Sage-Tips

What happens if you remove an external hard drive while the computer is on?

When you use external storage devices like USB flash drives, you should safely remove them before unplugging them. If you just unplug a device, you run the risk of unplugging while an application is still using it. This could result in some of your files being lost or damaged.

Why should a hard drive not be moved while the computer is turned on?

The big problem with moving an external drive is that the interface may experience a transient break of connection. This can cause data loss and corruption of the disk’s file system of files.

How do I move my external hard drive?

Connect both portable hard drives to your computer using the supplied USB or FireWire cable and turn them on. If your hard drives use USB cables, connect them to the USB port. If they use FireWire cables, connect them to the FireWire port. Your computer will automatically recognize both devices.

Can you swap hard drive while computer is on?

If external via USB, yes you can plug/unplug while the computer is turned on. However, before unplugging you should see the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the task manager, and stop the external hard drive prior to unplugging.

Is it safe to unplug HDD?

Yes, it’s quite safe to disconnect a hard drive. It won’t affect it’s contents. Ordinarily, when installing Windows, it’s always the best policy to disconnect all the other drives.

Does moving a HDD damage it?

Typically there’s no harm in doing such, and the drives are built to be able to be moved without any problems… up to a certain g-force. (throwing on the ground is indeed too much g-force) Being outside the case, there is a much higher chance for ESD to damage your drive honestly.

Is HDD movable?

Like a USB memory drive, there are no moving parts, and the data is stored in microchips. As the controller will make decision to where it will store, retrieve, cache and clean up data that can determine the overall SSD performance. What is HDD Storage?

Is it safe to move external HDD?

Yes, if you’re careful. The main thing to remember is that a spinning hard drive acts like a gyroscope, and will resist any movement from its original plane. Move too much/too fast, and you’ll hear it in whining drive bearings or — worst case — the awful scraping sound of a head crash.

What happens if you plug in a hard drive while the computer is on?

Yes, you can plug in a hard drive while the computer is on. If you’re plugging in an internal drive then never do that, this can result in either motherboard damage or the hard disk damage. Technically you can because the SATA Hard Drives are hot-swappable.

Is it okay to unplug HDD?

Can I unplug my external hard drive after shutting down?

If you shut down the computer and then remove the drive, nothing happens. It has already gone through that ‘eject’ procedure and written all the data needed and closed out any open files. You can disconnect it any time you want after that.