HELP: External 250G USB screwed with GParted

[Mikkel L. Ellertson]

André Costa wrote:
> 
> I've read some reports about the same error messages suggesting they
> could be caused by insufficient power on the USB ports (looks like it
> really fluctuates, and that external drives demand more power than
> usual USB devices). Initially I wouldn't consider this an option on my
> case, since the drive already worked on this same port I am trying now
> before the failed GParted session. However, I don't know if the drive
> is now in a weird state in which more power is needed...
> 
> WD sells a "power booster cable" for USD 9.99, but they only sell it
> on the US =/ I'll try to buy a AC powered USB hub, this should ensure
> all the power needed and get one variable out of the equation.
> 
I have 2 2-1/2" USB drives that get their power from the USB bus. 
They both draw more power then one USB connection will easily 
supply. The computer end of the cable has 2 USB plugs, one that is 
only a power connection. To make the drives work right, you have to 
plug in the power-only plug first, wait 10 seconds for the drive to 
spin up, and then plug in the data connection. If you plug them in 
at the same time, or only use one plug, it will sometimes work, but 
it will usually have problems.

One other thing to keep in mind - if the drive drew too much power, 
the USB port may have shut down. I know some kernels enforce the 
power limits, but I don't remember if the current kernels do. There 
was debate about this, but I don't remember reading about the final 
decision. Moving to another USB port may fix the problem. (I don't 
remember how to reset the port.) This shotdown may also be BIOS 
dependent. On my laptop, I get overcurrent warnings when waking up 
under Windows sense updating the BIOS. I have not tested this under 
Linux yet.

Mikkel
-- 

   Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons,
for thou art crunchy and taste good with Ketchup!

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