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General discussion

External Memory Units

Aug 21, 2011 10:39AM PDT

My question is about external memory, and USB drives.

About six, or more, months ago, I made the mistake of trying to add a Western Digital 1 TerraByte, usb-powered, external memory, to my home computer. To be polite, it was a "disaster". Everytime I plugged in the drive, it shut down (crashed) my desk-top home, computer. If I plugged in the drive, the computer power would NOT turn on.

When I returned the drive, a computer person suggested that, if I wanted to add external memory, that I buy a drive, where the power comes from a power-strip, or wall outlet. The computer person told me that the drive, which was USB-compatable, drew too much power, from the computer.

Now, I have found a Toshiba 500 GB external drive, with USB-compatability, for a very good price. I just dont know if its power can come from a wall outlet.

If I want such an external memory drive, which is USB-Compatable, but which draws power NOT from computer, but from power CORD, HOW, WHERE, and WHAT should I look for, in such a memory device.

In case anyone is interested, my O.S. is Windows XP, with an 8-port, external, USB hub.

Any suggestions?

Discussion is locked

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To figure this out.
Aug 21, 2011 10:44AM PDT

You would supply a link to the product or at least the full make and model numbers.
Bob

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Re: external drive
Aug 21, 2011 6:44PM PDT

Find a computer shop, ask the sales person for a such a drive and buy one. That's exactly what I did when I bought one for my son's laptop.
When searching for one on the Internet, be sure to read the specs about what is in the package. If that includes a power adapter you'll probablly will be fine.

Kees

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Check the specs
Aug 22, 2011 1:50AM PDT

Check and verify from the USB product# at its support website. The specs will be there to offer what comes in the blister pac or box. If you have the product in hand, the box will state what's in it. As for your having a 8-port USB powered hub, while that's good, it too can be overcome if too much is plugged-in. The USB ext. HD should be on it's own power and not share it with ANYTHING else to include the port. Regardless, if you has success with other USB devices, once it gets busy there are no guarantees.