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Troubleshooting
Related Manuals for Acomdata EXTERNAL E5 HARD DRIVE USB 2.0
Summary of Contents for Acomdata EXTERNAL E5 HARD DRIVE USB 2.0
- Page 1 USER’S GUIDE EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE HI-SPEED USB 2.0...
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Page 2: Important
Important 1. Please retain the bill of sale from the purchase of your AcomData product. A copy of the bill of sale will be needed in the event that the product requires warranty service. 2. Please fill in the information requested below. You will need this information at hand for product registration and in the event that the product requires service. -
Page 3: Contact Acomdata
Contact AcomData Address: 3410 Pomona Blvd., Pomona, CA 91768 Telephone: (909) 348-0680 Fax: (909) 598-8663 Web Site: www.acomdata.com Customer Service: customerservice@acomdata.com Technical Support: techsupport@acomdata.com Pre-Sales Questions: sales@acomdata.com... -
Page 4: Table Of Contents
Contents Important Contact AcomData Introduction Welcome Precautions Package Contents Product Registration for Warranty Coverage System Requirements for Windows System Requirements for Mac Getting to Know Your AcomData Drive The Drive at a Glance The Drive In-Depth About Hi-Speed USB 2.0 CD + SecureHD Password Security PushButton™ Backup Synchronization (Sync) Mac & PC Ready... - Page 5 Hot-Pluggable Fanless Design On-Off Switch Technical Specifications Drive Installation & Setup Setting Up the Drive Choosing an Orientation (Vertical or Horizontal) Vertical Placement Horizontal Placement Installing the USB 2.0 Driver Connecting the Drive Using Password Security Password Security for Windows Changing the Password Disabling Password Security Enabling Password Security Password Security for Mac Installing the SecureHD Login Software Changing the Password Disabling Password Security Enabling Password Security...
- Page 6 What if you forget your password? Using & Maintaining Your Drive How to Properly Turn Off and Disconnect the Drive Naming the HD Partition Re-Formatting the HD Partition About Formatting and File Systems Choosing a File System Formatting the HD Partition in Windows XP or 2000 Formatting the HD Partition in Windows Me or 98SE Formatting the HD Partition in Mac OS X Performing Routine Tasks Maintaining your Drive Defragmenting and Optimizing a Hard Drive...
- Page 7 Obtaining Service Frequently Asked Questions Glossary of Terms One Year Limited Warranty Notices...
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Page 8: Introduction
Introduction... -
Page 9: Welcome
Your AcomData Drive is furnished with two guides: 1) this Hard Drive User's Guide, and; 2) a PDF* PushButton Backup User's Guide, located on the Drive's CD partition (more on the CD partition later). - Page 10 Symbols used in this guide: lerts the reAder to A ndicAtes A helpful tip or lerts the reAder to wArning or importAnt other useful informAtion importAnt informAtion About usb- informAtion relAted issues ndicAtes informAtion ndicAtes informAtion specific to Ac users specific to indows users...
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Page 11: Precautions
• If using this device for general-purpose storage, we strongly recommend that you backup the files stored on the device. AcomData is not responsible for data loss or corruption; nor will AcomData perform recovery of lost data or files. • Do not attempt to open, disassemble, or modify the device. -
Page 12: Package Contents
Package Contents Ac A & dApter e5 d & s rive tAnd cAble ower usb 2.0 d river rive ’ nstAllAtion uide egistrAtion ubber If you are missing any item shown above, please contact Customer Service at customerservice@acomdata.com, or call 800-470-4495. -
Page 13: Product Registration For Warranty Coverage
. You get your own personalized support page: • download software updates • access all online support services • view all of your registered AcomData products • manage your personal profile; . If you need warranty service, arranging product returns is faster... - Page 14 You may also register via mail by filling out and returning the Registration Card included in the package. When registering your AcomData product you will need the Model number and Serial number. Both are printed on the product label affixed to the box, and on the...
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Page 15: System Requirements For Windows
System Requirements for Windows What you need for the Drive itself: • Minimum MHz processor (Pentium, Celeron, AMD, etc.) • One of the following operating systems: - Windows XP (Home Edition, Professional, Professional x64 Edition, Media Center Edition) - Windows 000 - Windows Me - Windows SE •... - Page 16 IMPORtANt NOteS: Windows 98SE users: You will need to install the supplied USB 2.0 driver. Instructions are provided in "Installing the USB 2.0 Driver. " Windows 2000 Users: If you do not have Service Pack 4 you will need to install the supplied USB 2.0 driver. Instructions are provided in "Installing the USB 2.0 Driver.
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Page 17: System Requirements For Mac
System Requirements for Mac What you need for the Drive itself: • Mac or Power Mac with a PowerPC or Intel processor • Mac OS 10. or later • Available USB .0 or USB 1.1 port Password Security requires: MB of free computer hard disk space for the SecureHD Login software PushButton Backup requires: •... - Page 18 IMPORtANt NOteS: If using a USB 1.1 connection the device will operate at USB 1.1 speeds (up to 12 Mbps). Mac OS 10.2 users whose Drives are 128 GB or larger: Mac OS 10.2 does not recognize FAt32/MS-DOS formatted volumes larger than 128 GB.
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Page 20: Getting To Know Your Acomdata Drive
Getting to Know Your AcomData Drive... -
Page 21: The Drive At A Glance
The Drive at a Glance utton ights uP blue when the riVe is PowereD on lAshes reD when reADing or writing DAtA . (r ress to run A bAckuP oPerAtion equires instAllAtion oF the utton AckuP soFt ’ wAre ee the utton AckuP uiDe For inFormAtion lloy tAnd... -
Page 22: The Drive In-Depth
The Drive In-Depth About Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Your AcomData Drive is equipped with a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface. (USB stands for "Universal Serial Bus.") USB 2.0 has a maximum interface transfer rate (i.e. bandwidth) of 480 Mbps (Megabits per second). That's 40 times faster than the earlier standard, USB 1.1, which has a bandwidth of 12 Mbps). -
Page 23: Cd + Securehd
USB-equipped hubs. A typical USB hub can accommodate sev- eral USB devices. CD + SecureHD Your AcomData Drive uses an advanced partition scheme called CD + SecureHD. The Drive was formatted at the factory with two partitions. As the name suggests, one is the CD partition; the other is the HD (Hard Disk) partition. -
Page 24: Password Security
Devices with Removable Storage with the label "CD PART." On the Mac OS it will appear on the Desktop and in the Finder. The CD partition stores the software and documentation bun- dled with your Drive, so they go wherever your Drive goes. This has three main benefits: 1) if your Drive is password protected, no matter what computer you connect it to, the Drive is always secure;... - Page 25 window. (The CD partition will mount automatically, whether you login or not.) On Windows, Password Security comes enabled and armed with a pre-set password. You can create your own password, or you can disable Password Security. To use Password Security on a Mac you must first install the SecureHD Login software.
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Page 26: Pushbutton™ Backup
Synchronization (Sync) Synchronization, or Sync, is one of the most powerful features available with your AcomData Drive. While providing the benefits of data redundancy, the Sync operation synchronizes the data on two or more hard drives, so you can work from multiple drives without the need to keep track of what files are on which drives. -
Page 27: Mac & Pc Ready
PushButton Backup User's Guide. Mac & PC Ready Your AcomData Drive was formatted at the factory with the FAT32 file system. Since FAT32 is supported by both Windows and the Mac OS, the Drive is compatible with both Mac and PC right out of the box. -
Page 28: Fanless Design
Fanless Design All hard drives generate some heat during normal operation. However, your AcomData Drive was engineered to: a) generate less heat, and; b) dissipate what heat it does generate so effi- ciently that it doesn’t need a fan. The results are: a sleeker, more compact design, and;... -
Page 29: Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications Dimensions: ............4.6" X 1.37" X 8.13"; 117 X 35 x 206.5 (mm) Weight ......................1.09 Kg / 2.4 lbs. Interface: ......................Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Interface transfer rate (max) ..................480 Mbps Data buffer (cache) ......................8 MB Rotational speed ......................7200 RPM Latency (average) ...................... -
Page 30: Drive Installation & Setup
Drive Installation & Setup... -
Page 31: Setting Up The Drive
Choosing an Orientation (Vertical or Horizontal) Your AcomData Drive can be placed on your desktop in either the vertical or horizontal position. If you do not plan to stack on additional AcomData Drives, we recommend the vertical position, as this orientation takes up the minimum amount of desktop space. - Page 32 1. If the screws and nuts are not already affixed to the stand, insert the two screws through the two holes from the underside of the stand. Screw a nut onto the end of each screw just far enough to hold the nut to the screw.
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Page 33: Horizontal Placement
Horizontal Placement Do not discard the stand. the label with your Drive’s Model and Serial numbers may be affixed to the underside of the stand (it may also be affixed to the back of the Drive). In the event that you need warranty service, you will need to send us the stand along with the Drive itself. - Page 34 Affixing the rubber feet to the Drive case It is highly recommended you use the supplied rubber feet for horizontal placement and stacking of Drives. The feet help keep the Drive securely in place, and they also prevent the Drive case from possibly scuffing your desktop.
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Page 35: Installing The Usb 2.0 Driver
Installing the USB 2.0 Driver If you are using Windows 98SE or Windows 2000 (Service Pack 3 or earlier) you need to install the USB 2.0 driver on the supplied CD before connecting the Drive. Follow the instructions below. All other users can proceed to "Connecting the Drive to Your Computer."... -
Page 36: Connecting The Drive
Connecting the Drive About the USB cable… the USB cable supplied with your AcomData Drive is both USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 compatible, so you may use either type of connection on your computer or hub. each end of the USB cable has different con- nectors called type A and type B. - Page 37 Connecting the Drive to Your Computer 1. The pins of the AC adapter connector are arranged such that the connector can be inserted into the Drive’s Power Port only one way. Orient the connec- tor correctly and insert it into the Power Port. It should not require much force to plug in.
- Page 38 USB 2.0/1.1 Port Power Switch To AC outlet (If plug has three prongs, be sure to plug into a three- USB Type B prong outlet.) Connector Power Port USB Type A Connector USB Cable Plug into to a USB 2.0 /1.1 port on your computer or USB hub.
- Page 39 What to do next… Windows Users: After you turn on the Drive, the CD partition will mount (it will appear in My Computer labeled "CD PART") and the SecureHD Login window will appear on screen. You can either keep Password Security enabled, or you can dis- able it if you do not want to secure the HD partition.
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Page 40: Using Password Security
Using Password Security... -
Page 41: Password Security For Windows
Password Security for Windows Changing the Password You can change the password at any time. Doing so will not affect any data stored on your Drive. 1. In order to change the password, the Drive must be connected to your computer and powered on. (See "Connecting the Drive to Your Computer"... -
Page 42: Disabling Password Security
6. In the Hint field, type in a word or short phrase that will help you remember your password in case you forget it. Click OK. 7. You will see a message telling you to unplug and plug in the device. -
Page 43: Enabling Password Security
. Check Disable Password Security. . In the Current Password field, enter the current password. If this is your first time using Password Security, enter 12345 (this is the factory pre-set). . You will see a message telling you to unplug and plug in the device. - Page 44 tion will be displayed. . Double-click PWMangr.exe. . In the New Password field, enter a password. The password must contain at least four characters. . In the Confirm New Password field, enter the password again. 6. In the Hint field, type in a word or short phrase that will help you remember your password in the event that you forget what it is.
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Page 45: Password Security For Mac
Password Security for Mac Installing the SecureHD Login Software Before you can use Password Security on a Mac you need to install the SecureHD Login software. 1. In order to install the software, the Drive must be connected to your computer, powered on and mounted. (See "Connecting the Drive to Your Computer"... -
Page 46: Changing The Password
Changing the Password You can change the password at any time. Doing so will not affect any data stored on your Drive. 1. In order to change the password, the Drive must be connected to your computer, powered on and mounted. (See "Connecting the Drive to Your Computer"... -
Page 47: Disabling Password Security
tions. To do so, drag each partition to the trash one at a time. After the partitions have been unmounted, unplug and then plug in the USB cable from your computer. . To log in, double-click on the SecureHD Login icon, enter your password and click Login. -
Page 48: Enabling Password Security
unplug the USB cable, you must unmount the CD and HD parti- tions. To do so, drag each partition to the trash one at a time. After the partitions have been unmounted, unplug and then plug in the USB cable from your computer. Enabling Password Security You can enable Password Security at any time. - Page 49 device for the change to take effect. Click OK, but before you unplug the USB cable, you must unmount the CD and HD parti- tions. To do so, drag each partition to the trash one at a time. After the partitions have been unmounted, unplug and then plug in the USB cable from your computer.
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Page 50: What If You Forget Your Password
If you want to regain the use of your Drive you will need to con- tact AcomData Technical Support. A Technical Support specialist will assist you in re-formatting the HD partition and re-setting the password, which require a special procedure. You will not be able to recover your data, but at least the Drive will again be fully functional. -
Page 52: Using & Maintaining Your Drive
Using & Maintaining Your Drive... -
Page 53: How To Properly Turn Off And Disconnect The Drive
Remove Hardware icon (the icon with the green arrow). A pop- up message will appear with a list of devices connected to your computer. . Select the AcomData Drive. (The device letters for both the CD and HD partitions will appear together in the list.) After a few... -
Page 54: Mac Users
seconds both of the partitions will unmount and Windows will give you a message that it is safe to remove the device. . Click OK. You can then safely turn off and/or disconnect the Drive. Mac Users From the Desktop: One at a time, drag the Drive's CD PART and HD PART icons to the Trash. -
Page 55: Naming The Hd Partition
Naming the HD Partition The default name (label) of the HD partition is "HD PART." You can change the label, if you wish, in order to make the name more meaningful to you (e.g. "My Work", "HD 1", etc.) If you plan to re-format the HD partition, you will have the opportunity to re- name the partition during the formatting process. - Page 56 . Enter a new name in the icon label and press Return. Mac Users: Option 1: 1. Click on the HD PART icon on the Desktop and press Return to highlight the label. . Type in a new name and press Return. You may be required to enter an administrator password before the change is accepted.
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Page 57: Re-Formatting The Hd Partition
(the smallest unit of data storage on a disk). The HD partition of your AcomData Drive was formatted at the factory with the FAT32 file system. This makes the Drive compat- ible with both Mac and PC, and ready to use right out of the... - Page 58 • FAT32 is the standard file system used on Windows SE and Me, and is supported under Windows XP, 000 and the Mac OS. Think of FAT as the "universal" PC and Mac file system. Your AcomData Drive was formatted at the factory with the FAT file system to make it compatible on both Macs and PCs.
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Page 59: Choosing A File System
Choosing a File System If you plan to use the Drive only on Windows XP or 2000, we recommend re-formatting the Drive with the NTFS file system. If you plan to use the Drive only on a Mac, we recommend re-formatting the Drive with one of the Mac OS Extended file systems (HFS Plus). -
Page 60: Formatting The Hd Partition In Windows Xp Or 2000
Formatting the HD Partition in Windows XP or 2000 1. Disable any anti-virus software you may have running. . Double-click on My Computer. In the My Computer window you should see the HD PART icon. . Right-click the HD PART icon and select Format… in the pop-up menu. -
Page 61: Formatting The Hd Partition In Windows Me Or 98Se
Formatting the HD Partition in Windows Me or 98SE 1. Disable any anti-virus software you may have running. . Double-click on My Computer. In the My Computer window, right-click the HD PART icon and select Format. In the Format window, verify the capacity; it should be close to the stated capacity of your Drive in megabytes. -
Page 62: Formatting The Hd Partition In Mac Os
Formatting the HD Partition in Mac OS X 1. Launch Disk Utility in the Applications folder. . The Disk Utility window will open. In the small window at the left, click the HD PART icon. . Click on the Erase tab. In the Erase window you will see a Volume Format pop-up menu and a Name field. -
Page 63: Performing Routine Tasks
Performing Routine Tasks Opening Files and Folders 1. Double-click on the Drive icon. A window showing the Drive's contents will appear. . Double-click on the file or folder that you want to open. Copying Files and Folders to Your Drive 1. Single-click the file or folder you want to copy in order to high- light it. -
Page 64: Maintaining Your Drive
Maintaining your Drive A hard drive is a very sophisticated and sensitive device that requires proper care and maintenance to ensure the longest pos- sible life, reliable operation and—most importantly—the integ- rity of your stored data. Defragmenting and Optimizing a Hard Drive A hard drive stores data on disks called platters. -
Page 65: Examining And Repairing A Hard Drive
for fragments or free clusters. We recommend using defragmentation and optimization soft- ware to maximize storage efficiency and optimize performance. Optimization re-organizes files so that the files you use most often can be accessed more quickly. Defragmentation (defragging) con- solidates file fragments into more efficient contiguous clusters. Examining and Repairing a Hard Drive There are a number of reasons why a hard drive may become dam- aged or the data may become corrupted. -
Page 66: Protecting Your Data From Viruses
Protecting Your Data from Viruses One of the greatest threats to your data comes from viruses. These nasty-sounding creatures are insidious programs created by malefactors. Some viruses are designed to render your com- puter inoperable; others will erase files. The worst part is you may not be aware that your system has been infected until it’s too late. -
Page 67: Stacking Drives
Stacking Drives Your AcomData Drive was designed to be stackable so that you can add even more high-performance data storage without tak- ing up more desktop space. For this section we assume that you already have a AcomData Drive installed on your system, and that the Drive is placed in the horizontal position. -
Page 68: Help & Other Information
Help & Other Information... -
Page 69: Troubleshooting & Tech Support
Troubleshooting & Tech Support If you experience a problem with your AcomData product, you should take the following actions in the order specified: 1. Make sure you followed the instructions in this guide. . Consult the Troubleshooting sections of this guide. . If the issue you are having is still not resolved, contact Technical Support using one of the following options: a) via the online Technical Support form at www.acomdata.com;... -
Page 70: Troubleshooting For Windows Users
Troubleshooting for Windows Users The Drive will not power on on. A: Make sure the connections are secure. My computer does not recognize the Drive. A: Possible reasons: • Make sure all of the connections are secure. • If you have an add-on card, make sure it is working properly and update the software/firmware. Also, make sure you have the latest updates for your operating system. - Page 71 When the Partition Wizard appears, select Primary Partition and click on Next. You will see a default value for the AcomData Drive; click Next. You will then see a drive letter (you can change this drive letter if you wish); click Next. You will then be asked to format the AcomData Drive.
- Page 72 A: Windows XP and 2000 users will get this alert message if you plugged the Drive into a USB port that only support USB 1.1. This is fine, except your AcomData Drive will operate USB 1.1 speeds (up to 12 Mbps).
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Page 73: Troubleshooting For Mac Users
Also, make sure you have the latest updates for your operating system. When I leave my computer idle for a while and come back, my AcomData Drive won’t work properly. A: The most likely cause is that your computer is going to sleep. The immediate solution is to restart your computer. To prevent this problem from recurring, go into your Energy Saver prefer- ences and set it to never go into Sleep mode. - Page 74 Performance seems to be slower than 480 Mbps. A: First, in order to reach USB 2.0 speeds, you need a connection that supports USB 2.0. If the connection only supports USB 1.1 the Drive will operate at USB 1.1 speeds (up to 12 Mbps). The Drive will auto-sense the speed of your USB port and adjust between USB 1.1 and USB 2.0.
- Page 75 Drive in order to use it on Mac OS X. Using another comput- er if necessary, copy the data stored on your Drive to a second hard drive or other storage device. Re-initialize the AcomData Drive on Mac OS X, and then copy the data from the second storage device back to the AcomData Drive.
- Page 76 Specialist will assist you in arranging for service. What you need to obtain warranty service: 1) A copy of the bill of sale for your AcomData product; ) A Returned Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number that is assigned to your product by your TSS. An RMA can only be gen- erated if the product has been registered online at www.acom-...
- Page 77 Drive and the computers. Q: Do I have to format my AcomData Drive prior to using it? A: No. All AcomData Drives are formatted at the factory with the FAT32 file system, making them compatible on Mac and PC right out of the box. You can re-format the Drive if you wish to use a file system other than FAT32.
- Page 78 A: All hard drives generate some heat during normal opera- tion, which is why hard drives often have big, noisy fans. The AcomData Drive was engineered to be more efficient and to generate so little heat that it does not need a fan, allowing us to make the drive as compact and lightweight—and quiet—as...
- Page 79 2 number system. Manufacturers of operating systems do not need to concern themselves with this issue, so they typically use the more traditional binary method. Q: Can I use my AcomData Drive to copy an operating system from one computer to another? A: You cannot transfer an installed operating system to another computer or hard drive simply by copying the operating sys- tem’s files.
- Page 80 You can then use your AcomData Drive to copy over your files (except the operating system).
- Page 81 Glossary of Terms Bit - The basic unit of binary data, Device Driver – A software program represented logically as a 1 or a 0. that enables a computer to commu- nicate with peripheral devices, such Bit - The basic unit of binary data, as hard drives and CD-ROM drives.
- Page 82 MB (Megabyte) – 1,048,576 bytes cific file system. Formatting is often referred to as initializing on the Mac. (binary); 1,000,000 bytes (decimal). Gigabyte – 1,024 megabytes (bina- Partition – A fixed amount of ry); 1,000 megabytes (decimal), or reserved storage space on a hard approximately one billion bytes.
- Page 83 One Year Limited Warranty “P ”) AtA wArrAnts this ProDuct roDuct AgAinst DeFects in mAteriAl or workmAnshiP As Follows 1. lAbor: F or A PerioD oF one YeAr From the originAl DAte oF PurchAse From or its locAl rePresentAtiVe suPPlier AtA will rePAir DeFectiVe roDuct At its oPtion rePlAce with A new or recertiFieD ProDuct...
- Page 84 ’ loss oF DAtA loss oF use oF the ProDuct or AnY AssociAteD equiPment Down time AnD PurchAser time his wArrAntY extenDs onlY to You the originAl PurchAser t is not trAnsFerAble to AnY one who subsequentlY PurchAses the roDuct From You rooF oF PurchAse in the Form oF A bill oF sAle which is eViDence thAt the...
- Page 85 Notices oPYrights © 2006 D oPYright icro ll rights reserVeD o PArt oF this PublicAtion mAY be reProDuceD storeD in A retrieVAl sYstem or trAnsmitteD in AnY Form bY AnY meAns electronic mechAnicAl PhotocoPYing recorDing or otherwise without the Prior written consent oF icro rADemArks AtA nAme AnD its logos Are registereD trADemArks oF...
- Page 86 Copyright © 2006 AcomData. All rights reserved. The AcomData name and its logos are registered trademarks of Dura Micro, Inc. Other trademarks mentioned or appearing in this document are the property of their respective owners. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.
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