KB104556 - Err Msg: The Device is Being Accessed by an Active Process

SUMMARY

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.