Can I automatically power down a usb external HDD

[blockie]

Can I automatically power down a usb external HDD.
I use an USB external HDD for backup only. I have the backup program scheduled to run at 2 in the morning and the backup takes less than an hour.
So the external HDD needs to be powered up only during that hour.
Is there a utility available that will "spin up" the drive when it is accessed and then "spin down" after an idle time?

 

[Golden]

Hi Blockie,

I'm not aware of anything that will power-down a USB drive completely, but Windows does have a function to suspend power to the USB port, thereby conserving some power. If the device requires power again, the port will automatically be turned back on again

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/147369-usb-selective-suspend-turn-off.html

Perhaps others might have alternate suggestions for you.

Regards,
Golden

 

[bobafetthotmail]

Theoretically, data-storage drives like the ones employed in external drives tend to do that on their own.
I have no idea on how to find out if yours does it.