Windows 7 - Shutdown time with external HD in sleep mode

Ok this isn't really a major issue, but if there's a way around it then I'd be interested.

At the moment I'm not really using an external HD for any purpose, but still have it plugged in, with the software set to put it into sleep mode after 3 minutes if it's not being used. It's actually noisier than my PC so it's something I would rather not have humming away if possible.

I have noticed that when I shut down when the HD is not in sleep mode, it shuts down pretty much instantaneously. With the HD in sleep mode, we're talking about a minute.

What could be the cause of this? The PC is trying to shut down, and can't see the HD because it's having a nap? Would be nice to know.

Thanks.

Hello strOppy, welcome to the forum

Why don't you just disconnect the drive when it is not in use? thats what I do, external drives normally run hot so it makes sense.

Well that was kind of the reason to utilise the sleep function. Anyway, I've kind of resolved it. I tested it with my housemate's laptop and it behaved in the same way, so I guess it's meant to be like that. Seems as though the OS has difficulty seeing a sleeping drive. Once the drive eventually wakes up it shuts down as it would do normally. As I said, no real issue.