Samsung SSD Magician User Manual Rev 3.
Copyright © Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. This material is copyrighted by Samsung Electronics. Any unauthorized reproductions, use or disclosure of this material, or any part thereof, is strictly prohibited and is a violation under copyright law. Samsung Electronics reserves the right to make changes in specifications contained herein at any time and without notice.
Contents CHAPTER 1 ................................................................................................................................................... 5 1.1 PRODUCT OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................................ 6 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................
.3 PREPARING THE DOS-BASED SECURE ERASE UTILITY ................................................................................................. 41 Creating a DOS-Bootable USB Drive containing the Secure Erase Utility ........................................... 41 4.4 USING THE SECURE ERASE UTILITY............................................................................................................................... 44 Starting DOS SSD Application .................................................
Chapter 1 Preparation 5
1.1 Product Overview Introduction The “Samsung SSD Magician” software (hereinafter, SSD Magician) facilitates easy maintenance and use of Samsung SSD products connected to a desktop or notebook computer. In addition to providing information about the user’s system and SSD product, Samsung SSD Magician also supports advanced features, like SSD performance management, benchmarking for optimum performance, new firmware updates, etc. Cautions 1.
Software Requirements − Windows XP with SP3 or above (32bit or 64bit) − Internet Explorer 7 or above − Windows 7 Standard AHCI drivers, or AHCI drivers from your PC’s chipset manufacturer − Acrobat Reader 8.
Chapter 2 Using SSD Magician 8
2.1 How to Use Samsung SSD Magician Installing Samsung SSD Magician 1. Install the SSD Magician software from the Samsung Manual CD included in the package with your SSD. You may also download the Samsung SSD Magician software at www.samsung.com/ssd. Please note where you save the file, as you will need it to continue the installation. 2. Run the self-extracting setup file to start the installation. 3. Select the language that you prefer to use. 4.
Samsung SSD Magician Basics Start the Samsung SSD Magician Software Start the SSD Magician Software by clicking the [SAMSUNG SSD MAGICIAN] icon created on the desktop or the shortcut on the Quick Launch toolbar. At the main screen, select a feature to use. You may also find the Samsung SSD Magician Software in the “All Programs” folder of the Windows Start Menu.
System Information The System Information menu shows information about your PC and the disk(s) connected to it. “System Summary” displays information about the OS and the main hardware components. “Disk Summary” displays information about the disk itself, such as model name, serial number, manufacturer, firmware version, disk capacity, and S.M.A.R.T information.
Performance Benchmark The Performance Benchmark feature tests SSD performance based on sequential read, sequential write, random read, and random write and compares the current performance results with past results. Caution: Running the Performance Benchmark test too frequently may shorten SSD lifespan. Samsung suggests that the Performance Benchmark test be run no more than once a day. For previous Performance Optimization and Benchmark results, click the icon.
Performance Optimization NOTE: Windows 7 supports TRIM natively, so this feature is less necessary for Windows 7 Users. Those using Windows XP, which does not support TRIM, should run this feature regularly to keep their SSD in top shape. Of course, Windows 7 users can use Performance Optimization as well if they wish to force Garbage Collection and TRIM to run at a particular time rather than in the background.
Caution: Never remove the SSD during the Performance Optimization process. It may result in data loss, damage, or malfunction of the SSD. NOTE: For best SSD performance, check that AHCI mode is turned on for the PC. This setting is available in the BIOS. For previous Performance Optimization and Benchmark results, click the icon. Select any two entries from the list in “performance test history” and click the [Compare] button to view their comparison results.
OS Optimization Most operating systems are optimized for traditional HDDs. The OS Optimization menu provides options to optimize the OS for working with an SSD to improve system performance and maximize SSD lifetime. This feature will check system settings to determine how they will affect the SSD and recommend which features to enable or disable.
Firmware Update The Firmware Update menu is used to update the SSD to the latest firmware provided by Samsung. Firmware updates may include improvements in SSD performance, compatibility, user environment, etc. Refer to “Chapter 3” for more details.
Secure Erase The Secure Erase feature provides the option to delete all data on an SSD in a way that it can never be recovered, restoring the SSD to its original performance. There are two kinds of Secure Erase procedure. The first is a quick Secure Erase of a secondary drive, such as when the SSD is the 2nd drive and is connected using either SATA or eSATA. This can take place while Windows is running because it will not affect the OS files.
Over Provisioning The Over Provisioning menu provides options for resizing partitions on the disk. The SSD will perform better and last longer if it has free space available to use as swap space, and this utility will help you set aside such space by resizing the partitions on your drive. Swap space is used to perform routine SSD maintenance (TRIM and Garbage Collection) in the background during idle time, allowing the SSD Controller to prepare free blocks for the OS to use in the future.
Disk Clone The latest Samsung 470 series SSDs and all 830 Series SSDs come with a full version of Norton Ghost to handle disk cloning. If you have one of the SSD packages that came bundled with Norton Ghost, please see the separate “Norton Ghost – Data Migration” User Manual, available in the Site Link section of SSD Magician, for detailed instructions on how to use this feature. If you did not receive a copy of Norton Ghost, please refer to your model number to determine your eligibility.
Site Link The Site Link menu provides links to multi-language versions of the Norton Ghost software in both .ISO format and as simple setup files. You can also find more information about Symantec online support and your local call centers. Check this section to get user manuals and other support.
Chapter 3 Firmware Update 21
3.1 Firmware Update Basics Introduction NOTE: Samsung 470 Series SSDs do not support Windows-based firmware updates. If you have a Samsung 470 Series SSD, please skip to Section 3.3 for instructions on how to update your firmware using the DOS-based firmware update utility. There are two ways to update the firmware for your Samsung 830 Series SSD: 1. Via the Windows-based solution built into the SSD Magician software 2. Via the DOS-based firmware update utility using a bootable USB drive.
NOTE: The firmware update is not mandatory for those who encounter no problem with installing and using their Samsung SSD product. Therefore, it is up to the user whether or not to execute the firmware update. System Requirements The Samsung Firmware Utility is a DOS-based application. Be sure to check if the following requirements are satisfied before installing and using this product.
3.2 Windows-based Firmware Update Samsung SSD 830 Series owners can update their firmware without the DOS utility by using the Windows-based firmware solution provided by SSD Magician. Updating Firmware with the WindowsBased Firmware Utility To update the firmware using the Windows-based firmware utility, follow these steps: 1. Click on [FW update] and choose [Yes] if you agree to the warning. 2. Click on the [FW Download] button to download and save a copy of the latest firmware.
4. Click the [Browse] button and locate the firmware update image that you saved to your computer. The folder will contain DSRD.enc and MAX.enc files and will be found in the folder you specified during the download process. In the example below, the update was saved to a folder titled “FW.
5. Click [Start] and choose [YES] from the popup window. 6. The firmware update process will begin. Choose [OK] when the confirmation message is displayed.
3.3 DOS-based Firmware Update Utility Basics The “Samsung Solid State Drive (SSD) Firmware Update Utility” (hereinafter called Firmware Utility) enables users to update the firmware on specific Samsung SSD’s connected to the computer. This Firmware Utility supports only the Samsung 470 Series and 830 Series SSDs and should be used with the Samsung SSD Magician software to minimize user interaction when downloading and updating the firmware.
3. Click on [FW update] and choose [Yes] if you agree to the warning. 4. Create a DOS Boot Disk for the Firmware Update. A. Select the “Bootable USB drive” radial button under the “Firmware update solution” header. B. Insert the USB flash drive into a USB port on your computer. Please wait a few moments for the computer to recognize the device. C. Select the [Browse] button by the “Select USB Bootable Disk” heading. D. Choose the USB flash drive that you attached to your computer.
5. Find the Firmware Update Image by selecting the folder that contains the latest firmware data files (DSRD.enc and MAX.enc files). The file will be found in the folder you specified during the download process. In the example below, the download was saved to a folder titled “FW.
6. Select the check box “Make USB Disk Bootable” in order to make the USB disk DOS bootable. 7. When the Firmware Update message box is displayed, please read the contents. If you agree, check the box and click [Yes] to proceed.
8. Click the [Start] button and wait for the process to complete.
9. When the startup disk creation is completed, the message “USB disk solution created successfully. Restart the PC and boot from USB to initiate the Firmware Update procedure” will be displayed. Click [OK] to complete the process.
3.4 Updating the Firmware with the DOS Utility Using the DOS Firmware Utility CAUTION: The following instructions are based on the assumption that a startup disk for DOS, the Samsung SSD Firmware Update Utility software, and the firmware data file are correctly installed on the USB Flash Drive. Please refer to the steps above if you are unsure of how to prepare a USB Drive for this process. 1. Configure the USB Flash Drive as a primary booting device in the BIOS.
3. The Firmware Update Utility will launch automatically. 4. Press [Y] if you read and accept the disclaimer and warning. 5. This utility will automatically scan for connected SSDs and display a list of detected disks. Press [Y] to confirm the firmware update process.
6. A confirmation message with the updated firmware version will be displayed. 7. After a few seconds, the software will either automatically close or may register the next SSD, if one is present. NOTE: If the firmware is already updated on the SSD, then the user will be notified with the following message.
Chapter 4 Secure Erase 37
4.1 Secure Erase Basics Introduction There are two kinds of Secure Erase procedure. The first is a quick Secure Erase of a secondary drive, such as when the SSD is the 2nd drive and is connected using either SATA or eSATA. This can take place while Windows is running because it will not affect the OS files. This procedure is described in Section 4.2. The other procedure is a Secure Erase of the boot drive, which contains the Windows OS.
process, the SSD may be permanently damaged or rendered inoperable. 4. Samsung does not take any liability for data loss resulting from running the Samsung Secure Erase Utility. In addition, no data restoration services are available through Samsung. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with these Secure Erase instructions before executing a Secure Erase.
4.2 Windows-based Secure Erase NOTE: The steps outlined in this section will work only with a secondary drive. If you wish to perform a Secure Erase on your primary drive (the drive containing your OS), please refer to Section 4.3. To erase a Samsung SSD that is acting as a secondary drive: 1. Select the SSD from the list of available drives. Erasable drives will have a “[Non OS Disk]” label next to them. 2. Click “Start.” Some PCs automatically “lock” attached drives.
4.3 Preparing the DOS-based Secure Erase Utility Creating a DOS-Bootable USB Drive containing the Secure Erase Utility Follow the steps below: 1. If you haven’t already done so, install the Samsung SSD Magician application on your Windows PC. 2. Start the SSD Magician application. The Samsung SSD Magician Software should be installed in the “All Programs” section of the Start Menu. 3. Click the [Secure Erase] button in the menu for the Samsung SSD Magician application.
4. A warning message is displayed to backup any important data before proceeding. Press the [Yes] button to continue. 5. Insert a USB flash drive into a USB port on your computer. Please wait a few moments for the computer to recognize the device. 6. From the “Select Disk” dropdown list, Select your SSD 7. Select the [Browse] button next to the “Select USB Bootable Disk” heading and select the USB drive you connected to your computer. 8.
10. Click the [Start] button. A progress bar will display. NOTE: The [Start] button will be disabled and USB boot disk creation will start. 11. Once the bootable disk creation process is complete, the message “USB disk solution created successfully. Restart the PC and boot from USB to initiate the Secure Erase feature” is displayed.
to complete the process, and shut down the PC. 4.4 Using the Secure Erase Utility IMPORTANT: The following section assumes that the Secure Erase Utility has been properly installed. Before proceeding, be sure to successfully complete the entire Secure Erase Utility installation process as instructed in the section beginning on page 35. Starting DOS SSD Application Warning: The Secure Erase Utility will execute only in IDE/ATA or AHCI mode. Please check your BIOS settings. Follow the steps below: 1.
NOTE: Turn your computer OFF and boot from the USB disk (a cold reboot). Restarting from Windows (a warm reboot) does not always initiate the USB disk at startup. 3. The DOS SSD application is launched automatically. 4. After reading the disclaimer, Press [Y] to accept and continue. 5. The application scans for any connected SSDs. A list of detected disks is displayed for a few seconds. 6. Choose the disk you would like to Secure Erase and press [Enter].
7. Press the ` key to begin the Secure Erase. 8. The Secure Erase process will start. The message “Erasing....” is displayed. Please do not disturb the system during the erase process. 9. Upon Successful Completion of Secure Erase, the confirmation message “Secure Erase is successful” displays. 10. After few seconds, the application will either close or move on to the next SSD (if another SSD drive exists).
Chapter 5 Limitations 47
5.1 Limitations This section provides a list of Observations and Limitations about the various components of the SSD Magician Software. General Limitations 1. Some functions of the Samsung SSD Magician software may not work properly on PCs using the SSD in a RAID configuration. In particular, the Magician software may not be able to detect the Samsung SSD in such a scenario. 2.
After executing the Secure Erase Utility, you can reconfigure RAID mode in the BIOS. 2. The Secure Erase feature may not be supported in AHCI mode with some AMD chipsets. In this case, please change AHCI mode to IDE mode in the BIOS and then run Secure Erase. After Secure Erase is complete, you can reconfigure AHCI mode in the BIOS.
Appendix Troubleshooting 50
6.1 Appendix Troubleshooting Firmware Update Utility Q 1: Why doesn’t the Firmware Update Utility automatically launch when I boot from a USB disk into DOS? A1: There are a number of reasons why this could happen, but the problem is easily remedied by following the steps below: 1.
2. In some cases, you will be asked to power the drive OFF/ON depending on the firmware update type. If the power OFF/ON process is displayed, press [Y] to confirm. NOTE: To Power OFF/ON the SSD, you must open the computer case to gain physical access to the drive. Disconnect its power cable, wait a few seconds, and reconnect the power cable.
C. Type “seguiO” and press [ENTER]. 2. In some cases, you will be asked to power the drive OFF/ON. If the power OFF/ON process is displayed, press [Y] to confirm. NOTE: To Power OFF/ON the SSD, you must open the computer case to gain physical access to the drive. Disconnect its power cable, wait a few seconds, and reconnect the power cable.
Glossary 54
7.1 Glossary AHCI AHCI stands for Advanced Host Controller Interface. This specification enables communication with an attached storage device. Think of it as a translator, allowing two devices (your host machine and the attached storage device) that speak slightly different languages to understand each other. AHCI mode must be enabled to use Native Command Queuing (NCQ) or Hot Plugging (aka Hot Swapping) functionality in SATA storage devices. ATA ATA Stands for Advanced Technology Attachment.
DOS DOS or Disk Operating System is a simple computer operating system that lacks the now ubiquitous Graphical User Interface (GUI) of modern operating systems, relying instead on simple text input. Its small size and simplicity allow it to be easily installed on devices like UBS Flash disks, like the one Samsung SSD Magician helps format to use in updating the SSD’s firmware or performing a secure erase. Firmware Firmware is a combination of software and hardware.
allowing the SSD Controller to prepare free blocks for the OS to use in the future. Because the SSD performs best when writing to free blocks, the result is a better user experience through reduced wait time. RAID RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks. RAID technology provides increased storage functionality and reliability. In general, data stored in a RAID system is distributed across multiple drives in the computer system.
the SSD know which data is now free. TRIM allows the OS to inform the SSD which data are no longer valid, allowing the SSD to skip over invalid data when performing Garbage Collection instead of moving around old data.. Samsung’s SSD Magician software can run the TRIM command at the user’s discretion. USB USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a popular hardware interface that allows users to attach secondary hardware devices to their computer (USB Drives, keyboards, mice, etc.).
www.samsung.com/ssd 59 All brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Design and contents of this manual are subject to change without notice. ©2011 Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.
