Windows 7 - External Hard Drive maintenace?

bobright · 02-02-2012

So other than defragment is there anything else I could do maintain and prolong the life of an External HDD? I have come across some things via google but most are old from years ago looking for some recent takes on this.

All tips and replies would be appreciated.

Brink · 02-02-2012

Hello Bob,

If you are not going to be using it often, then you could leave it turned off until needed. This will help on wear and tear as long as you are not constantly turning it off and on.

bobright · 02-09-2012

Brink, right on yeah its always off unless I am adding files to it as I use it as a backup External HDD.

I got a question on the defragmenting part - is it good to defragment before or after adding files to the drive? (I am talking files i want to back up and save music/photos)

Brink · 02-09-2012

It doesn't really matter as long as you do it every so often to keep the percentage of fragmentation down. If you are going to defrag anyways though, you might as well wait until after saving files to it.

DeaconFrost · 02-09-2012

If you are replacing and changing the files often, I'd consider defragging it once every two weeks or so as needed.

I have one I use to back up my server, and I turn it on once a month, backup the data drives, and then I shut it off.

manhunter2826 · 02-09-2012

yep as said/inferred; if constantly plugged in, be careful of voltage spikes -- they can 'blow' the drive. if u have a ups -- use it .

bobright · 02-13-2012

I appreciate that guys, understood and scales tipped (except Brink need to spread some rep around first).

DeaconFrost · 02-13-2012

You're welcome...and thanks for the rep!

Brink · 02-13-2012

You're most welcome Bob.

Windows 7 - External Hard Drive maintenace?

External Hard Drive maintenace? problems?