For those with Western Digital HD's.

[cognitive77]

Couldn't find the external HD sticky thread. It seems the Western Digitals don't have an off mode, just standby. I'm assuming it's okay to just unplug the power cable from the back when not in use?

Lemme know.

 

[BFG]

or just leave it plugged in

i've had mine plugged in for several months now

but it's probably just fine to unplug it if you really want to

 

[jdr01930]

Yeah, I just leave mine plugged in. The light stays on, but the drive spins down.
It spins up when I access USB Storage feature with no problems every time - takes about 10 or 15 seconds maybe.
Been using it since the day the feature became available.

My model is the black one with the green light ring, as opposed to the blue light.
(My Book Essentials 500 Gig if I remember right)

 

[downriver]

I unplug mine. No problems yet.

 

[rockymtnhigh]

I leave mine plugged-in. They go into standby and remain cold except when in use. I have two 500GB My Book essentials for Dish.

 

[Gentleman]

I put a in line thumb switch in the power cord where the cord exist the entertainment center, just reach behind and turn on/off

Bob

 

[Fredinva]

I don't understand??
Why bother turning it off. A tiny led stand-by light requires almost nada power.

fred

 

[Gentleman]

Because I want to and the light on the front on a wd essential can not be described as tiny

Bob

 

[Jim5506]

Try sunglasses.

 

[Ronald_Jeremy]

Couldn't find the external HD sticky thread.

It is a sticky in the HD Forum!! LOL