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  • Protect Harddrive - Hibernation
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Laptop Harddrive Safety

Hibernation

Many computers and software programs have "features" that are designed to make our lives easier that, if we are unaware of them, can have the opposite effect. Our Intel based MacBooks are a fine example of this. They have a hibernation feature that saves your open programs, as they are, when you close the lid on the computer. If your computer battery dies before you next attempt to open your computer, the system will load from the save and your computer will look just as it did when you put it to sleep, same programs open, same window locations. Snazzy feature.

Warning

There is only one real problem with this feature. It takes time - from a few seconds and up depending on RAM size. If you move the computer during this process, you can damage the hard drive. This has been brought up as the possible cause of the hard drive failures we've been experiencing recently.

But I've moved my computer around while it's awake, and that didn't hurt it.

The Sudden Motion Sensor technology built into the system protects the hard drive when it senses strong motion or vibration. This is active when the computer is awake. The hard drive is "parked" when it is asleep, so that isn't an issue. However, during the seconds that hibernation is in progress, this feature is inactive. It is necessary for the computer to remain immobile during that time to prevent the risk of hard drive failure from this source.

Closing the lid and immediately sliding the computer into its case

can be enough to damage your hard drive.

When you close the lid - wait until the computer is asleep before you move it

According to the MacBook manual:

NOTICE: Wait a few seconds until the sleep indicator light starts pulsing (indicating that the computer is in sleep and the hard disk has stopped spinning) before you move your MacBook. Moving your computer while the hard disk is spinning can damage it, causing loss of data or the inability to start up from the hard disk.

Awake - Light Off	Saving in progress - Light on solid	Asleep - Light blinking
Video showing hibernation to sleep mode>