1-5 of 5 Answers
Short answer is yes, disconnecting is fine. However; if you're a stickler for details or just want to be absolutely sure you're not damaging the drive, right click the USB device icon in your system tray [bottom right of the screen by the date + time], find your external drive and disconnect it from there before removing the cable. Always be gentle when disconnecting the cable to prevent damage to the cable, the USB port or the cable port on the drive itself. Long answer is detailed and complicated but goes back quite a few years to when device power was delivered through a power supply and not from the USB port.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.With Windows usually select my computer and right click on drive icon. Forget if it will be "safely remove" or eject. Click this and wait a little. Usually will see notice that you can safely remove drive in lower right notification area. With Linux Mint 18.2 right click on desktop drive icon and select safely remove. Wait for notice to remove. May have to empty trash with Linux if you've deleted files. I don't use Macs so can't help there.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.I just disconnect when the drive is no longer writing and there should be no problem. Windows does not provide an eject for this type of drive like USB drives.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.I remove mine every week. Its my offsite protection. So every Friday I put it in the case and take it home. I bring it back on Thursday, so I will have it for the scheduled back up.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.Never ever disconnect anything from your computer just pulling the cord. It has to be disconnected PROPERLY. Otherwise you can damage your device! I call it BUTCHERING!!!
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.
