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Thread ID: 81281 2007-07-23 00:22:00 Disconnecting an external drive? ssssss (2100) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
571602 2007-07-23 00:22:00 I have a Maxtor External drive that I am just using for backups. What is the proper way of disconnecting it? There is no switch on it.
I use the little icon in the system tray (Windows XP) to stop using the device, and get a 'disconnect safely' message.
I then pull the plug to the hard drive out of the mains, leaving the USB line connected. Is this the safe proper way of doing it?
Thanks.
ssssss (2100)
571603 2007-07-23 00:34:00 Thats fine....
The safely remove feature is to stop the pc writing to the external disk and also in the case of flash drives to stop the 5v power to the drive.....or any other device powered by usb
SolMiester (139)
571604 2007-07-23 01:31:00 Sounds about right, I'd probably pull the USB, then power myself, but I doubt it matters Agent_24 (57)
571605 2007-07-23 07:08:00 Or both of them at the same time, just for the sheer fun:D beeswax34 (63)
571606 2007-07-26 02:15:00 The important thing is to ensure that the changed directory of the external drive has been written to the disk. That's what the proper procedure does. That directory isn't necessarily written immediately after the files have been copied.

I'd unplug the USB cable before the power.
Graham L (2)
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