can't copy large files across external usb 3.0 hub

I've had this problem for several years and have never found a solution so hope this is my lucky day.

Here goes:

I would like to be able to copy multiple large files, say more than several gigabytes, between two usb external drives using an external usb 3.0 hub on a Win 10 machincef. But the copy always stops mid file on a large file. It never fails.

I have several external usb hubs and have access to several Win 10 machines and Win 7 machines. The Win 7 machines copy the files fine regardless of which hub I use and which external drives I use however the copy always fails on the Win 10 machines regardless of the configuration of external usb hub and external drives.

On the Win 10 machines that have two or more usb 3.0 ports, using those ports works fine for copying large files between external usb drives.

Why not just use the usb 3.0 ports, you ask? I'm a photographer and my travelling machine is a Surface Pro 4 which has only one USB port so when I'm on the road, which is most of the time, I can't do my copies. And it doesn't seem to be the Surface Pro 4 that's the problem because my other Win 10 laptop (and Win 10 desktop) exhibit the same problem.

Hope there's an answer out there.

Thanks,
Peter

Welcome to the forum. Most likely its a power issue or its going to sleep have you tried using built inrobocopy thats very fast and often work when other fails as its cmd based

Hi there
1) are you using a laptop - these often have an unpowered (non charging) port (or ports) and 1 charging port.

2) put the USB hub on the charging port - even if it has it's own power supply.

3) now try.

Personally though why not use those small 4TB external WD passport drives as external USB 3 drives -- still connect to powered hub although they should work on normal unpowered port. Another solution is to use SSD's -- easy to connect as external via a SATA-->USB3 connector -- shouldn't be any power problems and if you travel much lighter too. 500GB SSD drive(s) should be plenty even for the most demanding shoot.

If though the internal BUS on the computing device can't carry the current (on SSD will be negligible) then you aren't going to be lucky but I suspect the surface pro 4 should be OK if you use a powered hub plus low power USB devices such as those small 4TB WD passport drives -- 2 will be OK, 3 at the same time will be pushing it even on a decent laptop !!!.

Hi @peterfrostad

How's the surface 4 pro for doing tethered shooting with Canon eos pro cameras (or similar). OK / poor / laptop better etc.

Cheers
jimbo

Thanks for your replies.

It wasn't and Win 10 problem nor a power problem.

I got another external USB 3.0 hub from a friend and it works.

I guess not all external USB 3.0 hubs are created equal.

I'm pretty happy. I've been struggling with this problem for several years.

The hub that works is a Vantec modelUGT-MH400U3.

The two hubs that don't work are a Aluratek model AUH2304F and a Sabrent model HB-SGAR-5VA.

Cheers