what to do with extra usb power port

[ravi.xolve]

I purchased a new maxtor basics 120 GB external hard disk. The usb connector cable I got with it hasTHREE endpoint. Two go into PC, they are labled 'DATA+POWER' and "POWER'. Other goes into hd itself.

I have two questions:

1) I plugged 'DATA+POWER' only into usb port and it functioned normally. Will it cause harm if I don't plug 'POWER' part of the cable into usb? I wat to switch to a two point cable to reduce clutter.

2) How to know if a usb port is self powered?

[contactram]

i have a similar external hd. it works just fine with one cable plugged in. the other cable draws additional power from the pc. all usb ports are capable of providing power, though weak. i'd advise plugging both in

[User Name]

Well i hav cable which hav 2 endpoints for USB connection to PC and other end is for HDD connection.
I always connect only one end point to pc while other leaving as it is.
(Actually when i bought HDD the shop man said only one end point to be connected to pc. )
Is it fine or not? Should i connect both?

[ravi.xolve]

I think self powered usb ports will do. But how to know which usb port on pc is self powered.

[VarDOS]

I too have two ports of...the hardware vendor said one port for master and other one for slave...it that right if i plug my HDD with other one there is no power nor HDD is recognized by the PC...but first one works..

[MasterMinds]

the back one...!!!

[gopi_vbboy]

try using some usb - cellphone/ipod chargers........

[ravi.xolve]

@MasterMind
whats the back one

[NucleusKore]

All usb ports are self powered

[infra_red_dude]

The extra Power connector is only for some laptops and old computers which cannot provide the sufficient power thru one usb port. You need to plug in the Power connector to another usb port only if you face any problems with HDD plugged into one port.