G-Technology G-DRIVE mobile USB User manual

Table of Contents
Introduction
Safety Precautions
System Requirements
What’s in the Box
G-DRIVE Overview
Installing G-DRIVE
Initializing G-DRIVE
Disconnecting G-DRIVE
Optimizing Performance
Technical Support
Limited Warranty

The lightning ash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product
enclosure and may be of signicant risk of electrical shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating maintenance (servicing) instructions literature
accompanying the appliance.
!
!
!
!
1. READ INSTRUCTIONS
All the safety and operating instructions
should be read before the unit is operated.
2. RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS
The safety and operating instructions should
be retained for future reference.
3. HEED WARNINGS
All Warnings on the unit and in the operating
instructions should be adhered to.
4. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
All operating and use instructions should be
followed.
5. ATTACHMENTS
Do not use attachments no recommended
by the unit’s manufacture as they may cause
hazards.
6. WATER AND MOISTURE
Do not use this unit near water–for example,
near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink or
laundry tub, in a wet basement or near a
swimming pool.
7. ACCESSORIES
Do not place this unit on an unstable cart,
stand, tripod, bracket or table. The unit may
fall, causing serious injury and serious
damage to the unit.
8. VENTILATION
Openings in the front and back of the unit
are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable
operation and to protect it from overheating.
These openings must not be blocked or
covered. This unit should never be placed
near or over a radiator or heat source. This
unit should not be placed in a built-in
installation such as a bookcase or rack unless
proper ventilation is provided.
9. POWER SOURCES
This unit should be operated only from the
type of power source indicated on the rating
label. If you are not sure of the type of power
supply in your facility, consult your local
dealer or power company.
!
10. GROUNDING AND POLARIZATION
This equipment is supplied with a power
cord with a US style 3-wire grounding type
plug at one end and a 3-wire IEC standard
connector at the other. The 3-wire grounding
type plug will t into a US style grounding
type power outlet and the IEC connector is
intended to plug into the G-Tech unit. The 3-
wire grounding type plug is a safety feature.
If you are unable to insert the plug into the
outlet, do not force it. Contact your
electrician to replace the obsolete outlet. DO
NOT DEFEAT THE SAFETY PURPOSE OFTHE
GROUNDING TYPE PLUG. For use in Foreign
Countries, contact your local G-Tech dealer or
representative to obtain a power cord with a
locally compatible 3-wire grounding plug on
one end and a 3-wire IEC standard connector
to the other.
11. POWER CORD PROTECTION
Power-supply cords should be routed so that
they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or against
them, paying particular attention to cords at
plugs, convenience receptacles and the
point where they exit the unit.
12. SERVICING
Do not attempt to service this unit yourself
as opening or removing covers may expose
you to dangerous voltages or tother hazards
(see Caution Symbol at rear of power supply
chassis). Refer all servicing to qualied
service personnel.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PART’S
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
2

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the G-DRIVE™ from G-Technology™.
G-DRIVE hard drives from G-Technology are the ideal storage
solutions for content creation professionals.
G-DRIVE high-speed interface external storage systems offer
the ultimate in exibility by providing a quad interface, which
includes eSATA, FireWire™ 800, FireWire 400 (via an included 9
pin to 6 pin cable) and USB 2.0. With up to 2TB of storage
capacity, G-DRIVE is the perfect high-performance solution
for storage intensive applications including audio/video
editing, digital photography, MP3 libraries and high-speed
data back up. The system remains whisper quiet with its fan-
less cooling system. The latest Hitachi 7200 RPM drives with
up to 32MB of cache and an Oxford 934 chipset all encased in
a rugged, stylish and recyclable enclosure.
The G-DRIVE is also ideal for backing up your
Mac®automatically using Time Machine™.
G-DRIVE is the only portable drive to feature a
silent, “fan-less”design and an integrated cooling
system to ensure reliable operation and long life.
NOTE: G-DRIVE is formatted for the MAC OS
and will mount on the desktop right out of
the box. For details on reinitializing the G-
DRIVE, using the G-DRIVE on Windows®, or for
using the G-DRIVE for both Windows and Mac,
click here.
Safety Precautions
The disk drive contained in your G-DRIVE is a delicate
electronic instrument and is susceptible to damage due to
excessive physical shock. Place the unit in a vented area away
from moisture or liquids. Please handle the unit with care. Do
not open the case. Doing so will void the warranty. If the
product is returned with damage caused by improper
handling, the warranty will be void and liability will rest with
the user.
System Requirements
eSATA/ FireWire 800 / USB 2.0 operation
• Mac OS X 10.3 or higher
3

• Windows XP / Vista/ Windows 7
FireWire 400 operation (via 9 pin to 6 pin cable)
• Mac OS 9.x or OS X
•Windows XP / Vista/ Windows 7
What’s in the Box
Take a moment to ensure that the following items are
included in the box.
G-DRIVE
•G-DRIVE external hard drive (eSATA/FW800/FW400/USB 2.0)
•Installation CD-ROM
•eSATA cable
•FireWire 800 cable (9 Pin to 9 Pin)
• FireWire 800 to 400 cable (9 Pin to 6 Pin)
•USB 2.0 cable
•AC Power Unit and cables
If anything is missing, please call G-Technology at (310)
449-4599. For more details on this, click here.
G-DRIVE Overview
Note the various features of the G-DRIVE. There is a Power and
Activity LED behind the grill on the front of the unit, while a
heat sink is beneath it. On the rear of the unit is an eSATA
port, 2 FireWire 800 ports, a USB 2.0 port, an On/OffSwitch
and DC Power In.
4

Attention Mac OS X Users
G-DRIVE is set up at the factory for use with
Mac OS X systems. If you are running Mac OS X,
G-DRIVE will mount on the OS X desktop right
out of the box. If it becomes necessary to re-
format G-DRIVE for Mac OS X, go here.
Attention Windows Users
G-DRIVE must be formatted for the Windows
Operating System before using the G-DRIVE.
For more information about using the G-DRIVE
for Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 use,
please visit: http://www.g-technology/support/windows
Attention Cross-Platform Users
G-DRIVE can be used on both MAC and PC
systems by formatting the drive “FAT32.” There
are some limitations when using FAT 32.
Alternatively you can install software on the
Windows machine such as “MacDrive”which will
allow you to mount MAC formatted drives on
your PC.
For more information about using the G-DRIVE
for cross-platform use, go here.
Installing G-DRIVE
G-DRIVE attaches to your computer via an eSATA, USB 2.0 or
FireWire 800 port. FireWire 400 connectivity is handled by a 9
to 6 pin cable (included). Choose the connection appropriate
for your system and connect G-DRIVE with the supplied cable.
Connect the supplied power cord to the Power Supply and
plug the other end into a surge protector or wall outlet. Turn
on the power switch and the G-DRIVE will mount on the
desktop.
5

Initializing G-DRIVE
G-DRIVE is set up at the
factory for use with Mac OS
X systems. If you are
running Mac OS X, G-DRIVE
will mount on the OS X
desktop right out of the
box. If it becomes necessary
to re-format G-DRIVE, follow
the instructions below.
• For Mac OS X installations see below
• For Windows XP / Vista / Windows 7 installations, proceed to
http://www.g-technology/support/windows
•For Cross-Platform use, go here.
Reformatting for Mac OS X
You’ll rst need to open Apple Disk
Utility in order to initialize the disk
for Mac OS X. Apple Disk Utility is in
the Utilities Folder located in the
Applications Folder on the
Macintosh HD (or press Shift +
Command + U to open the Utilities
folder).
A window like the following will appear. G-DRIVE will be
displayed in the left-hand column.
1. Select G-DRIVE by clicking on the drive icon in the left-
hand column, as shown. Information about G-DRIVE will
be displayed at the bottom of the window.
6

2. Select the Erase tab to view the formatting options. By
default, the Format is set to Mac OS Extended (Journaled),
as indicated in the Format category.
3. Choose the Format:
• Set the format to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) if you
intend to use G-DRIVE for Time Machine or to create a
separate bootable installation of OS X.
• For best performance and for media storage, set the
Format to Mac OS Extended. Click on the Format menu
to change it to“Mac OS Extended”.
7

4. Click the Erase Button in the lower corner of the window.
5. A dialog box will launch after clicking the button.
WARNING: THIS NEXT STEP WILL ERASE ALL DATA ON
YOUR DRIVE.
5. Click on the Erase button to continue.
A progress bar in the lower right corner of the window will
show you the progress of the disk’s reformatting.
You may get a dialog box asking you if you want to use the
drive with Time Machine. Click Don’t Use or Decide Later if you
do not want to use Time Machine at this point.
8

If you wish to use the drive for Time Machine, you can click on
the Use as Backup Disk button. For more info about setting up
the G-DRIVE with Time Machine, go here.
After reinitializing, the icon for the
G-DRIVE has been erased. You can
restore it.
Restore the icon by doing the
following:
1. Go to the G-Technology website
and download the “icon
package”. Click here to download
the package.
2. Once downloaded, select the icon for the G-DRIVE in the
G-Technology Icons disk.
3. Press Command + C to copy the icon.
4. Select the G-DRIVE FireWire icon on the Desktop and press
Command + I.
5. Select the eSATA Icon in the “Get Info” window (left)
6. Press Command + V to paste the icon into the icon area of
the Get Info window (right).
The icon for your G-DRIVE has now
been restored.
You can now close the Get Info
window.
After reinitializing the drive and
restoring your icon, your G-DRIVE is
ready for use.
9

Using G-DRIVE with Time Machine
G-DRIVE is a perfect candidate to use with Apple Time
Machine. Time Machine provides automatic backup for your
crucial les. The following steps will guide you in setting up
the G-DRIVE with Time Machine.
Format the drive as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) as
described in “Reformatting for Mac OS X” here.
After the drive is reinitialized, you should see the following
dialog box. Click the Use as Backup Disk button.
If the dialog box did not launch, go to the Apple Menu >
System Preferences and click on the Time Machine icon.
The Time Machine pane of System Preferences will then
launch and be automatically switched to on.
You are now free to set
options by clicking the
Options button. This
chooses les you do not
want to backup.
The G-DRIVE is now backing
up your important les
automatically with Time
Machine.
10

Reformatting with Multiple Partitions
You can reformat the G-DRIVE to have multiple partitions. The
following steps will guide you through this process.
Open Apple Disk Utility. Disk Utility is in the Utilities Folder
located in the Applications Folder on the Macintosh HD (or
press Shift + Command + U to open the Utilities folder).
1. Select the FireWire icon (not the G-DRIVE) icon.
2. Click on the Partition button in the main window, as
shown.
Select the number of partitions you would like from the
Volume Scheme menu. Here, there are 2 partitions selected.
3. Click on a partition in the Volume Scheme area. Your
partition will be highlighted by a blue bounding box.
4. You can now create separate names, formats and sizes for
each partition in the Volume Information area. Do so by
doing the following:
• Type a Name for the partition in the Name eld
11

• Choose a Format from the Format Menu (for more
info on formats go here).
• Type in a Size for the partition
• Click the Apply button
5. After clicking on the Apply button. The dialog box, as
shown on the on the next page, will appear.
WARNING: THIS NEXT STEP WILL ERASE ALL DATA ON YOUR
DRIVE.
6. Click on the Partition button to continue.
A progress bar in the lower right corner of the window will
show you the progress of the disk’s reformatting.
12

7.When partitioning is
complete, G-DRIVE
partitions will be
displayed in the left-
hand panel of Apple
Disk Utility.
8.Reset the G-DRIVE
icons as described
here.
10.Exit Apple Disk
Utility.
G-DRIVE will be displayed on
the desktop as shown, right.
G-DRIVE is now setup with 2
partitions and ready for use.
Cross Platform Use
To setup your G-DRIVE for
use on both Windows and
Macintosh systems, use
Apple Disk Utility and format
G-DRIVE to MS-DOS (FAT),
also known as “FAT32”.
Open Apple Disk Utility.
Apple Disk Utility is in the
Utilities Folder located in
the Applications Folder on
the Macintosh HD (or press
Shift + Command + U to open the Utilities folder).
A window like the one below will appear.
1. Select the G-DRIVE from the left-hand column
2. Click on the “Erase button at the top of the window as
shown.
13

3. Select MS-DOS File System from the Format drop down
menu. NOTE: You may need to re-name the drive because
FAT32 does not support more than 11 letters in the drive
name.
4. Click the Erase button in the lower right corner of the
window.
5. A new dialog box appears.
WARNING: THIS NEXT STEP WILL ERASE ALL DATA ON YOUR
DRIVE.
14

6. Click the Erase button.
A progress bar in the lower right corner of the window will
show you the progress of the disk’s reformatting.
Your drive will be formatted to its full capacity as FAT32.
7. Reset the G-DRIVE icons as described here.
8. Exit Apple Disk Utility.
With this format, you will be able to READ/WRITE on both
Windows XP/ Vista/ Windows 7 and MAC OS X machines.
NOTE: You could format your drive on a
Windows machine FAT32, however Windows currently
limits FAT32 partitions to 32GB in size.
NOTE: The 'MS-DOS File System' cannot write
les over 4 GB. If you are working with les over
4 GB, you may want to choose a software option
like MacDrive. MacDrive is Windows software that
enables the Windows OS to mount MAC formatted
drives. (www.macdrive.com)
Disconnecting G-DRIVE
A great feature of G-DRIVE is its ability to be connected
and disconnected while your computer is running. To
prevent failures and/or data loss it is important to follow the
steps below when disconnecting or “unmounting”the G-
DRIVE from your Mac.
1. Before powering down and disconnecting
G-DRIVE, you must unmount the system by
simply dragging the G- DRIVE mini icon to the
trash located in the dock.
2. It is now safe to power offand remove G-
DRIVE from your system.
For unmounting G-DRIVE with Windows based systems, see
the Windows documentation at http://www.g-technology/
support/windows
Optimizing Data Transfer Rates
G-DRIVE can be connected to any Mac or PC equipped with
an eSATA, FireWire 400, FireWire 800 or USB 2.0 port.
For best performance, G-DRIVE should be connected
via eSATA.
Technical Support
G-Technology appreciates and values its customers, striving
to give you the nest service and support. If you encounter
any difficulties while installing the G-DRIVE, or if the G-DRIVE
needs maintenance, please contact G-Technology Technical
Support via one of the following ways:
Telephone: [phone]
15

Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]om
Internet: http://www.g-technology.com
When contacting Technical Support, make sure to be in front
of your computer and have the following information readily
available:
• Your G-DRIVE serial number (on bottom of unit)
• Operating system and version
• Computer brand and model
• Amount of memory installed
• Other devices attached to your computer
Thank you for purchasing G-DRIVE. If you have any
comments or questions about this manual or the product,
please call [phone], or send an email to
[email protected]om
Limited Warranty
Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, (“Hitachi GST”)
including G-Technology by Hitachi
Limited Warranty for External Hard Disk Drives
What does this limited warranty cover?
This Limited Warranty applies to new Hitachi GST external
storage products purchased from an authorized Hitachi GST
dealer by the original purchase for normal use and not for
resale. Hitachi GST warrants that a covered product is free
from defects in materials and workmanship, with the
exceptions stated below.
How long does limited warranty coverage last?
This limited warranty lasts for 1 year, 2 years, 3 years or 5
years, or a xed period from date of purchase, depending on
when and where it was originally purchased. To determine
the warranty specically for your product, visit
www.g-technology.com . A valid proof of purchase may be
required to prove eligibility. If you do not have a valid proof of
purchase, the limited warranty period will be measured from
the date of sale from Hitachi GST to the authorized
distributor.
What does this limited warranty not cover?
The limited warranty does not cover damage resulting from
commercial use, misuse, accident, modication or alteration
to hardware or software, tampering, unsuitable physical or
operating environment beyond product specications,
improper maintenance, or failure caused by a product for
which Hitachi GST is not responsible. There is no warranty of
uninterrupted or error-free operation. There is no warranty for
loss of data—you must regularly back up the data stored on
your product to a separate storage product. There is no
warranty for product with removed or altered identication
labels. HITACHI GST DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY OTHER
WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE
LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO THIS LIMITATION
MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. Hitachi GST is not responsible for
returning to you product which is not covered by this limited
warranty.
16

What must you do?
If you are having trouble with a product, before seeking
limited warranty service, rst follow the troubleshooting
procedures that Hitachi GST or your reseller provides.
To obtain limited warranty service, you must rst obtain a
Return Materials Authorization (RMA) and ship-to address by
contacting G-Technology by Hitachi at
http://www.g-technology.com/support Please follow the
instructions found on the website. You must return the
covered hard disk drive using approved packaging to our
logistics center. You must pay any associated transportation
charges, duties and insurance in shipping the drive to our
logistics center. You should remove all personal information
from the product prior to its return.
What will Hitachi GST do?
Hitachi GST will repair or replace covered defective product
and ship you repaired or replaced product, transportation
prepaid. You receive title to the repaired or replaced product
at delivery to carrier at Hitachi GST shipping point. You are
responsible for importation of the repaired or replaced
product, if applicable. These limited warranty terms apply to
the repaired or replaced product, except the limited warranty
period is for the greater of the remainder of the original
limited warranty period for the returned product or 90 days.
How is our liability limited?
HITACHI GST AND ITS AFFILIATES, SUPPLIERS, DISTRIBUTORS,
AND RESELLERS ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY OF THE
FOLLOWING: 1) THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS AGAINST YOU FOR
DAMAGES (OTHER THAN BODILY INJURY INCLUDING DEATH
AND TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY; 2) LOSS OF, OR
DAMAGE TO, YOUR DATA; OR 3) SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
INDIRECT DAMAGES OR FOR ANY ECONOMIC
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS OR
SAVINGS), EVEN IF INFORMED OF THE POSSIBILITY. SOME
JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATION OF LIABILITY,
INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO
THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
How do local laws apply?
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS,
AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM
JURISDICTION TO JURISDICTION.
G-Technology, a
division of Hitachi
Global Storage
Technologies
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]om
G-Technology by Hitachi Global Storage Technologies © 2010. All
rights reserved. G-DRIVE, G-RAID, G-SAFE, and G-SPEED are
registered trademarks of G-Technology by Hitachi GST. Apple, Mac,
Macbook, Macbook Pro and the Mac logo are trademarks of Apple,
Inc. Hitachi Global Storage Technologies and Hitachi Inspire the
Next are trademarks of Hitachi Ltd. G-Technology is a trademark of
Hitachi Global Storage Technologies. All other trademarks are the
17

property of their respective owners. Hitachi Global Storage
Technologies trademarks are authorized for use in countries and
jurisdictions in which Hitachi has the right to use, market and
advertise the brands. The Travelstar trademark is authorized for use
in the Americas, EMEA and the following Asia-Pacic countries and
jurisdictions: Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South
Korea and Taiwan. Contact Hitachi for further information. Hitachi
shall not be liable to third parties for unauthorized use of Hitachi
trademarks.
One gigabyte (GB) is equal to one billion bytes and one terabyte
(TB) equals 1,000 GB (one trillion bytes). Accessible capacity will
vary from the stated capacity due to formatting and partitioning of
the hard drive, the computer’s operating system, and other factors”
For G-Technology by Hitachi products less than 1TB: “One gigabyte
(GB) is equal to one billion bytes when referring to hard drive
capacity. Accessible capacity will vary depending on the operating
environment and formatting.
18