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FreeAgent Desk and XTreme - Power Switch

FreeAgent Desk/Xtreme drives do not have a power switch. This article explains how to shut the drives down.

FreeAgent Desk/Xtreme drives do not have a power switch.

Most users assume that a power switch means that an external drive can be shutdown at anytime a computer is powered on. This is not the case; all external disk drives must be properly disconnected from a computer to prevent data corruption and/or loss. To do this, users must either:

  • Use Windows' Safely Remove feature to disconnect an external drive

    (See here to see how to safely remove an external drive in Windows.


    -OR-
  • Properly eject an external drive from a Macintosh computer by dragging the drive icon to the Trash can.
    (See here to see how to safely remove an external drive in Macintosh.


In conclusion, a power switch is thus an unnecessary, redundant component.