USB harddisk problem

For some time now I'm using an external harddisk which often disbehaves.
The problem is that after some time it seems to go in some stand by mode.
Then, when I try to access this drive (or another external drive) it often
disconnects (hearing the disconnect sound)
I can hear the sound of the drive starting up slowly, but seemingly often
too late.
I suppose this has to do with some kind of time-out parameter? Can I
increase this setting somewhere?

BTW This problem only occurs when using the drive with the (Windows XP) PC.
Using the drive connected to the (Vista) notebook it never fails.

- Medion USB harddisk with its own power adaptor.




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regards,

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