Is it safe to plug and unplug USB and Firewire cables with the computer on?

Is it safe to plug and unplug USB and Firewire cables with the computers on? I have a Mac G4 and a newly purchased IMac and I use one printer for both computers. Should I shut down the computers when I unplug the printer and connect to the other computer? How about when switching firewire drives.
Is there an easy way to have both computers connected to the same printer? I have an Epson 1280 printer.

Yes, you can unplug a printer without shutting down the computer, but if you are switching the printer to another computer then you should first turn off the printer, unplug it, re-connect to the other computer, then turn on the printer. This will assure that the printer will be properly recognized.
If you have your computers networked via Ethernet then you can leave the printer connected to one computer and share it with the other via the network connection. Printer sharing is turned on using the Sharing preference in System Preferences. You will need to Add the printer on both computers so you will need the appropriate printer driver installed on both computers.
See the following articles for more:
http://members.cox.net/18james/osxprintersharing.html
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58028
http://www.apple.com/support/tiger/network/
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106658
Also select Mac Help from the Finder's Help menu and search on "printer sharing."
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Similar Messages

Is it safe to plug and unplug USB and Firewire cables with the computers on

Is it safe to plug and unplug USB and Firewire cables with the computers on? I have a Mac G4 and a newly purchased IMac and I use one printer for both computers. Should I shut down the computers when I unplug the printer and connect to the other computer? How about when switching firewire drives.
Is there an easy way to have both computers connected to the same printer? I have an Epson 1280 printer.

USB/Firewire ports were designed to be "hot" plugged. You can safely plug and unplug devices without usually having to shut down the computer or the device. Some devices, such as external HDs, digital cameras and iPods need to be "ejected" first, so as not to damage their formatting or data.
You can network your Macs wirelessly or with an ethernet cable and then set the printer connected to one computer to be shared with the other computer.
Here are a couple of links;
Connecting two computers using Ethernet
Sharing your printers with other computers

I just tried to update my iPhone 4 and it said it was successful, but now I have a message (USB icon - arrow- iTunes icon) that is frozen? I have turned off the phone, unplugged USB and reconnected and closed out of iTunes and back in. Any suggestions?

I just tried to update my iPhone 4 and it said it was successful, but now I have a message (USB icon - arrow- iTunes icon) that is frozen? I have turned off the phone, unplugged USB and reconnected and closed out of iTunes and back in. Any suggestions?

Hello, Spedellen.
Thank you for visiting Apple Support Communities.
When experiencing issues restoring an iPhone, here are the best articles to go through. If you received a specific error number when restoring, see the section labeled Get more help in the second article below.
If you can't update or restore your iOS device
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1808
Resolve iOS update and restore errors in iTunes
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1275
Cheers,
Jason H.

HT5211 My HP 2355 won't show up in AirPrint? I have it plugged in via USB and set it up on my Mac mini with the airport express network. Any advice?

My HP 2355 won't show up in AirPrint? I have it plugged in via USB and set it up on my Mac mini with the airport express network. Any advice?

Unless your HP printer is an AirPrint-ready device, just connecting it to the USB port of the AirPort Express base station will not make it so.
On the other hand, connecting a non-AirPrint printer to the base station's USB port it can be shared out by the base station's print server. Please see the following Apple Support article for details.

Aspire Aspire Zs600 won't recognize plug and play - plug device into usb and nothing happens.

aspire Aspire Zs600 won't recognize plug and play - plug device into usb and nothing happens. how to fix this?

try to re-install Intel chipset drivers:http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/drivers/4531;-;Aspire%20ZS600 select your operating system and download Intel Chipset drivers and install it, reboot and try again. or press windows key logo + xchoose device managerclick on Universal series controllerright click on Intel USB controller and choose to uninstallonce done, reboot and wait until windows re-install drivers

How to install this update and solve USB and touchpad issues?

I have Equium M50 (59E) and got bitten by an update that took out my touchpad and keyboard .I have made fresh install of XP Home and have all updated drivers and all is going well .The last update i cant seem to fathom is for
Driver Ana _2005_10_24_V1.2 it is for ,Standard Open HCD USB Host Controller........X 2 .........
The update fixes all kinds of issues of the kind i am having and is a recomended update from Driver detective ,that i use offten .
The trouble is it says to uninstall drivers for the one i have installed allready and when i do this it knocks off my USB mouse leaving me not able to install the new ones .When i reboot it installs the ones i dont want reinstalled .
This is the read me off the new update and realy it is beyond me to underdstand what to do ............so here it is ?
Driver revision history:
Twinhan VP704A Driver Release note
Note:
1.In case the system crashes while running with VP704A, Please install ULI
USB 2.0 host driver in \ULiUSB20Driver
2. For XP/SP1, please update with the patch in
<http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=zh-tw&familyid=733dd867-56a0-4956-b7fe-e85b688b7f86>
3.In XP/SP1, updating driver will crash the system, while new install is ok.
The trick to update driver in XP/SP1 is shown in the following steps,
a. Uninstall the driver
b. Unplug and plug the USB device
c. Install the driver
4. To support remote controller, please launch Agent.exe in \Agent.
Further details can be found in \Agent\Readme.txt
Known issues:
1. Multi-instance is not supported
2. Remote wakeup is not supported
3. High CPU usage in Analog audio/video capture
4. Bad VBI Signal using YUY2 color format
5. AV out of sync if audio captured from wrong filter.
(Fix:using the filter "USB Audio Device" in WDM stream capture device)
6. Noise with analog-TV and FM Radio
(Fix:using the filter "USB Audio Device" in WDM stream capture device)
Driver revision history:
2005/10/24, Version: 1.0.2.8
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Crossbar not properly set.
2005/10/21, Version: 1.0.2.7
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Firmware version read from FLASH OK!
2005/10/14, Version: 1.0.2.6
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Mutil-Access driver blank part below part screen when VBI!
2.Mutil-Access driver HCT driver verify crash fix!
2005/10/07, Version: 1.0.2.5
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Tuner Power off when S-Video,Composite.
2005/09/30, Version: 1.0.2.4
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Agent.exe updated for repeat bug!
2.TI5150 Register for Video Format fix!
2005/09/29, Version: 1.0.2.3
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.A trial driver build for multiple access support. (in the folder "\Multi-Access")
Note: "USB Audio device" filter provided by system does not support mutil-Access.
2.Reset TI5150 when a new frequency is set
2005/09/27, Version: 1.0.2.2
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Fix I2C unstable access on some devices.
2005/09/23, Version: 1.0.2.1
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Analog TV becomes darker sometimes.
2005/09/15, Version: 1.0.2.0
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Fix INF for Windows 2000 installation.
2.FM radio scan policy changed!
2005/09/13, Version: 1.0.1.9
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.USB serial number string not visible with USBView, firmware update required.
2.FM radio scan policy, return unlock if PLLOffset>=9x12.5KHz
2005/09/13, Version: 1.0.1.8
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.After switching between A/D/AV several times, video display becomes dark in THDTV 2.61
2005/09/12, Version: 1.0.1.7
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Improve channel lock status check performance
2.Pinnacle INF Fix.
2005/09/09, Version: 1.0.1.6
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Add some audio initialization function.
2005/08/31, Version: 1.0.1.5
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.NTSC & PAL mode resolution separation.
2005/08/30, Version: 1.0.1.4
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.AvgTimePerFrame.
2.Frame Drop.
3.Pinnacle inf file HCT chkinf fail.
2005/08/22, Version: 1.0.1.3
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Add Remote controller interface in digital source filter.
2.A new Remote controller test tool with source code in \Test_RC.
2005/08/16, Version: 1.0.1.2
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Reorg Pinnacel & Twinhan's driver & folder.
2.VP704A_BDA_Test tool, add system code test.
3.Set IR protocol standard by registry keys "IRSTANDARD", "IRSYSCODECHECK1" in INF file.
4.Firmware update
2005/08/15, Version: 1.0.1.1
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Serial number function is lost while adjusting TV audio volume
2.RC6A CIR support
(This firmware uses GPIO3 (M9207 pin 80) to decode RC6 protocol.
The hardware should be reworked to connect M9207 pin 80 to CIR module and the fimrware
EEPROM should be flashed with \Firmware\M9207.bin )
3.Serieal number, MAC address and OEM device name supported.
Please refer to further details in \Firmware\readme.txt.
4.Ioclt sample source code included.
2005/08/08, Version: 1.0.0.10
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Analog TV audio volume increase.
2005/08/04, Version: 1.0.0.9
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Analog TV Video mode set failure.
2005/08/03, Version: 1.0.0.8
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Off-centerf requency scan +/- 125Khz
2.Fix duplicated program scanned in MCE.
2005/08/02, Version: 1.0.0.7
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.THBDAConsole.exe "ulFixedBW", "ulDisableOffFreqScan", "ulMCEFreqTranslate" bug fixed
2005/07/28, Version: 1.0.0.6
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.THBDAConsole.exe "ulFixedBW", "ulDisableOffFreqScan", "ulMCEFreqTranslate" support
2.Improve I2C communication stability.
3.Unify Signal strength & quality indication as THBda ioctl interface.
4.Capture filter Lock status check.
2005/07/28, Version: 1.0.0.5
Bugs fixed and new features:
1. The same signal strength & quality indications as VP7046.
2. Debug build driver
2005/07/21, Version: 1.0.0.4
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Update INF.
2005/07/20, Version: 1.0.0.3
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Improve performance in PCM4
2.Switching from Analog TV Mode to FM Mode failure
2005/07/04, Version: 1.0.0.2
Bugs fixed and new features:
1.Production Tool FM test OK!
And here is the readme from the other file within the update ?
ULi PCI to USB Enhanced Host Controller Driver V1.72 for Windows 98 SE, Windows ME , Windows 2000 and Windows XP
INTRODUCTION
This driver supports ULi EHCI host Controller under Windows 98 SE, Windows ME , Windows 2000
and Windows XP.
CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT
1. Installation Instructions
2. Uninstallation Instructions
1. Installation Instructions
(Windows 98 SE & Windows ME)
A.When ULi USB 2.0 Controller has attached on system
1. Install ULi USB2.0 Driver
- Run the setup program.
- This program will copy driver files into your Windows system,then restart your computer.
2. After system reboot, Windows will find the new hardware "ULi PCI to USB Enhanced
Host Controller" and install the driver.
B.If no ULi USB 2.0 Controller on system
1. Install ULi USB2.0 Driver
- Run the setup program.
- This program will copy driver files into your Windows system, then turn off your computer.
- Attach ULi USB 2.0 Controller card on your system and then reboot your computer.
2. After system reboot, Windows will find the new hardware "ULi PCI to USB Enhanced
Host Controller" and install the driver.
(Windows 2000)
A.When ULi USB 2.0 Controller has attached on system
1. Install ULi USB2.0 Driver
- Run the setup program.
- This program will install and load the driver and you don't have to reboot the
computer.
B.If no ULi USB 2.0 Controller on system
1. Install ULi USB2.0 Driver
- Run the setup program.
- This program will copy driver files into your Windows system, then turn off
your computer.
- Attach ULi USB 2.0 Controller card on your system and then reboot your computer.
2. After system reboot, Windows will find the new hardware "ULi PCI to USB Enhanced
Host Controller" and install the driver.
(Windows XP)
A.When ULi USB 2.0 Controller has attached on system
1. Install ULi USB2.0 Driver
- Run the setup program.
- Click "NEXT"
- This program will install and load the driver and you don't have to reboot the
computer.
- After install ULi USB 2.0 driver successfully. System will detect "USB 2.0 Root
Hub". Please select "install the software automatically (Recommended)" and then
click "Next" button to continue install.
- This program will install and load the driver and you don't have to reboot the
computer.
B.If no ULi USB 2.0 Controller on system
1. Install ULi USB2.0 Driver
- Run the setup program.
- This program will copy driver files into your Windows system, then turn off
your computer.
- Attach ULi USB 2.0 Controller card on your system and then reboot your computer.
2. After system reboot, Windows will find the new hardware "ULi PCI to USB Enhanced
Host Controller", continue to install.
- After install ULi USB 2.0 driver successfully. System will detect "USB 2.0 Root
Hub". Please select "install the software automatically (Recommended)" and then
click "Next" button to continue install.
Notice:
If you can't setup driver successfully. Please reboot your system and then follow
above steps to install driver again.
2. Uninstallation Instructions
1. Open "Control Panel" folder.
2. Invoke "Add\Remove Programs" icon.
3. Choose "ULi USB2.0 Driver" item.
4. Click on "Add/Remove" button to remove drivers.
Change List:
1.74
1.fix issue that multi-interface keyboard can not be detected on the usb2.0 hub.
2.support all USB2.0 Host Controller.
1.73
1.fix issue that On Win98SE , Blue screen when unplugging some USB2.0 Scanner after scanning image.
2.fix issue that On Win98SE, Blue screen when unplugging some USB2.0 Scanner from USB 2.0 Hub after scanning image.
3.fix issue that On Win98SE, Blue screen while copying files across the SUNBOX UH-204 Hub.
4.fix issue that wirless lan will disconect when plug-in usb device.
1.72
1.Fix issue that system will crash when USB HD copy large file.
1.71
1.improve Power management function in Win98/ME.
1.70
1.Improve the function of devcie detection.
1.62
1.Fix the problem that a USB floppy under USB 2.0 HUB cannot function when system resume from suspend.
1.61
1.Fix the problem that some USB device under USB 2.0 HUB cannot be found if system resume from suspend.
1.60
1.To support power management functions when a HUB with USB device plug into
a root HUB.
1.57
1.Fix USB floppy with USB 2.0 HUB can't be detect issue.
2.Fix issue that audio can't display smooth when USB device attach to system.
3.Fix system can't detect USB dvice when USB device attach to system in
suspend mode.
4.Fix issue that when USB root HUB have full loading, USB HD sometimes
transaction fail.
1.56
1. Fix issue that DVD decoder device can't display properly.
1.55
1. Fix OTI USB 2.0 hand drive can't be detect issue.
2. Fix USB mouse can't use after resume from suspend.
1.54
1.Improve driver security.
1.53
1. Fix bulk transfer may stop if USB device is plugged in USB 2.0 hub
2. Fix USB 2.0 mass storage device can't be access after resuming from standby if there is another USB 1.1 device existing
1.52
1. Fix system pages fault when accessing mass storage device in Win98SE, or scandisk failure when selecting
automatically fix file system errors
2. Fix system may hang up in Win98SE/ME if USB 2.0 cardbus card is plugged
v.1.51
1. Improve USB 2.0 cardreader compatibility.
2. Fix USB IDE devices can't be accessed after resuming from standby/hibernation.
v1.50
1. Improve bulk transfer
v1.48
1. Fix USB 2.0 LAN driver installation hanging up
2. Fix some USB 1.1 cardreader can't be identified when plugged into USB 2.0 hub
3. Fix some laptops Win98SE booting hanging up
v1.47
1. Improve bulk transfer performance.
2. Fix USB 2.0 bulk webcam preview failure.
v1.46
1. Support USB 2.0 and 1.1 Isochronous devices
2. Fix system hanging up when rebooting system if USB 2.0 host controller is disabled in Win9X/ME
3. Fix system hanging up when uninstalling driver if there are USB 2.0 devices connected in Win2K/XP
4. Improve device detection capability in Win9X/ME
v1.45
1. Fix system hanging up when resuming from ACPI sleep mode.
2. Fix mouse sometimes doesn't disappear when it's unplugged.
3. Fix Win9X composite device detection failure and improve Win2K/XP composite device
v1.44
1. Support composite device
2. Improve device detection
v1.43
1. Improve IDE read/write transfer failure rate with USB 2.0 to IDE bridge on PC card platform
2. Fix high-speed device detected as full-speed device
3. Fix some USB mouses detection failure problem
4. Fix some USB 2.0 hubs detection failure problem
5. Fix Win98SE crashing if ULi EHCI 1.42 is installed
v1.42
1. Fix PC Card ejection hanging up in Win98/ME
2. Fix suspend/resume hanging up in Win98
3. Solve sometimes USB 1.1 device can't be detected if OS boots with USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices plugged
4. Fix some PC Card USB 1.1 device detection failure
v1.41
1. Add new feature that system can install driver before device is plugged.
2. Fix PCMCIA OHCI controller resource assign issue on Windos ME.
v1.40
1. Support Win9X/ME/2K/XP with ULi USB 2.0 driver.
2. Fix PCMCIA EHCI controller detecting USB 2.0 device problem in Win9X/ME.
v1.32
1. Fix issue that driver can't detect Microsoft driver in Windows XP
if OS path is not c:\windows.
2. Fix issue that driver can't detect USB 2.0 controller device in in some system.
v1.31
1. Fix issue that driver can't install on Windows 2000.
v1.30
1. Fix issue that Win9X/ME shows no USB 2.0 Root Hub.
2. Fix issue that hanging up when second entry into Win9X S1 with HID device plugged.
3. Fix issue that sometimes when you click "Scan for hardware changes".
to PNP ULi USB2.0 controller, system will informs you the usbehci.sys
file can't be found.
4. Fix issue that v1.20 finds no EHCI controller to install driver for after different
verison of ULi EHCI controller devices are plugged and unplugged.
5. Support installing driver for more than one ULi EHCI controller devices existing on
system at the same time.
6. Fix Win2K/XP shows USB Root Hub for USB 2.0 Root Hub.
v1.20
1.Support ULi USB 2.0 Host controller driver for Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP.
ULi Coporation. (ULi) web sites:
http://www.uli.com.tw/ (Taiwan)
CAN ANYONE TREAT ME LIKE A TWO YEAR OLD AND GIVE SOME GUIDANCE AS TO HOW TO ACHIEVE THIS UPDATE .
i WOULD BE VERY GRATEFULL AND KIND OF THINK IT WOULD BE BENIFICIAL TO A LOT MORE PEOPLE AS I SEE A LOT OF XP AND PROBLEMS OF THE KIND THIS UPDATE IS SUPPOSED TO FIX .

It says above 2 relevant and 1 correct answere available .............
I'm new here so could anyone direct me to these answeres?

In iTunes the iPhone device icon will not show up whenever I plug in a USB into my PC but the iPhone icon will show up in 'This PC' so if anyone who knows a resolution to my problem with my iTunes or PC,it would really help me.I need at least Help or Tip

In iTunes the iPhone device icon will not show up whenever I plug in a USB into my PC but the iPhone icon will show up in 'This PC' so if anyone who knows a resolution to my problem with my iTunes or PC,it would really help me.I need at least Help or some Tips.I have already tried many things to iTunes and my PC like trying to restore my PC but that do anything.Also,would it be fine if i contacted (call) Apple Support? Please,I need help because what I think is wrong is my PC,iPhone,or USB might be messed up so if anyone could help me with this,it would be really helpful and for anyone to be nice enough to help me.

I think this article will help you.

I downloaded tv shows from iTunes onto my iPad, but when I plugged into my computer it erased them from the iPad and they didn't get transferred to the computer. How do I get them back?

I downloaded tv shows from iTunes onto my iPad, but when I plugged into my computer it erased them from the iPad and they didn't get transferred to the computer. How do I get them back?

First, is your iTunes account on your computer, the account you set up your iPad with and the one you sync regularly with? If yes, just reconnect your iPad to your computer, via USB and open iTunes. After your iPad syncs, and you see the message that it's OK to disconnect, don't disconnect. Click once on the iPad from the left side of your iTunes screen. This will open your iPad in iTunes. You would then click on Videos and you'll see the TV shows you downloaded. You can choose individual shows, or choose to sync all videos to your iPad. After you've moved what you wanted back, click apply, then sync again and you should be fine.

I download songs, vedios on ipod model no. MA978ZP through computer but ipod shows nothing it shows 0-songs, 0-vedios but when i plug with the computer it shows everything but when i unplug ipod nothing shows

i download songs, vedios on ipod model no. MA978ZP through computer but ipod shows nothing it shows 0-songs, 0-vedios but when i plug with the computer it shows everything but when i unplug ipod nothing shows

Have You used iTunes or did you just put files on ipod disc???
Try downloading new iTunes, and try with restore if nothing hapens!

How do I connect my 2nd generation Ipod to a Firewire 800 port? It no longer holds a charge and it doesn't power up with the newer generation USB cable. The only way I can sync my Itunes library onto this Ipod is when it is powered...

How do I connect my 2nd generation Ipod to a Firewire 800 port on a new laptop? It no longer holds a charge and it doesn't power up with the newer generation USB cable. The only way I can sync my Itunes library onto this Ipod is when it is powered and connected simultaneously. Pls help.

Try here:
iOS: Not responding or does not turn on
If not successful then time for an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store.

HT1212 my ipod touch has been disabled and needs to be plugged into itunes to reset it. However, the computer it was last synched with has broken and I don't know what to do!

my ipod touch has been disabled and needs to be plugged into itunes to reset it. However, the computer it was last synched with has broken and I don't know what to do!

You need to place the device in recovery mode.
Instructions here > iOS: Unable to update or restore
"If you restore on a different computer that was never synced with the device, you will be able to unlock the device for use and remove the passcode, but your data will not be present"

I plugged my iphone 4S into my computer for the first time and then my photos were replaced with the ones from my old iphone, how do i get them back?

i plugged my iphone 4S into my computer for the first time and then my photos were replaced with the ones from my old iphone, how do i get them back?

Try restoring from the backup created at the beginning of the sync process:
Without connecting your phone, open iTunes, go to Preferences, on the Devices tab check "Prevent...from syncing automatically"
Connect your phone, right-click on the name of your phone when it appears on the left sidebar in iTunes
Select Restore from backup, choosing your most recent backup to restore from
Disconnect your phone and confirm that your photos are back
Go back to iTunes>Preferences>Devices and re-enable automatic syncing.

Try updating my ipad 2 ,came back with error 1602, and now my ipad is stuck with the itune and usb icon on the screen

Try updating my ipad 2, pop up with error 1602 and now my ipad is stuck with the itune and USB icon on the screen. I tried to restart it, but screen still comes up the same.

See if this page helps http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3694#error1602

HT201210 I tried to update my iphone4, in the middle it gave an error and now when try to connect it the computer doesnt even detects it and neither does itunes

I tried to update my iphone4, in the middle it gave an error and now when try to connect it the computer doesnt even detects it and neither does itunes

Power the phone off completely. Plug the USB end of the cord into the computer, leaving the other end unplugged from the phone. While the phone is powered off, open up iTunes, hold down the home button on the phone, and plug in the USB cord to the phone, making sure you keep holding down the home button. In about 15 seconds you should get a pop-up in itunes saying that it's detected an iPhone in recovery mode. Click 'Ok' and 'Restore'.
Your iOS update crashed and your phone is in recovery mode. The good news is that this will fix it, bad news is that unless you had everything backed up in either iTunes or iCloud, you've lost everything as your phone was wiped when the iOS update crashed.

It is ok to plug with the computer on?

Hi,
It is ok to unplug my speakers from my x-fi fataly and plug may headphones with the computer on? and vivce-versa?
Thanks

Yes, its perfectly fine to do that. So dont worry... @85.228.66.6

Is it safe to plug and unplug USB and Firewire cables with the computer on?

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