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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.
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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.
I created a USB trace file regarding the SanDisk Cruzer Micro flash drive listed above. The trace file may help in diagnosing the problem for me and others. I was unable to attach the file due to its size.
Anannya Podder: Would you be interested in the trace file? Where can I upload it?
Thanks.
Can you try changing the power option for hard disk from 10 minutes to "Never" and see if that fixes your issue. To get there, search for "0Power Options" by using charms search, click on "Change plan settings", then go to "Change advanced power settings".
Please note that Windows 8.1 system suspends idle USB devices more aggressively than it used to do on Windows 8. As a result, you could run into device issues or a combination of device/hub/controller issues.
If this address you problem, please post make, model, VID/PID information of the storage device and the USB controller that the device is plugged into by using the device manager.
Seems like it's not only affecting hard drives, but to all USB devices plugged in, or maybe just affecting a certain brand/model's devices. And Windows 8.1 definitely did something to the USB sleep/power options. Either way the only last resort I hope I wouldn't do is to downgrade back to Windows 8.0 or even Windows 7.
I own a SanDisk Cruzer Micro (2.0 GB) flash drive (Model SDCZ6-2048-A11). Microsoft indicates that the flash drive is compatible with Windows 8.1. The computer does recognize the flash drive. After 10 - 15 minutes, the flash drive goes to sleep. It looks like the computer is shutting down power to the USB port. Once asleep, I click on the drive icon to wake it. It takes as much as a full minute to wake the flash drive. After waking, and if no activity, the flash drive goes back to sleep. I also tried other USB ports (both 2.0 and 3.0) and experience the same problem. This problem does not seem to be affecting other brands of USB flash drives that I own. I have tried other brands of flash drives and they have not gone to sleep. This problem didn't occur in Windows 8. I too have tried to modify the power settings in the Root Hubs but haven't had any luck. Thanks.
