USER’S GUIDE EXTERNAL Hi-Speed USB 2.
Contents 6 Contact AcomData Introduction 8 Welcome 10 Precautions 11 Package Contents 12 Product Warranty Registration 13 System Requirements for Windows 14 System Requirements for Mac Getting to Know Your AcomData HybridDrive 18 E5 HybridDrive at a Glance 19 19 20 21 24 25 25 27 28 E5 HybridDrive In-Depth VirtualCD + SecureHD Password Security Nomad Mobile Desktop (Windows only) PushButton™ Backup Synchronization (Sync) About Hi-Speed USB 2.
28 28 29 Fanless Design On-Off Switch Technical Specifications Installing Your HybridDrive 32 32 32 34 Placing the Drive on Your Desktop Choosing an Orientation (Vertical or Horizontal) Vertical Placement Horizontal Placement 36 Installing the USB 2.
56 57 Disabling Password Security Enabling Password Security 59 59 What if You Forget Your Password? Resetting the Password 61 Re-Naming the HD Partition 62 Performing Basic Tasks Setting Up & Using HybridDrive on a Mac 64 64 65 66 67 68 Using Password Security Installing SecureHD Login Logging in Changing the Password Disabling Password Security Enabling Password Security 70 70 What if You Forget Your Password? Resetting the Password 72 How to Safely Turn Off & Disconnect the Drive 74 Perfor
79 81 81 82 83 About the Most Common File Systems: Formatting the HD Partition Formatting the HD Partition in Windows XP or 2000 Formatting the HD Partition in Windows Me or 98SE Formatting the HD Partition on a Mac Help & Other Information 86 86 87 88 89 Maintaining Your Drive Defragmenting and Optimizing a Hard Drive Examining and Repairing a Hard Drive Protecting Your Data from Malware Cleaning the Drive Case 90 Stacking Drives 91 92 96 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting for Windows Users Troubleshoo
Contact AcomData Address: 3410 Pomona Blvd., Pomona, CA 91710 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.
Introduction
Welcome Welcome, and thank you for choosing an AcomData E5 HybridDrive. Your HybridDrive features high-quality construction, advanced engineering, and state-of-the-art data storage technology, designed to provide years of reliable, user-friendly performance. Your HybridDrive 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). * Viewing PDF documents requires Adobe Acrobat/Reader v.
Symbols used in this guide: Alerts the reader to a warning or important information. Indicates information specific to Mac users. Indicates a helpful tip or other useful information. Indicates information specific to Windows users. Alerts the reader to important information about USB-related issues.
Precautions Please follow the precautions listed below. Not doing so may result in damage to the device, loss of data, and voiding of the warranty. • If using this device for general-purpose storage, we strongly recommend 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. • Do not expose the device to damp or wet conditions.
Package Contents AcomData E5 HybridDrive & Stand CD USB cable HybridDrive User’s Guide Mail-In Registration Card AC Adapter & Power Cord Rubber Feet If you are missing any item shown above, please contact Customer Service at customerservice@acomdata.com, or call 800-470-4495.
Product Warranty Registration Register online at www.acomdata.com. Once you enter the site, click on Product Registration and follow the instructions. Advantages of Online Registration: 1. It’s fast, free, and your product is registered immediately; 2. Free unlimited online technical support; 3. 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; 4.
System Requirements for Windows What you need for the Drive itself: • Minimum 233 MHz processor (Pentium, Celeron, AMD, etc.) • Windows XP (Home, Professional, x64, MCE), 2000, Me or 98SE • Available USB 2.0 or USB 1.1* port * If using a USB 1.1 connection, data transfers will be at USB 1.1 speeds (up to 12 Mbps). Password Security has no additional requirements.
System Requirements for Mac What you need for the Drive itself: • Mac with a G3 (or later) or Intel processor • Mac OS 10.2 or later • Available USB 2.0 or USB 1.1* port * If using a USB 1.1 connection, data transfers will be at USB 1.1 speeds (up to 12 Mbps). Password Security requires 5 MB of free computer hard disk space for the SecureHD Login software. PushButton™ Backup and Sync use the supplied Redemption backup software, which requires: • Mac OS 10.
1. If you don’t need Windows compatibility, you can re-format the Drive using one of the Mac OS Extended file systems. See "Re-Formatting the Drive" for instructions; 2. If you want to maintain Windows compatibility, you can partition the Drive such that no partition is larger than 128 GB. Partitioning a hard disk will erase any data stored on the disk. Go to http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107483 for instructions; 3. Before you connect the Drive, upgrade to Mac OS 10.3 or later.
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Getting to Know Your AcomData HybridDrive
E5 HybridDrive at a Glance PushButton Lights up blue when the Drive is powered on. Flashes red when reading or writing data. Press to run a backup operation. (Requires installation of the supplied software.) Removable Stand Can be removed for horizontal placement or stacking of Drives. Power Switch Turn the Drive on and off as needed while your computer is running. See “How to Properly Turn Off and Disconnect the Drive” for details. USB 2.0/1.1 Port The supplied USB cable plugs in here.
E5 HybridDrive In-Depth This chapter describes, in detail, the innovative features available with your AcomData HybridDrive. We recommend you take a few moments to read it through and discover what makes your HybridDrive so much more than a highperformance data storage device. VirtualCD + SecureHD Your HybridDrive uses an advanced partition scheme called VirtualCD + SecureHD. The Drive was formatted at the factory with two partitions.
ity of Password Security and the Nomad Mobile Desktop applications possible, enabling you to use these features on any compatible computer. (More on Password Security and Nomad Mobile Desktop below.) The CD partition is read-only; you cannot delete it or modify it. The HD partition is a standard hard disk partition that mounts to your system just like any other hard disk volume, except you have the option to secure it using Password Security.
value (a fixed-sized output generated from a variable-sized amount of text). The hash is one-way only, so it is extremely difficult to decrypt, making Password Security very secure—to say the least. It is so secure, in fact, that if you forget your password you will simply never be able to access the stored data. The data is effectively lost. Luckily, you'll have a password hint to help you remember. The hash value is stored on the Drive itself, not your computer.
The Mobile Desktop appears on screen when your HybridDrive mounts to your system. It remains on screen only for as long as you need it to. It will disappear if you click on another part of the screen or after a period of inactivity. To view the Mobile Desktop at any time, simply click the Nomad icon in the Windows Taskbar. Please Note: If you want to use PushButton™ Backup or Sync, you must activate Nomad.
application that you can launch from within the Mobile Desktop at any time. (For instructions on using PushButton™ Backup, Sync and other functions in Redemption, see the PushButton™ Backup User's Guide.) OpenOffice.org OpenOffice.org is an office suite from Sun Microsystems. It includes a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation program, vector graphics editor, and database component. OpenOffice.org is compatible with Microsoft Office and other office suites.
that lets you talk to people around the world using your computer. Features include voice calls, text messaging and conferencing. Calls between Skype users are free. You can even place calls to traditional phones (charges may apply). For more information about Skype, go to www.skype.com. Utilities Nomad also comes with several utilities to help you quickly access your stored files, track disk usage, and manage settings and Password Security.
PushButton Backup, are provided in the PushButton Backup User's Guide, located on the CD partition of your Drive. Synchronization (Sync) Sync allows you to easily synchronize the data on two or more computers/hard drives. You can work from multiple drives without the need to keep track of what files are on which drives. Sync is one of the operations that can be launched via the PushButton. A more detailed explanation and instructions are provided in the PushButton Backup User's Guide.
number of files being transferred, and; the speed at which other devices can transfer data to/from the Drive. Also, as is the case with any data I/O (input/output) technology, some bandwidth is taken up by the protocols that structure and govern data transmissions—this is called interface overhead. Given these and other factors, in day-to-day use you can expect to get maximum, sustained transfer rates in the mid30s MB/s (Megabytes per second).
support up to 127 USB devices. However, connecting more than a few USB devices to a computer usually requires the use of one or more USB-equipped hubs. A typical USB hub can accommodate several USB devices. Exclusive 16-Bit RISC Processor While other USB controllers use 8-bit processors, AcomData's USB controller has an exclusive, on-board 16-bit RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) processor. In benchmark lab tests, this controller was up to 22% faster than other USB 2.0 controllers.
Hot-Pluggable You can connect/disconnect the Drive while your computer, and the Drive itself, are running (i.e. "hot"). Fanless Design All hard drives generate heat during normal operation. However, your AcomData Drive was engineered to dissipate heat so efficiently that it doesn’t need a fan. The results are a sleeker, more compact design, and near-silent operation. On-Off Switch It's a simple thing, but it's powerful too.
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).................
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Installing Your HybridDrive
Placing the Drive on Your Desktop Place the Drive on a sturdy, flat surface. Do not place the Drive on an unstable or makeshift base, such as a stack of books, that may be prone to collapse or toppling. Choosing an Orientation (Vertical or Horizontal) Your AcomData Drive can be placed on your desktop in either the vertical or horizontal position.
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. Do not tighten the nuts. 2. With both screws and nuts in place, push down on each screw head to make sure the screws extend through the holes as far as they will go. 3.
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. Removing the stand Use a screw driver with the proper type and size head to loosen the two screws located on the underside of the stand.
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. 1. Decide whether you want the PushButton to be located on the left or right side when the Drive is in the horizontal position, and select the appropriate side on which to affix the feet. 2.
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." 1. Insert the CD into your computer's CD/DVD drive. 2. The installation program will launch automatically. Follow the instructions in the InstallShield Wizard. 3.
Connecting the Drive to Your Computer Refer to the illustration on the next page when following the instructions below. 1. Plug the AC adapter into the Drive's Power Port. The connector can be inserted only one way. Do not force it. If the connector will not go in, check the orientation and try again. Do not force the connector or you may damage it and/or the Drive and void the warranty. 2. Plug the power cord into the socket in the AC adapter. Then plug the other end into an AC outlet.
USB 2.0/1.1 Port Power Switch To AC outlet (If plug has three prongs, be sure to plug into a threeprong outlet.) USB Type B Connector Power Port USB Cable Power Cord AC Adapter 38 USB Type A Connector Plug into to a USB 2.0 /1.1 port on your computer or USB hub.
5. Flip the power switch on the back of the Drive to turn it on. After the Drive powers up, the CD partition will mount. On Windows, you will see an icon labelled 'CD PART' in My Computer under Devices with Removable Storage. On the Mac, an icon labelled 'CD PART' will appear on the Desktop and in the Finder's Sidebar. 6. Your next step depends on your operating system: Windows users: Proceed to "Setting Up & Using HybridDrive on Windows." Mac users: Proceed to "Setting Up & Using HybridDrive on a Mac.
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Setting Up & Using HybridDrive on Windows
Setting Up the Drive This chapter will help you set up your HybridDrive with the custom features you want. Please follow the instructions carefully. Step 1: Confirm the Drive has been recognized by your PC After you connect the Drive, the following should occur: 1. You will see a series of 'Found New Hardware' pop-up alerts on the Taskbar. The final alert will say 'Your new hardware is installed and ready to use'. 2. The Drive's CD partition will mount.
HybridDrive Welcome Screen Step 2: Deactivate the Welcome Screen? By default, the Welcome Screen is set to appear whenever a secured Drive mounts. If you plan to keep Password Security enabled, but you don't want to see the Welcome Screen every time you mount the Drive, check 'Do not display the Welcome Screen next time'. The next time you mount the Drive you will be taken directly to the Password Security Login window.
Step 3: Change the pre-set password or disable Password Security Your HybridDrive came from the factory armed with a pre-set password. If you wish to keep Password Security enabled, you should change this password (see Option 1 below). If you do not want to secure your Drive you can disable Password Security (see Option 2). Option 1: Changing the Pre-set Password: 1. In the Welcome Screen, click on 'Change Password'. A window titled 'SecureHD Login' will appear. 2.
after you re-connect the Drive. If you did not check this option, the Welcome Screen will appear. In that case, click on 'Login' to display the SecureHD Login window. Enter your password and click OK. You will see an alert message which says, 'Login successful. The HD partition is now mounted and ready to use.' Click OK or just wait for the message to time out. 8. Proceed to Step 4. Option 2: Disabling Password Security: 1. In the Welcome Screen, click on 'Disable Password Security'.
Step 4: Activate Nomad Mobile Desktop? After you complete Step 3, a new window will appear asking if you wish to activate the Nomad Mobile Desktop. (See 'HybridDrive In-Depth' for information on the Nomad Mobile Desktop and descriptions of the bundled software applications.) Activating Nomad requires no fees or license codes. Nomad is yours to enjoy with our compliments.
To activate Nomad, click OK. All included software will be installed to the HD partition. The installation may take several minutes and requires approximately 300 MB of disk space. When the installation is complete the Mobile Desktop will appear on screen and the Nomad icon will appear in the Taskbar. The Redemption splash screen and graphical user interface (GUI) will also momentarily appear on screen, and the Redemption icon will show up in the Taskbar.
How to Safely Turn Off & Disconnect the Drive Before you learn anything else about using your HybridDrive you should learn how to properly turn it off and disconnect it from your computer. The procedure is very simple, but if not done correctly, you could lose data or damage the Drive and your computer. About Mounting and Unmounting Apart from physically connecting an external hard drive to a computer, before a hard drive can be used, it must be "mounted" to your operating system.
The steps required to unmount your HybridDrive depends on whether or not you activated the Nomad Mobile Desktop. How to Unmount the Drive if Nomad is Activated 1. If the Nomad Mobile Desktop is not on screen, click the Nomad icon in the Taskbar. 2. Click the Eject button on the Mobile Desktop. You will see a message telling you it is safe to remove the device. 3. You can then safely turn off and/or disconnect the Drive. How to Unmount the Drive if Nomad is Not Activated 1.
Using Nomad Viewing the Mobile Desktop If Nomad was activated, the Mobile Desktop will appear on screen whenever the Drive mounts to your system. It will disappear if you click on another part of the screen or after a period of inactivity. To view the Nomad Mobile Desktop at any time, click on the Nomad icon in the Taskbar. Take the Tour! Click 'Tour' on the Nomad Mobile Desktop to view a short presentation that will quickly explains Nomad's features.
How to set applications auto-launch 1. If the Mobile Desktop is not on screen, click on the Nomad icon in the Taskbar. 2. On the Mobile Desktop, click 'Device Info'. 3. In the Device Info window, click the Settings tab. 4. Under Settings, check the applications you want to autolaunch, and click OK. The applications you check will autolaunch the next time you mount the Drive. Using Redemption Redemption can be used as a stand-alone application or in conjunction with PushButton Backup.
the Redemption splash screen and user interface will briefly flash on screen; the Redemption icon will appear in the Taskbar and remain there as long as Redemption is active. Redemption will remain active and in the background as long as you do not manually quit the application, or as long as the Drive is mounted to your system. Redemption will remain in the background until you call it up, either by clicking 'Backup' in the Mobile Desktop or by pressing the PushButton on the Drive.
You can also visit the software manufacturers' web sites for assistance and further information: • OpenOffice.org: www.openoffice.org • Thunderbird: www.mozilla.com/thunderbird/ • Skype: www.skype.
Using Password Security Changing the Password You can change the password at any time. Doing so will not affect any data stored on your Drive. 1. Make sure the Drive is connected to your computer and powered on. 2. There are a number of ways to access the window that lets you change the password. Select an option below and then proceed to step 3. From the Welcome Screen: Click on 'Change Password'. From the SecureHD Login window: Click the Options button.
4. In the New Password field, enter your new password. 5. In the Confirm New Password field, re-enter the new password. 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. Click OK, then unplug and plug in the USB cable connected to the Drive. 8. After you re-connect the Drive, either the Welcome Screen or the SecureHD Login window will appear.
Disabling Password Security You can disable Password Security at any time. Doing so will not affect any data stored on your Drive. 1. Make sure the Drive is connected to your computer and powered on. 2. There are a number of ways to access the window that lets you disable Password Security. Select an option below and then proceed to step 3. From the Welcome Screen: Click on 'Disable Password Security'. From the SecureHD Login window: Click the Options button.
5. You will see a message telling you to unplug and plug in the device. Click OK, then unplug and plug in the USB cable connected to the Drive. 6. After you re-connect the Drive, both the CD partition and the HD partition will mount automatically. You can confirm this by going to My Computer where you should see the CD PART and HD PART icons. Enabling Password Security You can enable Password Security at any time. Doing so will not affect any data stored on your Drive. 1.
3. In the New Password field, enter a password. 4. In the Confirm New Password field, re-enter the password. 5. 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. 6. You will see a message telling you to unplug and plug in the device. Click OK, then unplug and plug in the USB cable connected to the Drive. 7. After you re-connect the Drive, either the Welcome Screen or the SecureHD Login window will appear.
What if You Forget Your Password? Password Security allows three consecutive attempts to enter your password. If the third attempt is unsuccessful you can view your Hint and try again. If you permanently forget your password you will not be able to access the HD partition. For all intents and purposes, the HD partition will be rendered unusable, and any data stored on the HD partition will effectively be lost.
How to reset the password 1. Double-click 'CD PART' in My Computer. In the CD PART window, double-click ONSPCPRT.exe. 2. The Reset Password window will launch. Follow the instructions on screen. You will receive a series of warnings reminding you of the consequences of resetting the password and giving you the option to cancel. 3. If you proceed to reset the password, the HD partition will be erased. Once the HD partition is erased, you will receive a message telling you the password was reset.
Re-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. Option 1: 1. Go to My Computer and click on the HD PART icon. 2. With the HD PART icon highlighted, go to the File menu and select Properties. 3.
Performing Basic Tasks Opening Files and Folders 1. Double-click on the HD PART icon in My Computer, or if you have Nomad activated, click Explore on the Mobile Desktop. A window showing the Drive's contents will appear. 2. 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 highlight it. 2. Go to “Edit --> Copy.” 3. Double-click the Drive icon to open it.
Setting Up & Using HybridDrive on a Mac
Using Password Security After you connect the Drive and turn it on, an icon labelled 'CD PART' will appear on the Desktop and in the Finder's Sidebar. Because the Drive came from the factory with Password Security enabled, the HD partition will not mount until you install the Secure HD Login software and either replace the factory pre-set password with one of your own, or disable Password Security. Installing SecureHD Login 1. Double-click the CD PART icon on the Desktop or in the Finder. 2.
4. Follow the instructions on screen to install the software. 5. When installation is complete, you will need to re-start your computer. After your computer re-starts, you will notice the SecureHD Login icon on the Desktop. Logging in 1. Double-click the SecureHD Login icon on the Desktop to launch the SecureHD Login window. 2. In the SecureHD Login window, enter your password and click Login. The HD partition, labeled "HD PART", will mount to the Desktop and in the Finder.
Changing the Password You can change the password at any time. Doing so will not affect any data stored on your Drive. 1. Make sure the Drive is connected to your computer and powered on. 2. Double-click on the SecureHD Login icon on the Desktop. The SecureHD Login window will appear on screen. 3. Click the Options button. 4. In the Current Password field, enter the current password. If this is your first time changing the password, enter 12345 (this is the factory pre-set). 5.
9. To log in, double-click on the SecureHD Login icon, enter your password and click Login. The HD partition, labeled "HD PART" will mount to the Desktop and in the Finder. Disabling Password Security You can disable Password Security at any time. Doing so will not affect any data stored on your Drive. 1. Make sure the Drive is connected to your computer and powered on. 2. Double-click on the SecureHD Login icon on the Desktop. The SecureHD Login window will appear on screen. 3. Click the Options button.
7. After you reconnect the Drive, the HD partition will mount. Enabling Password Security You can enable Password Security at any time. Doing so will not affect any data stored on your Drive. 1. Make sure the Drive is connected to your computer and powered on. 2. Double-click on the SecureHD Login icon on the Desktop. The SecureHD Login window will appear on screen. 3. Click the Options button. 4. In the New Password field, enter a password. 5. In the Confirm New Password field, re-enter the password. 6.
After the partitions have been unmounted, unplug and then plug in the USB cable from your computer. 8. Double-click on the SecureHD Login icon on the Desktop to access the login window. Enter your password and click Login. After a few moments, the SecureHD partition will mount.
What if You Forget Your Password? Password Security allows three consecutive attempts to enter your password. If the third attempt is unsuccessful you can view your Hint and try again. If you permanently forget your password you will not be able to access the HD partition. For all intents and purposes, the HD partition will be rendered unusable, and any data stored on the HD partition will effectively be lost.
How to reset the password 1. Double-click the SecureHD Login icon on the Desktop. 2. In the SecureHD Login window, click Options. 3. In the next window, click Reset Password. 4. The Reset Password window will launch. Follow the instructions on screen. You will receive a series of warnings reminding you of the consequences of resetting the password and giving you the option to cancel. 5. If you proceed to reset the password, the HD partition will be erased.
How to Safely Turn Off & Disconnect the Drive Before you learn anything else about using your HybridDrive you should learn how to properly turn it off and disconnect it from your computer. The procedure is very simple, but if not done correctly, you could lose data or damage the Drive and your computer. About Mounting and Unmounting Apart from physically connecting an external hard drive to a computer, before a hard drive can be used, it must be "mounted" to your operating system.
How to Unmount the Drive Option 1: From the Desktop: One at a time, drag the Drive's CD PART and HD PART icons to the Trash. After both icons disappear from the Desktop you can safely turn off and/or disconnect the Drive. Option 2: From within the Finder: Locate the CD PART and HD PART icons in the Sidebar. For each icon click the eject symbol (the triangle with the bar underneath). After both icons disappear you can safely turn off and/or disconnect the Drive.
Performing Basic Tasks Opening Files and Folders 1. Double-click on the Drive icon. A window showing the Drive's contents will appear. 2. 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 highlight it. 2. Go to “Edit --> Copy.” 3. Double-click the Drive icon to open it. If you want to copy the file or folder to a specific folder on the Drive, doubleclick that folder to open it. 4.
Renaming 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. Option 1: 1. Click on the HD PART icon on the Desktop and press Return. 2. Type a new name in the label field and press Return.
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Re-Formatting Your HybridDrive
About Formatting & File Systems Formatting a hard disk erases all data stored on the disk! Before you reformat or partition your Drive, be sure to save a copy of any files you wish to keep to another storage device. You can only re-format the HD partition. The CD partition cannot be altered or deleted. About Formatting Before a hard disk can be used to store data it must contain one or more partitions, and each partition must be formatted with a given file system.
out of the box. However, you may want to re-format the HD partition with another file system. This section provides a brief overview of the most common file systems used on Macs and PCs, and tips for selecting the file system that best suits your needs. About the Most Common File Systems: • FAT32 is the standard file system used on Windows 98SE and Me, and is supported under Windows XP, 2000 and the Mac OS. Think of FAT32 as the "universal" PC and Mac file system.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107863. • MS-DOS is the Windows/Mac-compatible file system available on the Mac OS. It is equivalent to FAT32. 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).
Formatting the HD Partition Formatting the HD Partition in Windows XP or 2000 1. Disable any anti-virus software you may have running. 2. Go to My Computer and right-click the HD PART icon. 3. Select Format… in the pop-up menu. The Format dialog box will appear. 4. Under Capacity, verify the capacity. It should be close to the stated capacity of your Drive in gigabytes. 5. In the File System pop-up menu, select the file system. 6. In the Allocation unit size pop up, select “Default allocation size.” 7.
Formatting the HD Partition in Windows Me or 98SE 1. Disable any anti-virus software you may have running. 2. 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. 3. Under Format type, select Full; everything else should be left at the default setting.
Formatting the HD Partition on a Mac 1. Launch Disk Utility in the Applications folder. 2. The Disk Utility window will open. In the small window at the left, click the HD PART icon. 3. Click on the Erase tab. In the Erase window you will see a Volume Format pop-up menu and a Name field. 4. From the Volume Format pop-up, select a file system. If you plan to use the Drive only on a Mac, we recommend selecting the Mac OS Extended file system.
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Help & Other Information
Maintaining Your Drive A hard drive is a very sophisticated and sensitive device that requires proper care and maintenance to ensure the longest possible life, reliable operation and—most importantly— the integrity of your stored data. Defragmenting and Optimizing a Hard Drive A hard drive stores data on disks called platters. Each platter surface is divided into concentric tracks. Each track is divided into sectors.
and write data because the Drive’s read/write mechanism spends more time searching for fragments or free clusters. We recommend using defragmentation and optimization software 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) consolidates file fragments into more efficient contiguous clusters.
some time, so it’s wise to perform hard drive maintenance at times when you don’t need to use your computer. The good news is that, for the most part, you won’t need to tend to the computer while the software performs these operations. Protecting Your Data from Malware One of the greatest threats to your data comes from viruses and other malware, such as worms, trojan horses and spyware. (The term 'virus' is commonly used to refer to all forms of malware.
Cleaning the Drive Case Always unplug all cables from the Drive before cleaning it. Clean the Drive using a soft, dry cloth. For tough dirt, dampen a soft cloth with some neutral detergent diluted in 5 to 6 parts water; wipe off the dirt, then wipe off the Drive with a dry cloth. Do not use alcohol, paint thinner, or other chemicals; they may damage the case materials.
Stacking Drives Your AcomData Drive was designed to be stackable so that you can add even more high-performance data storage without taking up more desktop space. For this section we assume that you already have an AcomData Drive installed on your system, and that the Drive is placed in the horizontal position. 1. Follow the steps in the section “Horizontal Placement” to properly prepare a Drive for stacking. 2.
Troubleshooting 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. 2. Consult the Troubleshooting sections of this guide. 3. If the issue is still not resolved, contact Technical Support using one of the following options: a) via the Technical Support form at www.acomdata.com; b) via e-mail at techsupport@acomdata.
Troubleshooting for Windows Users The Drive will not power 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. • Make sure you have the latest updates for your operating system. The CD partition mounts but Nomad Mobile Desktop will not launch. First, be sure that the Nomad Mobile Desktop was activated.
the device. Unplug and plug in the USB cable connected to the Drive. The Drive should now mount properly and Nomad should launch. When I leave my computer idle for a while and come back, the Drive won’t work properly. A: The most likely cause is that your computer is going into Sleep mode. The immediate solution is to restart your computer. To prevent this problem from re-occurring, go into your Power Settings/Energy Saver and set it to where it never goes into Sleep mode.
I don’t see my AcomData Drive in My Computer, but it does appear in Device Manager (Windows XP & 2000 only). A: Right-click on My Computer. Select Manage in the pop-up menu. In the Computer Management window, select Storage, then select Disk Management. In the Disk Management window, you should see a list of available storage devices. Look for the Disk that has a capacity closest to your AcomData Drive. Right-click on the right-hand box; in the pop-up menu select Delete Partition.
After I connected the Drive, I got the following alert message: “Hi-Speed USB device plugged into non-Hi-Speed USB Hub.” 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). 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.
Troubleshooting for Mac Users The Drive will not power 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. • Make sure you have the latest updates for your operating system. It takes a very long time for the Drive to mount. We are aware of this issue on the Mac, though it is not really a technical problem.
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 preferences and set it to never go into Sleep mode. The Drive feels quite warm when powered on. Is this dangerous? A: When in operation, the Drive may feel quire warm to the touch. This is normal.
Obtaining Service If you experience a problem with your Acomdata product which cannot be resolved by Tech Support, your Tech Support 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; 2) A Returned Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number that is assigned to your product by your TSS. An RMA can only be generated if the product has been registered online at www.acomdata.com.
Frequently Asked Questions Q: Do I need to activate Nomad in order to use my HybridDrive? (Windows only) Activation of Nomad Mobile Desktop is optional and can be done at any time. However, if you want to use the PushButton™ Backup or Sync features of your HybridDrive, you must activate Nomad. This is because PushButton™ Backup and Sync need the Redemption Backup software in order to function, and Redemption is only available if you activate Nomad. Q: Are there any fees for activating Nomad? No.
Q: Do the applications bundled with Nomad have the same features as the stand-alone versions available directly from the software manufacturers? The short answer is "yes." The long answer is: most Nomad Mobile Desktop applications are customized portable versions of desktop applications offered by third-party software manufacturers. Generally speaking, it is safe to say that the portable versions are identical to the desktop versions, however we have no control over this.
Q: Will new applications be added to Nomad? Nomad was created with the intent of giving our customers the best possible portable software experience now and down the road. New applications for Nomad will be made available for download from the AcomData web site as they become available. Check www.acomdata.com for updates and new releases. Registered users will be notified of updates and new releases automatically via their Personal Support pages.
Q: Can I connect the Drive to a USB expansion card? A: Yes, but you may need to update the software/firmware for the card. We recommend you check with the card’s manufacturer for the latest updates. Q: Is the Drive compatible with Win 95, 98 (First Edition) or Windows NT? A: No. Q: Why doesn’t the Drive have a fan? A: All hard drives generate some heat during normal operation, which is why hard drives often have big, noisy fans.
volume on your computer's OS. The reason the number will be approximate is because the actual number of available bytes of storage on a 120 GB hard drive will not be exactly 120,000,000,000. It is actually a bit more than that. We just round down the figure to 120 GB for simplicity's sake. Hard drive manufacturers use the decimal method because it is simpler and less confusing to consumers who may not be familiar with the base 2 number system.
Glossary Bit - The basic unit of binary data, represented logically as a 1 or a 0. Buffer – See “Cache.” Bus – An electronic link that can convey data between devices, such as computers and peripherals. Byte – A basic unit of digital data, usually made up of eight bits (octet). A byte holds the equivalent of a single character, such as the letter A. Storage capacity is measured in bytes, kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB) etc.
files. A partition is formatted with a specific file system. Formatting is often referred to as initializing on the Mac. Gigabyte – 1,024 megabytes (binary); 1,000 megabytes (decimal), or approximately one billion bytes. Hub – A device which links peripherals onto the same data bus. Interface – Junction between two items of hardware or software for the exchange of data. Mbps (Megabits per second) – A measurement of data transmission speed.
One Year Limited Warranty AcomData warrants this product (the “Product ”) against defects in material or workmanship as follows: 1. LABOR: For a period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase from AcomData or its local representative supplier, AcomData will repair defective Product (or, at its option, replace with a new or recertified product) at no charge. After this 1 year period, you must pay for all labor charges. 2.
for breach of any expressed or implied warranty, breach of contract, negligence, strict liability, or any other legal theory related to this product. Such damages include, but are not limited to: loss of profits; loss of data; loss of use of the product or any associated equipment; down time and purchaser’s time. This warranty extends only to you, the original purchaser. It is not transferable to any one who subsequently purchases the Product from you.
Notices Copyrights Copyright © 2006 Dura Micro, Inc. All rights reserved. No 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 Dura Micro, Inc. Trademarks 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.
Copyright © 2006 Dura Micro, Inc. All rights reserved. The AcomData name and logo 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.
