Have you ever noticed that somewhat cryptic message when you connect your Kindle 2 to a computer?

If you want to use your Kindle and continue charging, please eject your Kindle from your computer.

This message makes sense for computer tech geeks (like myself) but may be a little confusing for the "Average Joe". Nowhere does it explain if ejecting means the same thing as unplugging it. What happens if you unplugged when really meant to eject? Should you be ready to catch the Kindle when it does eject? Just kidding of course! So many questions and all you want is a straight answer.

Hopefully this quick tutorial will help you understand how you can eject your Kindle safely from your computer (Windows XP was used for this example).

As I said before whenever you plug your Kindle 2 to your computer via the USB cable you should see the following screen. You will not be able to read any books or navigate the Kindle menu when you see this screen.

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Your Kindle will charge in this state and allows you access to transfer files back and forth from your computer via Windows Explorer. When connected, a drive letter will automatically be assigned on your computer that represents the Kindle device. Ejecting the Kindle 2 will allow it to stay plugged into the computer to continue charging but gives you viewing access to read your books.

First, you will need to know which drive letter your Kindle 2 has been assigned before you can eject it. The easiest way to access the Windows Explorer program is to move the mouse pointer over the Start menu button and right-click the mouse button. Choose Explore to open up Windows Explorer. In the left window pane, select My Computer or scroll down to identify which drive letter has been assigned to your Kindle (drive G in this example). 

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Now you are ready to eject your Kindle. Look at the Windows Taskbar Icons (near the time clock) for the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon.

Left click this icon and select the drive letter that your Kindle is assigned to Safely Remove (Eject) the USB Storage Device. Your Kindle 2 device should now be ejected and the drive letter on your computer will disappear.

Now the Kindle 2 display should go back to the standard view so you can view your kindle books while it continues to charge. You can also disconnect your Kindle 2 from the computer at any time by removing the USB cable.

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Caution: It is recommended that you Eject your Kindle 2 before disconnecting it to make sure any data transfers between the Kindle and computer are completed first. This will help prevent the potential of corrupting files.