QuickStart Installation Guide For the DrivePodTM External USB 2.0 Hard Drive Windows & Mac Please retain this guide. CONTENTS WELCOME TO THE ROCKETPOD REVOLUTION . . . . . . . . . .2 MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS . . . . .5 PARTS AND ACCESSORIES LIST . . . . . . .7 GLANCE . . . . . . . . . . .8 . .10 . .11 . .12 . .15 . .17 . .19 WINDOWS 98/ME AND MAC OS 9/10 . . . . . . . . . . . .22 WINDOWS 2000/XP AND MAC OS 9/10 . . . . . . . . . . . .22 HOW TO SAFELY DISMOUNT AND TURN OFF THE DRIVEPOD . . . . . . . . .24 STACKING DRIVEPODS . . . . . . . . . HOW TO STACK DRIVEPODS . . . . . . STACKING THREE OR MORE DRIVEPODS REMOVING DRIVEPODS FROM A STACK USING THE CONNECTOR CAP . . . . . . USING YOUR DRIVEPOD AT A INSTALLING THE DRIVEPOD . . . . . . CONNECTING THE DRIVEPOD TO YOUR COMPUTER . . . . . . . . . INSTALLATION FOR WINDOWS 98/ME USERS . . . . . INSTALLATION FOR WINDOWS 2000/XP USERS . . . INSTALLATION FOR MAC OS 9 USERS . . . . . . . . . . INSTALLATION FOR MAC OS 10 USERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 .27 .28 .30 .32 DRIVEPOD . . . . . . . . . .33 TROUBLESHOOTING/FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) . . . . . . . . . . . .35 GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY . . . . . .40 INSTALLATION FOR MULTIPLE OS/ CROSS-PLATFORM USAGE . . . . . . . . .21 WINDOWS 98/ME AND 2000/XP . . . . . . . . . . . .21 2 WELCOME TO THE ROCKETPOD REVOLUTION R ocketPod represents nothing less than a revolution in computer peripherals. With innovative technology, unparalleled ease-of-use, and powerful features­­not to mention avant-garde styling­­RocketPod will change the world of computer peripherals and vastly expand the "digital domains" of computer users everywhere. Patented Stack&PlayTM System Every RocketPod peripheral is equipped with the exclusive, patented Stack&Play connection system. The Stack&Play sysStack&Play tem allows users to stack RocketPod Connectors peripherals without the need for additional data cables or power cords. (See "Stacking DrivePods" on page 26 for full details.) The Stack&Play connectors securely and safely relay data signals and power between stacked RocketPod peripherals. All RocketPod peripherals are also equipped with standard data and power connections. This means that a RocketPod peripheral can function either as a stand-alone unit or as a module in an integrated RocketPod stack. 3 RocketPod Blasts Off! DrivePod is just the first product in what will be an extensive, growing RocketPod line. Each new RocketPod peripheral will add another level of hi-performance functionality to your computer system: DockPod­ Docking Station for RocketPod peripherals. Most demanding RocketPod users won't want to be without it. DockPod offers greater flexibility, versatility and extra expansion options: · DockPod supplies enough power for up to five stacked-on RocketPod modules; · With DockPod, every one of your RocketPod modules can operate completely without wires; An example of a RocketPod stack, featuring three RocketPod modules stacked onto a DockPod Docking Station. With DockPod you can stack on up to 5 modules and mix USB 2.0 and FireWire modules in the same stack. · With DockPod, you can combine USB 2.0 and FireWire RocketPod peripherals in the same stack; · With DockPod, you can connect a whole host of nonRocketPod devices, such as a printer, digital camera, and scanner to your computer via DockPod's built-in USB 2.0 and FireWire hub. NASPod (Network Attached Storage) ­ With NASPod, you can make a DrivePod accessible over an Ethernet network. Advanced security features will allow you to assign different levels of user access. 4 A/VPod ­ Watch digital video and photos stored on your DrivePod directly on your TV. Connect to your stereo system and play hundreds of CDs worth of music from a single, portable, purely digital source. DVDPod ­ With this sleek, portable DVD-RW drive you can create movies that you can watch on most home DVD players. Easily share large files with colleagues. Store sophisticated presentations that you can run on other computers. Backup and archive files on robust optical media. BluePod ­ Eliminate the rest of your cables with this Bluetooth receiver for all of your compatible Bluetooth peripherals. RocketPod Advantages: · Create a customized, modular peripherals solution using a variety of interchangeable, RocketPod modules; · Greatly expand the power and functionality of your existing computer system; · Eliminate the "rats nest" of wires you get with other peripherals, and use up fewer data ports and electrical outlets; · The ultra-compact size of RocketPod peripherals and quick connect/disconnect capability make RocketPod ideal as a portable storage solution. Check our web site at www.acomdata.com for information on these and other exciting up-coming RocketPod peripherals. 5 MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Important Note: The DrivePod External USB 2.0 Hard Drive is compatible with both USB 2.0 and USB 1.x. However, in order to reach USB 2.0 speeds, you must have a computer or host adapter card that supports USB 2.0. If you do not have a built-in USB 2.0 port and you do not wish to install a USB 2.0 host adapter card, you can connect the drive to a USB 1.x port; however, the drive will operate at USB 1.x speeds. Minimum System Requirements for PC · Pentium-based PC with 233 MHz or faster CPU · Windows 98, ME, 2000, or XP · 32 MB RAM · Built-in available USB port, or a USB expansion card Note: Windows 98 First Edition does not support USB 2.0. The DrivePod will operate at USB 1.x speeds on computers running Windows 98 First Edition. Windows 98 Second Edition, ME, 2000 and XP support USB 2.0. 6 Minimum System Requirements for Mac · Power Macintosh (G5, G4, Blue & White G3) iBook or iMac · Mac OS 9.0 or higher · Built-in available USB port or a USB expansion card Note: Mac OS 9 does not support USB 2.0. The DrivePod will operate at USB 1.x speeds on computers running Mac OS 9. 7 PARTS AND ACCESSORIES LIST The package should include the following items: · DrivePod External USB 2.0 Hard Drive · USB cable · AC adapter and power cord · Connector Cap · USB 2.0 Installation CD (required for Windows 98 and ME) · QuickStart Installation Guide · Warranty Registration Card Important Notes: · If you are missing any items listed above, please STOP and contact Customer Service via email at customerservice@acomdata.com or call 1-800-470-4495 or (909) 348-0680. · Please retain a copy of your receipt. You will need it if warranty repair service is required in the future. 8 DRIVEPOD Stack&PlayTM Connector See "Stacking DrivePods" on page 26 for stacking instructions. AT Power Indicator Light Data Light Lights up when the drive is reading or writing data Power Button 9 A GLANCE ON THE BACK PANEL USB Port Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connection (Compatible with USB 1.x) AC Adapter Power Port Micro Cooling System Fan 10 INSTALLING Important Notes: THE DRIVEPOD · Use of a third-party AC adapter and power cord may damage the drive and void the warranty. · It is highly recommended that when you install the DrivePod, you connect it to a USB port on your computer rather than to a USB hub. Once the installation has been successfully completed, you can re-connect the drive to a USB hub if you so choose. We recommend this approach because if you experience a problem during installation, the problem will be easier to troubleshoot if a USB hub is not used. Please follow the instructions in the section "How to Safely Dismount and Turn off the DrivePod" on page 24 before switching the drive to a USB hub. · Before you install the DrivePod, we recommend that you either restart your computer, or shut it down and connect the drive with the computer turned off. This way you can start with a "clean slate" and avoid potential problems caused by software conflicts or memory fragmentation. 11 Connecting the DrivePod to Your Computer Regardless of which operating system (OS) your computer is running, follow the connection procedure below in order to properly connect the USB cable, and the AC adapter and power cord. Then proceed to the correct installation procedure for your computer. DrivePod USB cable AC adapter & power cord FIGURE 1 1. Plug the AC adapter cord into the Power Port on the back of the DrivePod. Plug the power cord into the recessed cord socket in the AC adapter, and then plug the other end into a standard outlet. 2. Each end of the USB cable has different shaped plugs. One plug matches the USB port on your computer; the other plug matches the USB port on the DrivePod. Plug the correct end of the USB cable into a USB port on the computer; then plug the other end into the USB port on the back of the drive. Make sure you connect the USB cable correctly, otherwise it may damage the drive and void the warranty. 3. If you connected the DrivePod with the computer turned off, turn on the computer. When your computer is completely booted up, press the Power Button located on the front of the drive to turn it on. 12 Installation For Windows 98/ME Users 1. Once your DrivePod has been properly connected and powered "on", the Add New Hardware Wizard window should appear. Click Next. 2. You will then see the message: "What do you want Windows to do?" with two options. Select "Search for the best driver for your device (Recommended)". Click Next. You will then see the display shown in Figure 2. 3. Select the CD ROM drive box and then insert the USB 2.0 Installation CD into your CD drive. Click Next. 4. You will then see the display shown in Figure 3. Click Next. 5. When the installation is finished, you will see the message "Windows has finished installing the software that your new hardware device requires." Click Finish; and then eject the CD. 6. You should now see a new icon (a gray box with a green arrow) next to the time display on your System Tray. 7. Double-click on the My Computer icon. In the My Computer window you FIGURE 2 13 should see a new icon and drive letter for the DrivePod. (If you are not sure which icon represents the DrivePod, turn off the drive and see which icon disappears. Then turn the drive back on and wait for the icon to reappear.) 8. Right-click on the DrivePod icon and select Format. The Format window will appear. In the Format window, verify the drive's capacity. It should be close to the stated capacity of your DrivePod, specified in Megabytes. (The capacity figure shown in Figure 4 is just an example and may not reflect the capacity of your DrivePod) 9. Under Format type select Full; everything else should be left at the default setting. In the Label field under Other options you may assign a name to the DrivePod. The name you assign is limited to eight characters and no symbols FIGURE 4 FIGURE 3 14 are allowed. Or you can leave it blank. 10. Click Start. The following warning message will appear: "This device is either a hard disk or a large removable disk. Formatting it will destroy all files currently on the drive. Are you sure you want to format this drive?" Click OK. 11. If you see a warning message from an antivirus program, click Exclude. 12. When formatting is complete, you will be asked to run a thorough Scandisk. It is a good practice to periodically run Scandisk as part of regular hard drive maintenance. If you do not choose to run Scandisk at this time, close the Format window. Your DrivePod is now ready to use. 15 Installation For Windows 2000/XP Users: Important Notes: · If you intend to use the DrivePod on multiple operating systems, STOP. DO NOT continue with the installation procedure described below. Please first read the instructions in the "Installation for Multiple OS/CrossPlatform Usage" on page 21. Otherwise, continue with the installation procedure below. · Windows 2000 and XP do not require the installation of the USB 2.0 Installation CD. The operating system has the necessary drivers built in. 1. Once your DrivePod has been properly connected and powered "on", Windows 2000/XP will automatically install the appropriate built-in Microsoft drivers. It is NOT NECESSARY to install the USB 2.0 Installation CD. If you are using a USB 1.x connection, your computer will display the message "HI-SPEED USB Device Plugged into non-HI-SPEED USB Hub". This is ok except that your DrivePod will run at the slower USB 1.x speed. 2. Double-click on the My Computer/Explorer icon. In the My Computer window, you should see a new icon and drive letter for the DrivePod. If you are not sure which icon represents the DrivePod, turn off the drive and see which one of the icons disappears. Then turn on the drive and wait for the icon to reappear. 16 3. Right-click on the DrivePod icon and select Format. The Format window will appear. 4. In the Format window, verify the drive capacity. It should be close to the stated capacity of your DrivePod, measured in Gigabytes. Select NTFS format. 5. The default formatting option is Full forma ...