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    Ejecting USB HDD in Windows 7 does not stop it from spinning

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by Retreat, Mar 18, 2011.

  1. Retreat

    Retreat Notebook Enthusiast

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    i have an LG XG1 2TB which i brought recently. The HDD need external power input for it to work and is connected to PC by a USB 2.0 cable.

    The problem is even if i eject the HDD after using the safely remove hardware option the HDD still spins after showing " It is safe to remove the removable device" message....
    Why is this happening ...?
    And this problem occurs both in XP and windows 7
    At this point is it safe to unplug power from the from the electric lead
     
    Retreat, Mar 18, 2011
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  2. H.A.L. 9000

    H.A.L. 9000 Occam's Chainsaw

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    If you've properly ejected the disk, then all the cache has been flushed and written to the appropriate places and it doesn't matter if the power is cut. It causes no harm to the disk, as when power is cut the head is instantly parked. If it stays spinning when not connected, it's has to do with the drive's firmware not powering down the platters for power savings. :)
     
    H.A.L. 9000, Mar 18, 2011
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  3. MidnightSun

    MidnightSun Emodicon

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    Yep, this happens with my external hard drives as well. It's not an issue, so as long as you've safely ejected, you should be fine.
     
    MidnightSun, Mar 18, 2011
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  4. Retreat

    Retreat Notebook Enthusiast

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    @ HAL 9000 and MidnightSUN

    So you guys are saying it is safe to unplug the power cord from power outlet after ejecting
     
    Retreat, Mar 18, 2011
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  5. H.A.L. 9000

    H.A.L. 9000 Occam's Chainsaw

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    100% safe.
     
    H.A.L. 9000, Mar 18, 2011
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  6. bikerboy94

    bikerboy94 Notebook Evangelist

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    it sure looks like it has a power switch on it. could not find a good pic.
     
    bikerboy94, Mar 18, 2011
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  7. Retreat

    Retreat Notebook Enthusiast

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    ^^
    it sure has a power switch but for me it is easier to switch it off from the power outlet as it much easier to reach
     
    Retreat, Mar 18, 2011
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  8. bikerboy94

    bikerboy94 Notebook Evangelist

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    not a good idea to unplug sensitive electronics with switch on can cause problems and many have delay switch to prevent a surge.
     
    bikerboy94, Mar 18, 2011
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  9. Retreat

    Retreat Notebook Enthusiast

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    But i guess using the switch on the HDD or the switch on the power outlet does the samething...
    Also by unplugging i meant to say switching off the power from the electrical outlet using the switch on it
     
    Retreat, Mar 18, 2011
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  10. bikerboy94

    bikerboy94 Notebook Evangelist

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    your fine using outlet switch pulling plug from outlet with power on not a good idea.
     
    bikerboy94, Mar 18, 2011
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  11. TwiztidKidd

    TwiztidKidd Notebook Evangelist

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    If you wait like ten seconds from the message you can hear the external HDD powering itself off, stops the platters from spinning, however the light still remains on, it's probably a USB flaw. If you disconnect it as soon as you get the safe disconnect message you can hear the HDD spinning down which is also safe. The heads are off the platters you just cut off the power to the platters too soon, which is fine. The USB flash drives seem to need like three seconds from the safe disconnect message, till the light goes out.
     
    TwiztidKidd, Mar 18, 2011
    #11