Slow boot times when my external HDD is plugged in?

[DarthRager]

When I try to boot with my external HDD plugged in sometimes it can take what feels like more than 2 minutes, but if I unplug it the system boots almost instantly..

Why does this happen and is there a way to fix it?

[Behemoth]

I've got exactly the same problem with m,y Laptop when any device is plugged in via USB, first thing I'd look to check in your BIOS and see if the boot order has been set to look at your external hard drive first and then change that to your primary hard drive which is in the PC. See if that makes any difference.

Failing that if you don't need it plugged in on boot up, then only plug it in when needed once the system has booted.

[DarthRager]

I've got exactly the same problem with m,y Laptop when any device is plugged in via USB, first thing I'd look to check in your BIOS and see if the boot order has been set to look at your external hard drive first and then change that to your primary hard drive which is in the PC. See if that makes any difference.

Failing that if you don't need it plugged in on boot up, then only plug it in when needed once the system has booted.

I have various applications installed on the external hard drive, some of which start on boot so that would be inconvenient..

And it's less in the bios itself more in the windows loading screen

[Behemoth]

Apps installed to external hard drives ? Ouch thats going to be slow in use if your running them off something other than eSATA or USB 3 !

Might be worth then seeing what Windows has loading via MS Config and stop anything that you don't need to use as soon as the system boots, like MSN messenger, Skype etc.

[Copperwings]

I have exactly the same issue, even with an external USB3 drive simply used for backing up. I and various friends have searched high and low for a solution and haven't got anywhere. It's a pain, I know, but connecting the drive after booting is the only workaround that...well, works :-(