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USB External HDD NOT spinning down on Windows Vista / Windows 7

USB External HDD NOT spinning down on Windows Vista / Windows 7

I have 3 external 2.5" USB HDDs - all from different manufacturers and with different capacities. I also have access to multiple Windows Vista / Windows 7 / Windows XP computers.

Asked by: Guest | Views: 299
Total answers/comments: 4
Guest [Entry]

"This is a ""feature"" by design as per MS KB 2401954 - USB Port Remains Active for Disabled or Safely Removed USB Device which also has instructions on how to disable this.

Update:
It is worth reading the more information section of KB2401954, especially the ""Effects of Soft Removing a USB device"" bit so that you understand the effects of reverting the behaviour under Win 7 etc."
Guest [Entry]

I think that in Windows XP when you safely remove a device it powers down the device but in Vista and 7 it does not, similar to Mac OS X and Linux.
Guest [Entry]

"For anyone stumbling upon this old thread:

If you put the computer in sleep mode, the drives will spin down (in a safe manner).
This method also works, if for any reason you are unable to safely remove it via a ""Safely remove hardware"" button"
Guest [Entry]

Try another USB Port- On my Dell laptop, it doesn't spin down on the USB 2.0 ports, but does spin down on both the USB 3.0 ports.