removable devices
'The device cannot be stopped because a program is still accessing it'
I figure that everyone using a usb device gets this warning from time to time.
Is there a way around this beside logging off or restarting the computer?
Is there software that can 'unlock' the usb device to enable it so be safely removed?
Thanks.

'The device cannot be stopped because a program is still accessing it'

Is there a way around this beside logging off or restarting the computer?

This usually happens when the removable device was the last storage device used or accessed by a program like Word. I have even seen this when the last drive accessed in My Computer was the removable device too (and "networked" drives as well).

To correct it, start Word (or whatever you used) and open and close a file on your local hard drive. You may have to "explore" a local drive in My Computer too.

Is there software that can 'unlock' the usb device to enable it so be safely removed?

This is often cause by the write cache. To minimize cache related problems, under My Computer, right click on the Removable Disk, then select Properties > Hardware, then highlight the removable device and select Properties > Policies, then ensure the "Optimize for quick removal" radio button is ticked and then "Ok" your way back out. You still should wait a second or two to ensure the write is complete, but then you can just safely pull the stick or other USB device out without going through the Safely Remove Hardware icon.