External HD not auto-detected...

[jh88fan]

I use an Apricorn external enclosure/Seagate hard drive for backing up my files. Unless the drive is turned on before booting up the pc, it isn't detected, I have to go into device manager and "check for hardware changes". This seems to work fine to get things ready for backing up, but when I'm done and want to turn the drive off, I have to hit the power button on the enclosure, then "check for hardware changes" again before shutting the pc down later. Isn't there an easier way to do this?

[EzyStvy]

Keep it unplugged.
Turn it on and plug it in to the USB connection when needed.

[jh88fan]

OBTW, its an eSATA enclosure, connected to a port on the mobo via a slot plate adapter, does that make a difference?

[glc]

Yes, that makes it look like an internal drive. You are going to have to turn it on before the PC and off after the PC is off, hotswap is not supported. If you want to hotswap, use USB.