Windows 8.1 causes external hard drives to auto-sleep?

Anonymous
2013-10-27T07:38:58+00:00

My 2 external hard drives are always active as I have disabled auto sleep. I didn't have this problem way since Windows 7, but after upgrading to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8, my 2 external hard drives will automatically went to sleep around 10 minutes of inactivity. I have tried the power options, device manager options, but to no avail. Any help? Thanks. 

I'm using NoSleepHD as a temporary fix but I hope there's a permanent fix for this.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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Anonymous
2013-11-01T15:32:42+00:00

Thanks for the trace. We will analyze and get back to you. We published a blog on this yesterday to bring awareness and get help from the community to root-cause the issue. We think this is all due to suspending the device when idle which we never used to do in previous OSes. We will find out if this turns out to be something else.

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/usbcoreblog/archive/2013/11/01/help-after-installing-windows-8-1-my-usb-drive-disappears-or-file-transfers-stop-unexpectedly-r-a-post-title.aspx

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-11-02T08:23:34+00:00

    Registry hack works! Thanks a bunch. It seems it also works for everyone else here, shall mark as answer.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-11-02T08:13:29+00:00

    The registry hack fixed the problem for me. Thank you! :)

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-11-02T03:57:43+00:00

    Seems like the Registry Hack from this side fixed the problem :)

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-11-02T03:27:32+00:00

    I ran into the same problem after installing windows 8.1 .. it just powered my external HD a Seagate expansion Desk 3 TB after 10 minutes off

    USB\VID_0BC2&PID_3312&REV_0319

    USB\VID_0BC2&PID_3312

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