How to delay mount of external hard drive at startup

[frankinbahia]

I have a Win7/Pro (32bit) PC with two external USB HDs. When I boot, the #2 HD is not recognized and does not power on (light out). But when I then unplug and replug it, it powers on and is recognized instantly. The HD then works normally.

I have a total of 8 devices on the same USB hub and I want to try delaying the mount of the #2 HD to see if this helps. Anyone know how to do that?

Thanks!

 

[AddRAM]

Just plug it in when you want to use it. I mean, why have them running if you`re not not using em ?

 

[essenbe]

I can only offer you my opinion on USB hubs, and yes I use one also. But a hub, even powered, is still connected to 1 USB port on your computer. So, the signal designed for 1 USB device is still going into 1 USB port. So, my opinion is, you are trying to run 8 USB devices from 1 USB port. I would unplug as many as you can from that hub or get another hub and plug half into each. I realize you will get differing opinions from others about that, but, to me, it is the way I see it.

 

[AddRAM]

 

[frankinbahia]

Sorry you didn't understand the question, addram.

Essenbe, what you say makes sense and I'm going to try it. (What I don't understand, however, is that when I unplug/replug the #2 drive, it and the other 7 devices work fine.)

 

[frankinbahia]

Your suggestion worked, Essenbe. I split the devices across 2 hubs, 2 ports, and everything works fine.
Thank you.

(Still curious, though, if anyone knows how to delay a hard drive mount -- in case it's really needed someday.)

 

[AddRAM]

I totally understood the question. But, how can you delay what`s not mounting ? It`s rhetorical.

 

[frankinbahia]

Your answer suggests otherwise, but perhaps I could have framed the question differently. In any case, no problem; I appreciate the thought.