You can disconnect any USB device without first ejecting it but with storage devices especially a large hard disk, it is not a good idea. Windows may be writing to the hard disk in be background. This doesn't cause too much problems with a solid state memory drive because there are no mechanical parts - all electronic. On the other hand, if you simply disconnect the hard drive, you are not only stopping the file from being completed so it will be corrupted but because you have abruptly stopped all electrical power to the hard disk, it may cause the heads to crash and damage the surface of the disk. Play it safe with the external hard disk and eject it first. BJ On 2/4/2014 10:09 AM, Allie wrote: > Arnie > It is a Belkin Multi-USB Hub. The Hub contains 4 USB ports. I use one of > these ports to connect to my external HD. I connect and disconnect it > without using any sort of safety measure you and BJ mentioned in an earlier > post. BTW, I use windows 7. >