Solved Portable Expansion Drive.

[StokesleyLad]

Hi, I have a Seagate USB3 500GB Portable Expansion Drive to accommodate my Back-ups and also any files I wish to 'transport' to another PC. I would prefer to leave the device connected to my PC except when I need to transport files. Will leaving it connected do any harm; should it be removed when not in use?
The PC it is connected to is NOT permanently switched on; being 'live' only for a few hours each day when in use.
Thank you.

 

[marsmimar]

I leave an external hard drive connected all the time. To me it's no different than leaving a mouse or keyboard or printer always connected. In fact, I have an older computer running Windows XP. The external hard drive on that machine has been connected for about 6 years with no problems.

 

[ashleyg]

I also operate in this way for quite some time and have not experienced a problem. Just ensure that the disk in your external USB unit spins down after a period of activity and so won't burn out or overheat.

I run a WD Passport 500GB HDD and it does indeed spin down. I believe they all should.

 

[StokesleyLad]

Thanks to Marsmimar and Ashleyg for your prompt replies. Giving it some thought after reading your answers it seems logical that it will be alright to leave it connected providing one ensures the 'spin-down' takes place.
I shall follow your advice and thanks to you both.
Regards.