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    Plugging in eSATA Device after Windows is initialized

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by computerstriker, Mar 28, 2010.

  1. computerstriker

    computerstriker Notebook Evangelist

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    Can you plug an eSATA device, say a hard drive, after Windows is already initialized? I heard that inorder to plug in an eSATA device, the computer must be powered off.
     
    computerstriker, Mar 28, 2010
    #1
  2. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    You heard wrong. You always want to use Safely Remove with eSATA, but you can hotplug.
     
    Pitabred, Mar 29, 2010
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  3. obsolete

    obsolete Notebook Evangelist

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    I just plug and unplug as needed. Never had any problems.
     
    obsolete, Mar 29, 2010
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  4. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    eSATA is hotswap / hotplugging capable
     
    flipfire, Mar 29, 2010
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  5. jackluo923

    jackluo923 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Esata is hotswappable only if you enable ahci or RAID mode in the bios. Or else, the computer has to be powered before estata device can be used.
     
    jackluo923, Mar 29, 2010
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  6. SoundOf1HandClapping

    SoundOf1HandClapping Was once a Forge

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    Depends on drivers too, I think. Hotswap is unreliable at best with basic MS drivers, but with Intel RST I can hotswap no problem.
     
    SoundOf1HandClapping, Mar 29, 2010
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  7. PlatinuM195

    PlatinuM195 Notebook Consultant

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    Definitely enable RAID or AHCI in the BIOS then you can plug/unplug your eSATA drive whenever you want. Not sure if you can enable AHCI without re-installing your OS though.
     
    PlatinuM195, Mar 29, 2010
    #7
  8. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    You can. I actually had to do that, install the chipset drivers in Windows 7 before being able to enable AHCI.
     
    Pitabred, Mar 29, 2010
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  9. computerstriker

    computerstriker Notebook Evangelist

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    sorry Pitabred, can't give you rep because I gave repped you recently already =(
     
    computerstriker, Mar 29, 2010
    #9