The first step is to install the latest version of the software that ships with your drive, then continue troubleshooting below.
Drive image | Download link | Course of action |
![]() | FreeAgent GoFlex Family |
Using Seagate Dashboard, under Drive Settings, set the Power Settings to never sleep. (Seagate Dashboard tutorial) |
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Using the Seagate Manager, under Settings > Adjust Power Settings, set the value to never sleep. (Seagate Manager tutorial) | |
![]() | Seagate FreeAgent Pro (brown) Drive |
Using the FreeAgent Tools, under Utilities > Adjust Drive Sleep Interval, set it to never sleep. |
![]() | Seagate FreeAgent Classic Desktop |
Using the FreeAgent Tools, under Utilities > Adjust Drive Sleep Interval, set it to never sleep. (FreeAgent Tools tutorial) |
![]() | Maxtor OneTouch 4 Plus |
To obtain the replacement software for your hard drive, contact Seagate Support. You may directly download and use OneTouch 4 Lite software for this purpose. (It will not include encryption capability.) |
![]() | Maxtor OneTouch 4 Lite (USB only) |
Using the Maxtor Manager, under Settings > Adjust Power Setting, set it to never sleep. |
![]() | Maxtor OneTouch 4 mini |
To obtain the replacement software for your hard drive, contact Seagate Support. You may directly download and use OneTouch 4 Lite software for this purpose. (It will not include encryption capability.) |
Follow these steps to troubleshoot:
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Install the software as indicated in the above table.
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Confirm that your drive is connected directly and correctly.
The drive must be connected directly to the computer's USB or Firewire port to ensure that the spin-down command is sent to the drive. Do not connect the drive to a USB or Firewire port on the computer monitor, the keyboard, or a USB hub. -
Confirm that the Windows power settings are properly configured.
For Windows 7/Vista/XP:- Right-click on (My) Computer.
- Select Manage.
- Select Device Manager.
- Click the + sign next to Universal Serial Bus Controllers to expand the menu.
- Double-click on the first Root Hub you see.
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Go to the Power tab and see if the drive is connected to it.
If not, try the next Root Hub. - If so, click the Power Management tab.
- Uncheck the box that says allow computer to turn off this device to save power.
For Windows 7/Vista only:- Click on the Windows (Start) menu.
- Select Control Panel.
- Select Power Options.
- Select Change Plan Settings.
- Select Change Advanced Power Settings and expand the Hard Disk tree.
- Under that, see the option to Turn off hard disk after: setting. Change it to never.
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For the Seagate external pushbutton drive:
This problem can be remedied simply by cycling power on the drive. Remember to safely remove the drive before doing so, if possible.