soon as it is inserted.

I obviously would not want to do this with a vi running, and probably would not do it with a vi loaded, but if a card is occaionally removed without powering off the computer (as recommended earlier in the thread) is there any damage that can be done to the card or to the computer??

[Chris_K_]

Hi RitB.  As long as you are not running a task on the device, your PCMCIA DAQ card can be safely removed at any time.