HP AU181AA User manual

HP Personal Media Drive
User’s Guide
book title

The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty
statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed
as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors
or omissions contained herein.
HP assumes no responsibility for the use or reliability of its software on equipment that is not
furnished by HP.
This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. No part of
this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without
the prior written consent of HP.
Hewlett-Packard Company
P.O. Box 4 010
Cupertino, CA 95015-4010
USA
Copyright © 2004–2009 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
HP supports lawful use of technology and does not endorse or encourage the use of our
products for purposes other than those permitted by copyright law.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................... 1
Safe Handling Information .........................................................................1
Care and Handling of Your HP Personal Media Drive....................................1
Contents ..................................................................................................2
HP Personal Media Drive Features...............................................................3
System Requirements..................................................................... 4
Getting Started with Your HP Personal Media Drive ....................... 4
Inserting the HP Personal Media Drive into HP Computers with Integrated Drive
Bay.........................................................................................................4
Drive Indicators and Connectors .................................................................5
Connecting the Drive to a Computer without a Drive Bay ...............................5
Locating the Drive .....................................................................................6
Disconnecting the Drive Safely....................................................................6
Formatting the Drive for Windows ................................................. 7
Reformatting the Drive with a FAT32 File System............................................7
Using Your HP Personal Media Drive.............................................. 8
About HP SureStore Backup Software ..........................................................8
Transferring Files to Another Computer Manually ..........................................8
Playing Games .........................................................................................8
Using Your HP Personal Media Drive with an HP Computer and Personal Media
Drive Bay.................................................................................................8
Using the Security Lock ..............................................................................8
Troubleshooting............................................................................. 9
Getting Help .................................................................................. 9
HP Personal Media Drive Specifications.........................................10
FCC Regulatory and Safety Information (USA Only) .................................... 10
DOC Statement (Canada Only) .................................................................11
Disposal of Waste Equipment by Users in Private Households in the European
Union (European Union Only)....................................................................11
EMI statement (European Union only) .........................................................11
RoHS statement (China only) .....................................................................11
Table of Contents iii

Introduction
Thank you for selecting the HP Personal Media Drive.
This drive is an external hard disk drive with a large
capacity designed to quickly and easily store and
transfer media files such as digital photos, music,
video, and other important files.
The HP Personal Media Drive connects and
disconnects easily from a USB 2.0 connector on
the front or back of most computers.
For some HP Computers, the HP Personal Media Drive
is designed to fit inside a horizontal or vertical
drive bay.
Your HP Personal Media Drive comes with backup
software (select models only) that is compatible with
most Microsoft®Windows®Operating systems.
Safe Handling Information
The HP Personal Media Drive is designed to be used
as a stationary unit. It is very important that you
handle this drive carefully to avoid hardware damage
and data loss. Please read the following warnings
before attempting to install, use, or move your
HP Personal Media Drive.
Care and Handling of Your
HP Personal Media Drive
WARNING: The warnings for the care
and handling of the HP Personal Media
Drive are listed below.
•Do not move the drive while it is operating to avoid
hardware damage and potential data loss. You can
safely move your drive only when you have
properly disconnected and powered off the drive
through the operating system.
•When running for long periods of time, the
aluminum case of the Personal Media Drive may
become very warm. This is part of the HP Personal
Media Drive’s advanced design and is completely
normal.
•The built-in, low-noise fan is designed to
automatically turn on at pre-set temperatures. If you
are using the HP Personal Media Drive connected
externally to your computer, please place the drive
in a well-ventilated area.
•Do not move the computer with the HP Personal
Media Drive attached to a USB port, or while
inserted into specially designed Hewlett-Packard
computer drive bays.
•Incorrect handling, such as dropping the drive, can
cause data loss and invalidates the warranty.
•Do not attempt to open the drive’s case. This action
voids the warranty.
•Do not set the drive on its side, as it may fall over
and cause damage.
•Do not remove any cables or power cords without
properly disconnecting the drive through the
operating system.
•Do not set any liquids or drinks on the drive. Liquids
can damage the internal electronics.
•Do not block airflow around the drive while the
drive is turned on.
•Do not stack anything on top of the drive; this can
overheat and damage your drive.
HP Personal Media Drive User’s Guide 1

Contents
HP Personal Media Drive:
A Pre-formatted USB 2.0 external hard disk drive
B Quick setup document
C 1.8 meter (6 foot) USB 2.0 cable
D Power adapter
E Power cable
Limited Warranty and Support Guide
(not shown)
A
B
D
C
E
2HP Personal Media Drive User’s Guide

HP Personal Media Drive Features
WARNING: To avoid hardware damage
and data loss, please read “Safe
Handling Information
” at the beginning
of this document before attempting to
install or use the HP Personal Media
Drive.
Your HP Personal Media Drive is a portable, external
hard disk drive that allows you to quickly and easily
store a large number of digital music, photo, video,
recorded TV, gaming, or other data files.
Some HP computers include a specially designed
drive bay where you can install and remove the
HP Personal Media Drive without turning off the
computer and without using any external USB or
power cables.
The HP Personal Media Drive has the following
features:
Plug and Play
installation
with most
computers
Uses USB 2.0 for high-speed
transfer of data, with backward
compatibility to USB 1.1.
Large storage
capacity
The large storage capacity allows
you to easily store files from your
digital cameras, digital video
camcorders, and MP3 players.
HP SureStore™
Backup
Software
Quickly and easily back up your
digital music, photo, video,
recorded TV, gaming or other
data files.
Compatibility Works with most computers,
notebooks, and any Plug and
Play ready port so you may
easily share files between
computers. Compatible with
Kensington®and other brand
security locking cables (not
included).
Compact design The HP Personal Media Drive is
lightweight and small.
Warm
swappable
convenience
When disconnecting the drive,
you do not need to turn off the
computer.
Pre-formatted This drive is pre-formatted
in NTFS.
NOTE: To disconnect your drive, see “Disconnecting
the Drive Safely” on page 6.
NOTE: Your drive displays a drive capacity that is
slightly less than the capacity stated on the box. This
is normal.
HP Personal Media Drive User’s Guide 3

System Requirements
The following are the system minimum requirements:
•Windows®XP, or Vista®
•Available USB port
Getting Started with Your
HP Personal Media Drive
To use your HP Personal Media Drive, simply connect
the power cable and USB cable.
Inserting the HP Personal Media
Drive into HP Computers with
Integrated Drive Bay
The HP Personal Media Drive is designed to work with
most computers as an external drive that is connected
using a USB cable, but it also can be inserted into
specially designed HP computers. These computers
have a special drive bay that includes an internal USB
port and power cable that connects to the HP Personal
Media Drive. The HP Personal Media Drive can be
easily inserted and removed from the hard drive bay
without turning off the computer, sometimes referred to
as warm swappable.
Some HP computers have vertically oriented drive
bays and some have horizontally oriented drive bays;
both accommodate your HP Personal Media Drive.
WARNING: Do not move the computer
with the HP Personal Media Drive inserted
in the bay or connected to a USB port on
the computer. This can cause damage to
the drive and data loss.
Before moving the computer, it should be
turned off and the HP Personal Media
Drive should be removed or disconnected
safely.
To insert the HP Personal Media Drive into a specially
designed HP computer:
1Line up the ridges on the bottom of the drive with
the two slots on the correct side of the computer
drive bay. Do not force the drive into the bay; it
should slide easily into the bay.
2Slide the drive all the way into the drive bay until
the drive is firmly connected to the internal power
and USB cables. When the computer is turned on,
and the drive is inserted correctly, the power LED on
the front of the drive is lit.
4HP Personal Media Drive User’s Guide

Drive Indicators and Connectors
The HP Personal Media Drive comes with two LED
indicators, a USB connector, a power connector, and
a security lock connector.
Front of HP Personal Media Drive
A
C
B
Back of HP Personal Media Drive
E FD
A Drive activity LED indicator
B Power on LED
C HP Personal Media Drive guide rails/feet
D USB 2.0 connector
(USB 1.1 backward compatible)
E DC power connector
F Kensington security locking slot
NOTE: The Kensington security lock is sold
separately.
Connecting the Drive to a
Computer without a Drive Bay
The HP Personal Media Drive is designed to work with
most computers as an external hard disk drive that you
connect using a USB cable.
To connect the drive:
1Plug the round power cable from the power adapter
into the back of the HP Personal Media Drive (L).
2Plug power adapter into the power cable (J), and
then plug the power cable into the wall (K).
3Turn on the computer.
G
H
L
K
J
4Plug the rectangular end of the USB cable (G) into
an available USB port on your computer. Plug the
square end of the USB cable (H) into the USB
connector on the back of the drive.
(G) (H)
NOTE: The computer may take several seconds to
recognize the HP Personal Media Drive.
HP Personal Media Drive User’s Guide 5

Locating the Drive
When you plug the drive into a USB 2.0 connector,
the operating system automatically assigns a hard disk
drive letter to it. The assigned letter depends on other
storage devices connected to your computer.
The default volume label of this drive is HP Personal
Media Drive. You can rename the drive in the
Computer window by right-clicking the drive, selecting
Rename, and then typing in a new name.
HP recommends renaming a drive if you have more
than one HP Personal Media Drive.
To locate your HP Personal Media Drive, click the
Windows Vista start button then click
Computer for a list of all of the internal and external
drives. On Windows XP, open My Computer.
Disconnecting the Drive Safely
CAUTION: To avoid hardware damage
and data loss, always disconnect your
HP Personal Media Drive safely when it is
not saving or transferring data.
1Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware
icon in the system tray at the bottom of the
desktop. The Safely Remove Hardware
window opens.
NOTE: For some computers, this may be called the
Unplug Hardware or Eject Hardware icon.
2Double-click USB Mass Storage Device. This
name may appear differently for some computers.
NOTE: USB Mass Storage Device may be listed
twice. One may contain a memory card reader or
other mass storage drives. Look for the label of this
drive, which is HP Personal Media Drive.
3Select your device, and then click OK. A Safe to
Remove Hardware message appears in the System
tray at the bottom of your desktop letting you know
that the device is safe to disconnect.
4Disconnect the drive from the computer.
NOTE: If your computer does not allow you to
disconnect the drive safely, you may need to close all
applications and documents, and then try again
to disconnect the drive.
6HP Personal Media Drive User’s Guide

Formatting the Drive
for Windows
CAUTION: Reformatting a hard disk drive
destroys all data on the drive. If you have
data that you want to keep, back up the
data before reformatting the drive. If the
drive is reformatted, you will also lose the
included HP SureStore Backup Software. To
obtain a replacement copy, visit
www.hp.com/support.
Your HP Personal Media Drive was formatted at the
factory for NTFS. This file system supports large media
files that are larger than 4 GB.
Some computers use the FAT32 file system to organize
files on the computer. This system is supported under
Windows XP.
With FAT32, a single file is limited in size to 4 GB.
This may create a problem when you are creating
backup files. If you need to use this disk drive on a
computer that requires FAT32, you need to reformat
the drive.
If your computer has been upgraded to Windows XP,
your computer was automatically reformatted to use
NTFS.
Reformatting the Drive
with a FAT32 File System
If you have an older operating system such as
Windows ME, you may need to reformat the
HP Personal Media Drive with a FAT32 file system.
If your BIOS is older, it only supports 4 to16 gigabyte
partitions. If you do not want your drive partitioned,
go to the BIOS manufacturer’s Web site to download
a BIOS upgrade.
To reformat the drive with FAT32 on a Windows ME
system:
1Make sure the HP Personal Media Drive is NOT
connected to the computer.
2Click Start on the taskbar.
3Choose Settings and click Control Panel.
4Double-click System.
5Click the Device Manager tab.
6Double-click Disk drives to open the list of drives
connected to your system.
7Write down the drive(s) listed so you’ll be able to
correctly identify the new drive when it appears.
8Close the System Properties window and the Control
Panel window.
9Connect the HP Personal Media Drive to the
computer. See “Connecting the Drive to a
Computer without a Drive Bay” on page 5.
10 Click Start on the taskbar.
11 Choose Settings and click Control Panel.
12 Double-click System.
13 Click the Device Manager tab.
14 Double-click Disk drives to open the list of drives
connected to your system.
15 Select the new drive from the Disk drive list. The new
drive is the drive that was not listed before in step 6.
16 Click Properties.
17 Click the Settings tab.
18 Make sure that the Removable check box has a
check mark next to it. Click it if it does not.
19 Click OK.
20 Click Close.
21 Restart your system.
To format your HP Personal Media Drive disk:
1Double-click the My Computer icon.
2Click the Removable Disk icon. A message
appears asking you if you want to format the disk.
3Click Yes.
4In the Format window, in the Format type area, click
Full. You can also type a label for the drive at this
time if you choose.
5Click Start.
6Click OK. Formatting can take longer than
60 minutes. Do not disconnect the drive during the
procedure.
7When formatting is complete, click Close and then
click OK.
HP Personal Media Drive User’s Guide 7

Using Your HP Personal
Media Drive
Once installed, you can use the HP Personal Media
Drive the same way you use the other drives on your
computer. You can move or copy files or folders from
one drive to another. Because of the capacity of this
drive, you can save large media files such as video
clips, digital images, and hard disk drive backup files.
About HP SureStore Backup
Software
•No software installation required. HP SureStore runs
directly from your HP Personal Media Drive.
•Easily back up all of your digital music, photo, video,
recorded TV, gaming, or other data files.
•Easily restore any or all of your backed up files.
•Automatically backs up changes whenever the computer
is idle for 5 minutes.
•Can be used to back up multiple computers.
Transferring Files to
Another Computer Manually
You can transfer your computer profile information,
which includes how your computer looks and feels as
well as the personal files such as photos, music, or
video you have created.
To transfer your files manually:
1Connect your HP Personal Media Drive to the
computer.
2Select your files and then drag and drop them to
your HP Personal Media Drive in the Computer
window.
3Disconnect your HP Personal Media Drive and then
connect it to another computer.
4Select your files and then drag and drop them to the
other hard disk drive.
Playing Games
CD-ROM games typically run faster when they are
installed on a hard disk drive than when they run on a
CD. You can use your HP Personal Media Drive to
store and play CD-ROM games.
Using Your HP Personal Media
Drive with an HP Computer and
Personal Media Drive Bay
Some HP computers have a dedicated drive bay for
your HP Personal Media Drive. For more information,
refer to the documentation that came with your
computer. For information on using your HP Personal
Media Drive with an older version of HP Media
Center PC, go to http://www.hp.com/support
and enter the model number of your computer or
HP Personal Media Drive.
Using the Security Lock
Your drive includes a security locking slot on the back
of the drive. The security locking slot is compatible
with most security locking cables, including those
offered by Kensington.
These security cables are designed to prevent
unauthorized removal of the drive by locking it to an
unmovable object.
For more information about Kensington locking
cables, you can go to:
http://www.kensington.com
8HP Personal Media Drive User’s Guide

Troubleshooting
Microsoft updates
Make sure you have the latest Microsoft operating
system service packs and other Windows updates
installed on your system before you try to
troubleshoot a drive problem. These service packs
are issued to fix bugs, add drivers, and enhance
the security features of your system. See
http://support.microsoft.com for details about
how to install service packs and Windows updates in
your system. Contact Microsoft Customer Service for
information about obtaining these system
enhancements if you don’t have Internet access.
Drive does not appear on my
computer
Try the following solutions in the order listed:
1Check to see if the drive is on. The power LED on
the front of the drive and the light on the power
adapter should be lit.
2Make sure the power adapter is securely plugged
into the drive and into a power outlet. If the drive is
plugged into a power strip, try plugging it directly
into the wall outlet.
3Check that the USB cable is securely and properly
connected to the drive and the USB connector on
the computer.
4While the computer is turned on, unplug the USB
cable. Wait 10 seconds and then reconnect the USB
cable.
5See if the computer is recognizing the USB port you
are using by checking in the Device Manager
window. See the documentation that came with your
computer for more information.
I got a message that I have a
high-speed device connected to
a low-speed port (Windows XP)
This is normal. Windows XP displays a message that
you have connected your USB 2.0 drive to a USB 1.1
port. You will not have the high-speed capabilities that
you would have using a USB 2.0 port.
I’m having data transfer
performance problems with my
USB 2.0 adapter card
Your HP Personal Media Drive runs as fast as the host
adapter card allows (up to the maximum burst rate of
480 Mb/s). If you are having performance issues,
make sure that the USB 2.0 card drivers are the most
current available and are installed properly.
HP SureStore backup software is not
working
Please see the HP SureStore Backup Software User
Manual located on the drive.
Write Cache Enable Does Not Stay
Enabled
For protection of your data, Write Cache Enable is
turned off with the HP Personal Media Drive. For more
information, go to: http://www.hp.com/support
Administrator privilege for installing
software
Depending on your operating system, you may need
to be logged on as the Administrator to install
software. See the Windows Help files or the
documentation that came with your computer.
Getting Help
For additional help with your drive, its installation,
and the software, contact one of the following:
HP Customer Care Web Support
For the latest updates and information about
your HP Personal Media Drive, go to:
http://www.hp.com/support
Other Support
•For technical support numbers and warranty
information, refer to the Limited Warranty and
Support Guide that came with this drive.
HP Personal Media Drive User’s Guide 9

HP Personal Media Drive
Specifications
Category Specifications
Supported
operating systems
Windows XP and Vista
USB format USB 2.0
(USB 1.1 backward compatible)
Storage capacity Varies depending on model
Special features •Warm swappable
•High speed USB 2.0 data transfer
•Power and drive activity LED
indicators
•Kensington security lock ready
•HP SureStore backup software
Data transfer rate USB 1.1 = up to12 Mb/s (megabits
per second)
USB 2.0 = up to 480 Mb/s
Physical
dimensions
Length: 207 mm (8.0 inches)
Width: 118 mm (4.5 inches)
Depth: 36 mm (1.4 inches)
Weight: 1 to 1.5 lbs, depending on
capacity
Power adapter AC input voltage: 100–240 V∿
AC input frequency: 50/60 Hz
AC input current: 1A
DC output voltage: 12 VDC
DC output current: 2A
Output connector:
•Outer barrel diameter: 5.5 mm
(0.2 inches)
•Inner pin diameter: 2 mm
(0.1 inches)
Operating
temperature
+5 to +35 °C
Non-operating
temperature
–30 to +70 °C
FCC Regulatory and Safety
Information (USA Only)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio
Frequency Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment
and the receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet that is on
a circuit different from the receiver.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
Hewlett-Packard’s peripheral RFI and Radiated
Immunity tests were conducted with an HP
computer and HP-shielded cables, such as those
you receive with your system. Changes or
modifications not expressly approved by
Hewlett-Packard could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment. To comply with the limits
for an FCC Class B computing device, always use
shielded signal cables and the power cord
supplied with this unit.
10 HP Personal Media Drive User’s Guide

DOC Statement (Canada Only)
This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.
Disposal of Waste Equipment
by Users in Private Households
in the European Union
(European Union Only)
This symbol on the product or on its
packaging indicates that this product must
not be disposed of with your other
household waste. Instead, it is your
responsibility to dispose of your waste
equipment by handing it over to a
designated collection point for the recycling of waste
electrical and electronic equipment. The separate
collection and recycling of your waste equipment at
the time of disposal will help to conserve natural
resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner
that protects human health and the environment. For
more information about where you can drop off your
waste equipment for recycling, please contact your
local city office, your household waste disposal
service, or the shop where you purchased the product.
4779-705022-A00
EMI statement
(European Union only)
This is a Class B product. In a domestic environment,
this product may cause radio interference, in which
case the user may be required to take adequate
measures.
RoHS statement (China only)
HP Personal Media Drive User’s Guide 11