As we accumulate USB devices like printers, scanners, webcams, and microphones, we often run out of USB  plugs on our computer. The solution is to use a USB hub, a small device called that can create multiple USB ports from one outlet on your computer.

However, there is a problem that often occurs with portable USB hard drives and USB hubs. Regular USB hubs draw their power from the USB port on the computer. A portable hard drive requires more power than it can get from a regular USB hub. So when a hard drive is attached to a USB hub it may not function properly. Sometimes plugging the hard drive into a USB hub will cause erratic behavior that is difficult to trouble-shoot.

The solution is to always plug a USB hard drive directly into the computer's USB port. While most USB hubs are not self-powered, you can find some good USB hubs that have their own power meaning that they come with a power cable that can be plugged into the wall.  If you must plug a USB hard drive into a USB hub, purchase a good powered hub that can give the hard drive the power that it needs to run correctly.