Can I plug in the External Hard Drive in USB (not flash) when my Laptop is running?

Question

In my earlier question I had asked if its OK to unplug the external Drive, when the Computer is on, and all said, no. Now I want to know if I can plug it in when comp is on. Thanks.

Answer 1

If you are using Windows XP Pro/Home Service Pack 2 and have a USB 2 external hard drive connected to a USB 2 port, you can safely plug in and unplug an external hard drive without incident.

It's a bad idea to unplug an external hard drive without shutting it down first, and it's a fatal mistake if you are not using XP SP2 and USB 2. XP will not crash if you unplug a drive in mid-write, but there is a strong chance you'll screw up the drive and need to repair it using checkdisk.

Answer 2

Yes, you can hot plug external USB devices. It will take few seconds to be recognized, though. Absolutely no need to power down. USB drives are made for this.

You can also hot UN-plug external USB devices. You have to do it the right way though.

If you are using XP, look at your right hand, lower corner. You should have an icon that has a gray bar at the bottom and green arrow on top. Double click on it.

A box should open up and list your drive.

Click on your drive and click on "STOP" at the lower right corner.

Now, it will tell you it is safe to unplug your drive.

Answer 3

It is ok to plug or unplug your hard drive while your computer is running. just make sure you are using Windows XP

Answer 4

You should be able to. The computer should recognize that it was plugged in and assign a drive letter to it automatically.

Answer 5

Ya.. without any problem. because you choose as a clever person from your best answer

Answer 6

yep

Answer 7

yeah, you should be able to.