Seagate 3tb expansion - how to turn on/off?

Mark A · 17 Dec 2016 at 11:55

Ok I feel really dumb asking this, but there are no instructions and google hasnt helped. I bought a 3tb external hdd to store my videos, pics, music etc. I want to be able to turn it on when I want to use the media, then turn it off when not needed. Problem is there is no on off button. I have no idea how to turn it on bar pulling the usb and plugging it back in again. Surely that isnt how it works?

I had an Akasa external hdd caddy before this, which has an on off switch. Maybe i'd be better off just ripping the hdd out of this and putting it in that? It would be usb 2 instead of 3 if that would make much difference?

Mark A · 18 Dec 2016 at 15:22

Hmm, seems when its plugged into a USB3 socket it automatically turns on with the PC. I guess that will have to do. Ideally I'd have liked to be able to turn it on when needed

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bremen1874 · 18 Dec 2016 at 15:38

Doesn't it sleep when it hasn't been accessed for while?

FloppyPoppy · 18 Dec 2016 at 16:11

Erm i suppose you could make a batch file or use a power shell command (with shortcuts) to turn it on and off from the desktop. Or is that not the type of solution you are thinking of?

ED209 · 18 Dec 2016 at 20:09

just use the safely remove hardware icon in the system tray.

I have the same external 3TB drive and no power switch, light doesn't come on till the usb 3 cable is connected to the PC then it comes on, goes off once I select the drive from the safely remove hardware section or I turn the PC off.

granted once using the above it doesn't come back on till the usb 3 cable is re connected but mines mainly used for backing up so connected when needed and then removed after