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The thread discusses whether it's necessary to safely remove USB drives connected to a Lenovo P51S with an Ultradock before hot undocking and docking. The original poster is cautious about data loss and shares their experience of difficulties when re-docking after removal, discovering issues like unrecognized devices which are later resolved by changing USB ports. Contributors advise that as long as the activity light isn't blinking, the drives can be safely removed, and identify possible hardware issues such as loose ports affecting device recognition. Overall, the community suggests careful observation and troubleshooting to ensure safe removal without data loss.
Rebop

Rebop

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Thread Author #1
Seems to be several opinions on this as I Google, so thought to ask you all here as well for your thoughts.

Lenovo P51S with Ultradock. Two USB hard drives attached to the dock. Both set for "Quick Removal" in Device Manager.

Do I need to "safely remove" these drives before hot undocking and docking?

Update: I am finding even a bit stranger. Unless i am missing something, to safely remove when docked you still need to disconnect the USB 3.0 cable and do one at a time. Its not as easy as a direct connection to the computer. If I could "safely remove" without physically detaching cables I would try. For now, I think I have to test an undock and redock without and hope I don't lose any data. Drives are usually idle and I am aware when they are being used.

Appreciate your thoughts.
 

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Neemobeer
As long as the activity light is not blinking you can remove it. Typical scenario is when you write data to an external drive is Windows does what's called lazy writing. Which means even after the copy file dialog is gone Windows may not have completed writing. Supposedly quick removal makes Windows write data immediately.
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Neemobeer

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#2
As long as the activity light is not blinking you can remove it. Typical scenario is when you write data to an external drive is Windows does what's called lazy writing. Which means even after the copy file dialog is gone Windows may not have completed writing. Supposedly quick removal makes Windows write data immediately.
 

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Rebop

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Thread Author #3
Thanks. I think I have to give it a try Just being very cautious.
 

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Rebop

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Thread Author #4
Did not quite work as hoped.

Undock, no issues. Both drives were idle. Redocking found only the second drive and Windows said a "USB device could not be recognized". I unplugged it, replugged and it was found and working.

Any idea why that would happen?
 

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Rebop

Rebop

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Thread Author #5
Seems the USB Root Controller may have powered down on battery. Changed setting and checking that now. Makes sense if so.
 

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Rebop

Rebop

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Thread Author #6
Got it. Loose USB 3.0 port on the docking station. Different port works fine.
 

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