Do i have to turn off the power to the external hard drive before I shut down the computer?

Question

I have an external hard drive. The power button light is always on even when the computer is shut down because of course it is connected to the electrical out let (it is of course also connected to the usb to the computer itself too) what I am concerned about is I was told that with a 'flash drive' that i should not pull it out until i go thru the steps 'to safely remove'. So does this also work for an external hard drive that is plug into electricity? Also, if I don't shut it off at the box itself..but instead just turn off the tower..am i placing the data on the hard drive in jeopardy with closing down and opening up while it is still powered on? and what if there is a power failure? If it is backing up and the power goes out and on..what then?

Answer 1

Its ok to leave it on. It wont really hurt anything. If the power goes out it really wont damage anything as long as its not reading or writing. If its in idle mode then everythings cool.

     if its a mobile external harddrive then i would probably go to safely remove drive and then power it off. The same goes for non-mobile drives as well. But, normally people keep the non-mobile ones hooked for scheduled backups.

    I would go to the website of the manufacturer and look for solutions there. They should have information about the best uses for the product.



  

Answer 2

Not really. Check out the website in my source for more information.  

Answer 3

external hard drive has no relationship until you connect your computer. it doesn't matter you turn off your hard drive after or before shut down the computer. sometimes external hard drive get over heated that is why i always recommend you always turn off if you don't use your external hard drive becasue it lasting long.