Can I unplug an USB/External HD without “Safely Remove Hardware”?

FTFT: Can I unplug an USB/External HD without “Safely Remove Hardware”?
I’ve heard that the “Safely Remove Hardware” really doesn’t matter much. As long as there are no open windows using the hardware, all will be well.

Sometimes when I try “S-R Hardware”, out pops “Windows can’t stop your ‘Generic volume’ device because a program… yada-yada” when I cannot find a program/process that is using it!
This really annoys me.
It happens every time with the Seagate 1.5TB External that I bought recently. So I have just been unplugging it regardless. Will this hurt my computer/drive somehow?

Much thanks.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Hotnail.com
As far as I know it won’t harm your computer.

But like you said, if there are open windows with which you are exchanging data, then the data might get corrupted.

But no harm to your computer.

Answer by Louie
you can do it after you shut down your computer by clicking on the start then hover over the arrow to the right of the lock icon then click on shut down. after the computer has completely shut down, you can unplug the device then restart the computer.

Answer by David
You can yank it out of turn it off anytime you want just make sure you are not transferring files at the time.

Answer by crazartist
no it doesn’t matter much unless you have any activity performing on it. you can disconnect your device whenever it is idle without doing the safely remove. if any activity is being performed on it and you remove it, it might lead to severe damage and even brik your drive. it’s better you do the safely remove operation.