After installing a Windows (Vista HP) update (it also updated my monitor drivers and something to do with the video card), I now have a system tray icon that says "Safely Remove Hardware." It gives the option to "unplug or eject" either the DVD drive or, I believe, the monitor. I don't want to lose either. There is no option to (right or left click) to get rid of the icon. Anyone know what this is and how to get rid of it? Thanks.

Usually it comes up when you have plugged something in via USB.

I believe I have my monitor connected with a USB but that was the case long before that icon ever showed up. Any idea how to get rid of it? Restart and shut down doesn't help.

No, a monitor would be connected to the graphics card using a special cable and would not cause that icon to show up. The icon is harmless but I'm like you, I want to know what's causing it to show up. Double-click on the icon in the system tray and tell me what it says in the box that pops up.

Double-click on the icon in the system tray and tell me what it says in the box that pops up.

Safely Remove Hardware

Select the device you want to unplug or eject, and then click Stop. When Windows notifies you that it is safe to do so unplug the device from your computer.

Hardware Devices:

SAMSUNG HD 160JJ/P SCSI Disk Device
TSSTcorp DVD+-RW TS-H653A SCSI CDRom Device - (E:)

SAMSUNG HD 160JJ/P SCSI Disk Device at Bus Number 0, Target Id 0, LUN 0

Properties Stop

Display Device Components

Close

Looks like Vista (and XP) treats SCSI and some SATA drives (depending on their drivers) as removable devices. If it makes you feel any better you are not the only one with this issue. Check out Riser's post here: safely remove hardware, ummm no thanks. (http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/229644-45-safely-remove-hardware-ummm-thanks)

Thanks, now I at least hid it.