Err Msg: The Device is Being Accessed by an Active Process

 Last reviewed: May 9, 1997
Article ID: Q104556
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1

Windows NT does not allow you to disconnect a network drive (logical network connection) if you are currently on the drive that you are trying to disconnect.

For example, if you attempt to use the following command: 

   M:\>net use m: /d
You will receive the following error message because the drive/directory focus is set to the network drive that you are trying to disconnect: 

   The device is being accessed by an active process.

   More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2404.
To disconnect the network drive, change to another drive and reenter the disconnect command.

NOTE: Help (typing NET HELPMSG 2404), provides the following information: 

   The device is being accessed by an active process.

   EXPLANATION

   The drive letter you specified is the current drive of a session. You
   tried to delete a drive redirection (x:) while it is in use, possibly
   as your current drive.

   ACTION

   Be sure the drive you are trying to delete is not the current drive
   in any of your sessions.

Additional query words: prodnt remove delete
Keywords : kbnetwork ntnetserv
Version : 3.1
Platform : WINDOWS

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: May 9, 1997
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.