Windows error codes can be cryptic and frustrating. Check out this Hardware guide for solving your Windows Error code 47 and how to keep it from happening again.

What happens

Windows allows you to use the Safe Hardware Removal option to avoid errors with Plug and Play hardware when it is removed. Sometimes the process itself causes a problem when it becomes hung and generates a Windows error code 47.

Step-by-step instruction in case of Windows code 47

This error is more of an annoyance than a problem. There are some very simple steps that you can take to resolve the error.

Try to reconnect the device. The first thing you should do is to reconnect the device that is in the process of a Safe Hardware removal. Simply plugging the device back into the PC and accessing it and then repeating the steps of a safe removal will fix this error most times.

If you have reconnected the device and Windows error code 47 comes back, you will need to try one additional step. The process appears to be locked up and one of the standard fixes for a locked process is a simple computer restart.

Here are the steps you should take:

• Reconnect the device to your PC.
• Click on the Start button in the lower left hand side of your computer screen.
• Select Shutdown.
• Select Restart.
• Let the computer run through the power cycling process.
• After the computer is running again, go double click on the Safe Hardware Removal icon in the system tray.
• Choose the device and double-click on it.
• The Safe Removal message will tell you when it is safe to remove the hardware.
• The issue should now be resolved.

The Safe Removal process is put into place to keep hardware damage or data loss from happening to plug-and-play devices. You should always use it when removing hardware, but if the error occurs be sure to follow the steps laid out above.

TipFor more information, please see: How to fix Hardware error #47