Thanks Chad,

I've tried all the steps you suggested; the USB Root hubs were already
deselected. It's not a major concern; I'll just make sure the external HD is
unplugged before I power down.
--
always learning


"Chad Harris" wrote:
[color=blue]
> Hi Iplant--
>
> I don't know that the external HD *should slow down shutdown and startup,
> but I understand for you it seems to.
>
> Of all the sites and steps I've collected including AUMHA's and the MSKB on
> this, far and away the one that has stood out that should help you with XP
> and Vista is this one so I'll pass it on:
>
> Also prior to doing the steps try this:
>
> Type devmgmt.msc in the run box (Win Key +R) and Scroll down to bottom entry
> USB Controller. Click the plus to expand it. For every single USB Root Hub
> entry do this:
>
> Rt. click it>Properties>Power Management>take checkmark out of "allow the
> computer to turn off this device to save power"--it's not going to impact
> your overall configuration/choice of a power scheme for yur box.
>
> Then do every one of these steps:
>
> Troubleshooting Windows Shutdown Problems
> [url]http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/Troubleshooting-Windows-Shutdown.html[/url]
>
> For completeness' sake I enclose the MSKB which I have found totally
> worthless for correctign shutdown delays. (Many of them are caused because
> Windows is trying to start in the background).
>
> FIX: The shutdown procedure takes a long time to complete
>
> [url]http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;822738[/url]
>
> Good luck,
>
> CH
> "Iplant" <Iplant@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:BCB1EF2D-DA9F-4B64-9E87-8131CB68DE04@microsoft.com...[color=green]
> > the slowest thing about my Vista installation is the fact that whenever I
> > have my external hard drive (My Book) plugged in; Vista takes a bit of
> > time
> > to shut down or power up. This never happened when I was running XP. Is
> > there something I need to tweak to enable a normal or close to normal
> > startup
> > and shutdown when I have the external drive plugged in?
> >
> >
> > --
> > always learning[/color]
>
>[/color]