USB extension cables?

[Leanoric]

I mounted my pc on the wall so I now need to use an extension cable to be able to connect an external hdd enclosure. I just wanted to check that they’re ok to use for transferring large video files, and that I won’t end up with corrupted data?

[Sharc]

https://www.yourcablestore.com/USB-Cable-Length-Limitations-And-How-To-Break-Them_ep_4...html#usb3limit

[Leanoric]

Ok I should be fine then going by that link as Im just using a 1m extender. Thought that Id better check here first though, as Id seen someone saying on reddit that any usb extension can cause data corruption.

[The_Doman]

Ok I should be fine then going by that link as Im just using a 1m extender. Thought that Id better check here first though, as Id seen someone saying on reddit that any usb extension can cause data corruption.

It is not the problem of data corruption but more other possible side effects when using a longer/extension cable.
When using USB powered 2,5"drives a bad/long cable can drop the voltage too much to make the device function unreliable and/or reducing the connection to USB 2.0 speeds.
Sometimes just a longer replacement cable also can be an option.

[dellsam34]

For 1 meter I think you should be okay, Just make sure to get a well shielded cable. But if your PC has a 5.25" spare slot I would opt for a hot swappable HDD bay or mount a docking station next to your PC.

[Leanoric]

But if your PC has a 5.25" spare slot I would opt for a hot swappable HDD bay

Good idea, I didnt even know about these, Ill look into getting one.

[Alwyn]

I'd be very careful of "hot swapping" SATA drives. Even just yanking out USB drives with critical data without unmounting or "ejecting" them first is a risk.

I had one of these years ago with Win 7 and 10 and IIRC I had dramas just pulling the drive out while powered. I eventually just shut the machine down before I did anything with the drive in the HS bay.

I'd be interested to hear other's experiences with these hot-swap bays.

[dellsam34]

It is the same scenario whether the drive is connected to a slot or to a USB cable, you must unmount the drive first from the operating system before pulling out the drive or the usb cable and allow the platter to spin down before moving the drive.

[Sharc]

It is the same scenario whether the drive is connected to a slot or to a USB cable, you must unmount the drive first from the operating system before pulling out the drive or the usb cable and allow the platter to spin down before moving the drive.

Yes. But calling something "hot swappable" can indeed be misleading.

[dellsam34]

I didn't call it hot swappable, that's the name of the adapter, If I refer to you I say your name, if I say a different name then it will be a different person, wouldn't it? Just like firewire to USB cables, they do exist, if you are stupid enough to use them as they call them you will find out. It is not my burden to prevent people from making mistakes, it's theirs to learn to avoid making them in the first place.

[Leanoric]

Well I definitely wouldnt have been hot swapping hdd’s with it, just would have used it as a convenient way of connecting one to the pc. Unfortunately my case doesnt have any 5.25” slots anyway.

[Leanoric]

Thinking about it, what would be the best way of connecting and disconnecting from one of those bays? Inserting the hdd when pc is off and removing when it’s shut down?

[dellsam34]

Ideally yes, but ejecting the drive from the operating system is also acceptable.

[cholla]

I use several HDDs in external enclosures & I have never had a problem.
At least with an adapter(wall wart) powered enclosure.
The USB powered enclosures work OK with a computer but not with a TV or settop device.
I usually use a 4 to 6 foot USB cable. I have connected two cables for up to 10 feet & this worked OK.
I have a software for ejecting but Windows Explorer eject also works fine.
So eject & when Windows says it is safe to remove;turn the enclosure power off.

If you need to swap HDDs then get an external docking station.
They eject & turn off the same way.

[Alwyn]

I didn't call it hot swappable, that's the name of the adapter, If I refer to you I say your name, if I say a different name then it will be a different person, wouldn't it? Just like firewire to USB cables, they do exist, if you are stupid enough to use them as they call them you will find out. It is not my burden to prevent people from making mistakes, it's theirs to learn to avoid making them in the first place.

Ridiculous.

[Alwyn]

I have a software for ejecting but Windows Explorer eject also works fine.

Cholla! What's this software? Trying to eject drives drives me crazy. Sometimes it works first time, sometimes after three goes, sometimes never. I'd love to have a reliable ejector.

[dellsam34]

I didn't call it hot swappable, that's the name of the adapter, If I refer to you I say your name, if I say a different name then it will be a different person, wouldn't it? Just like firewire to USB cables, they do exist, if you are stupid enough to use them as they call them you will find out. It is not my burden to prevent people from making mistakes, it's theirs to learn to avoid making them in the first place.

Ridiculous.

The only ridiculous thing is a clueless person like you $hitting all over the threads to prove a useless point, You've been called out numerous times and proven wrong but you don't get it, so for that you've earned an "ignore" badge.

[cholla]

I have a software for ejecting but Windows Explorer eject also works fine.

Cholla! What's this software? Trying to eject drives drives me crazy. Sometimes it works first time, sometimes after three goes, sometimes never. I'd love to have a reliable ejector.

The software is Zentimo.
I've had my version for several years & it usually works well.
It is payware but I got my version on either giveawayoftheday or sharewareonsale I do not remember which.
If you have ever gotten software from one of these sites then you know they do not include updates & is time limited for getting the software free.
My old version is lifetime.
My old version has continued to work fine without updates.
This means I can not say how well the newer versions work.
It does have a 30 day trial but I did not check to see if it is a limited function or full featured trial.

[Alwyn]

Excellent Cholla, I'll check it out.

[Alwyn]

@Cholla, Zentimo is looking good so far. If it can't eject the first time, at least mashing the Eject button is easier than right-clicking on the tray Safely Remove icon. I also found this post. Interesting.

[cholla]

@ Alwyn,
I'm glad Zentimo is working for you. I have not seen it free for a long time.
I have found when Zentimo shows the drive still in use I can usually close all the Windows explorer windows & that clears it.
If that doesn't then I run CCleaner & right click on the desktop & hit refresh.
If all that does not work then I reboot.
Usually I do not need to do all that.

I looked at the link but I have not tested the Systernals tip.