unplugging usb hard drive

[bagaki]

I just put a 60 gig laptop hdd i have into a usb powered enclosure. i am wondering when i use the drive, what is the proper way to disconnect it. i dont think that just unplugging it can be good for the hdd. i dont want to screw up the drive.

thanks

bagaki

 

[KarenMarie]

What operating system are you using?

In XP, there is a little icon on the bottom right side of the taskbar (by the clock). It has a little arrow and when your mouse hovers over it, it says.. safely remove software. If you double click that, a box will open that allows you to stop and hardware for safe power down.

 

[bagaki]

i am using XP. i am already using the icon in the task bar, i should have been more specific. i was just wondering if there is anything else to do to keep drive integrity when disconnecting it from power.

thanks for the response

bagaki

 

[Rike]

Once XP says that it's safe to remove, you can just unplug it from the usb port. It really is that easy.

 

[myuserhere]

depending on the model there should be a power switch on the external case
if it is stopped in xp just turn the power to it off
shouldnt be accessing anything, so it should be fine