What's the best way to switch off ext. HDD?

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ambientscape · #1 Post by **ambientscape** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 4:35 am

I would like to know if there's a proper way to switch of a 3.5" external Hard disk drive? Currently, I'm using the "Safely Remove Hardware" button on the taskbar to properly stop it. Then I will switch off the hard disk by turning off the button but however the HDD is still running.
I feel like this way is not proper enough and will damage the hard drive. ANy recommendation?

stgreek · #2 Post by **stgreek** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 6:58 am

I do not understand the "turning off the button" part. Which button? Does your HD have a power button on it? If so, how is it possible that it is still running after you press it?

If by "button" you mean the "Safely remove hardware" thingie, that stop the transmission through the USB cable, which means that your hard drive should auto-park the heads, making it safe to remove power.

DavidNZ · #3 Post by **DavidNZ** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 2:45 pm

Agree with stgreek. I have two 3.5 externals. I usually "Safely remove hardware" and then wait a minute or two (i'm usually multitasking anyway) and then power off the external drives using the power switch on the external casing of the hard drive. Never had a problem. Have had problems with USB connections, yes, but not with the external enclosures.

ambientscape · #4 Post by **ambientscape** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 7:29 pm

Ghee....sorry with my language dude!. What I meant was after I've done the "safely remove" thingy, I'm doubt to turn off the switch of the HDD because I feel like the HDD is still spinning thou.

JHEM · #5 Post by **JHEM** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 7:40 pm

Just turn it off. It's not necessary, nor likely, for it to spin down first.

Regards,

James

w0qj · #6 Post by **w0qj** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 9:59 pm

JHEM wrote:Just turn it off. It's not necessary, nor likely, for it to spin down first.

So with my USB external HDD casing, I can just unplug my USB cable?
So will the HDD's read head gets parked automatically?

I use a 2.5" external USB HDD casing, so no power switch...

JHEM · #7 Post by **JHEM** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 12:01 am

w0qj wrote:So with my USB external HDD casing, I can just unplug my USB cable?
So will the HDD's read head gets parked automatically?

I use a 2.5" external USB HDD casing, so no power switch...

With 2.5" HD housings, use the "Safely remove hardware" utility in your toolbar to Stop the device, then remove the USB cable or cables when you see the notice that the device has been stopped.

The heads will be parked and the HD will be safe to carry.

Regards,

James

ambientscape · #8 Post by **ambientscape** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 9:57 am

JHEM wrote:
w0qj wrote:So with my USB external HDD casing, I can just unplug my USB cable?
So will the HDD's read head gets parked automatically?

I use a 2.5" external USB HDD casing, so no power switch...
With 2.5" HD housings, use the "Safely remove hardware" utility in your toolbar to Stop the device, then remove the USB cable or cables when you see the notice that the device has been stopped.

The heads will be parked and the HD will be safe to carry.

Regards,

James

Thanks for the tip...!!

davidspalding · #9 Post by **davidspalding** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 4:19 pm

I use the "EasyEject" to "stop" my Maxtor OneTouch, then turn it off.

If only because it's formatted as NTFS. I've had a few situations where I simply unplugged or turned off an external memory/hard drive, and Win2000/xp squawked.

What's the best way to switch off ext. HDD?

What's the best way to switch off ext. HDD?

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