Maxtor Shared Storage Plus+ User manual

Shared Storage Plus+
Windows User’s Guide
PN: 20297501
3in1Network Drive

Contents
1 Introduction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Shared Storage Plus Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Shared Storage Plus Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Included in this Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Minimum System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Handling Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About this Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Where to Go for Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Installing the Shared Storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Connect Your Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Power up Your Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Set up Your Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3 Using the Shared Storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Using the Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
The Web UI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Using External USB Drives with Your Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Using USB Printers with Your Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Shutting Down Your Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Resetting Your Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Media Serving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Introduction 1
Introduction
Thank you for selecting the Maxtor Shared Storage Plus Drive. Connecting
this storage solution to your network in a home or small office is a simple
and economical way for users to share and backup files. Your new Maxtor
Shared Storage Plus Drive offers a winning combination of capacity,
simplicity of use and helpful software features that automate configuration,
privacy and more. The simple installation allows you to start using your drive
as quickly as possible. You can also change settings on your drive at any
time, and manage user access through a standard web browser.
Shared Storage Plus Features
Instantly add storage to your network, back up files across every compatible
PC on your network, and stream music, videos and photos from your drive
to your home entertainment system.
Simple Installation and Setup
• Automatically configure the drive to your network
•Manage the drive using our simple wizard-based user interface
• Connect and share printers and additional hard drives using the drive’s
2 USB ports
Instant Shared Storage
• Easily store and share access to files, photos, music and videos
•Organize files automatically using our exclusive Drag and Sort™ feature
•Give users full access to public folders, while keeping others private
Back up what Matters Most
• Protect data on all of your networked PCs using Maxtor
®
Backup
•Get backup and storage status for all users with SimpleView™
Playback of Videos, Music and Photos
•Use our media streaming feature to play digital photos, music and video
on a networked home entertainment system - even without turning on
your computer
• Connect automatically through a UPnP™ AV compatible digital media
adapter
Shared Storage Plus Components
Review the features shown before you begin installation.
Figure 1.
Shared Storage Plus Drive Features
Included in this Kit
The Shared Storage Plus Drive comes complete with the components
shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Included in this Kit
1
USB PortsStatus Light
(Flashing Green
and Amber Lights)
Power
Button
Reset
Button
Back
Power
Connector
Security
Locking
Slot
Front
Network ID Panel
Ethernet port
Shared Storage Plus Drive
Power Adapter Cat5 Ethernet Cable
Quick Start CD Vertical Stand

2
Minimum System Requirements
The following are the minimum system requirements.
•Windows 2000, Windows XP
•Wired or wireless router with an available 10/100 Ethernet RJ-45 port
• Internet Explorer 6.0 or later for management interface of Shared
Storage
• Internet access for updates
•Networked Media Adapter
• CD-ROM drive
Note: Special considerations for immediate media file access are required.
See Media Serving for more information.
Handling Precautions
Handle your drive with care! Follow the precautions listed here or you could
damage your drive and void your warranty. Review the Maxtor Limited
Warranty, included in the Maxtor Shared Storage Plus Quick Start Guide, for
more information.
The following precautions can prevent loss of data:
•Do not bump, jar, drop or move the drive while in operation.
•Do not stack drives.
•Do not set the drive on its side without using the vertical stand as it
could fall over and cause damage.
•Do not remove any cables or power cords without powering down the
drive, using the front panel button.
•Do not set any liquids or drinks on the drive. Liquids will damage the
internal electronics.
•Do not attempt to open the drive’s case. This will void your warranty.
About this Guide
The following symbols and conventions are used in this guide:
Where to Go for Help
Maxtor provides a comprehensive support section on its website, including
the latest software, user guides and a knowledge base for its customers.
Maxtor support website
http://support.maxtor.com/sharedstorage
Maxtor has provided Shared Storage – Troubleshooting and FAQ Portal from
within its Knowledge Base providing you with one link from which you can
obtain answers to common questions and problems.
Support phone numbers
Check the Contact Us section on the Maxtor support website, for phone
numbers in your region.
Bold
Used for menu, command, and keyboard
selections you make and screens you will see.
Helpful information about a particular topic.
Important information to prevent problems and
ensure that you are successful in using the drive.

Installing the Shared Storage 3
Installing the Shared Storage
Step 1 - Connect Your Drive
Connecting the Ethernet Cable
1.
Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your network, router or switch.
2.
Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on your
Shared Storage Plus drive.
Figure 3. Connecting the Ethernet Cable
Connecting the Power
1. Plug the round female connector from the power adapter into the drive’s
power connector.
2. Plug the female connector on the power cord into the power adapter.
Figure 4.
Connecting the Power
3.
Plug the standard electrical plug from the power adapter into your
power source.
Step 2 - Power up Your Drive
Press the button on the front of your Maxtor Shared Storage Plus drive.
Your drive will now start. The start up process can take up to one minute
to complete.
• The light inside of the button will turn amber.
•When the light pulses green, your drive is ready and you can go to
Step 3.
Your drive will be accessible on your network approximately
10 seconds after the light turns green.
Figure 5.
Pressing the Power Button
2
Router/Switch
Ethernet Ports
Power Button

4
Step 3 - Set up Your Drive
Note: Maxtor Quick Start software must be installed on each
Windows 2000/XP system in order for each user to take advantage of a
Personal folder.
1.
Insert the Maxtor Quick Start CD .
2.
The Choose Setup Language screen will appear. If this screen does
not appear, you can access it manually by double-clicking the Quick Start
CD icon displayed in My Computer or Windows Explorer and double-
click on Setup.exe.
3.
Select your language and click OK .
4.
The InstallShield Wizard screen will appear…
…followed by the Welcome screen.

Installing the Shared Storage 5
5.
Click Next . The License Agreement screen will appear.
6.
Click Yes . The Choose Destination Location screen will appear.
If you wish to change the location of the installation, you may do
so by clicking the Browse button and selecting a new location.
7.
Click Next . The Setup Status screen will appear as the
software is installed, followed by the InstallShield Wizard
Complete screen when the installation is complete.
8.
Click Finish to restart your system.

6
9.
Once the system is rebooted, double-click the Maxtor Quick Start
icon located on your desktop.
10.
The Quick Start software will open and the Maxtor screen will
appear, with the message: “ Locating Shared Storage Drives on
the Network .”
11.
When your Shared Storage Drive is found, you will see its network ID
number and IP address appear in a drop-down menu in the middle of
the screen. For example: MSS-000310 (169.254.60.49)
Note: The Shared Storage Drive is configured to acquire an address
assigned by a DHCP router or server. If your network does not contain
a DHCP router or server, your Shared Storage Drive will assign itself an
Automatic Private IP (APIPA) address within the IP range of
169.254.x.x with a Subnet Mask of 255.255.0.0. Please reference the
Shared Storage – Troubleshooting and FAQ Portal found in Maxtor’s
Knowledge Base for more information regarding locating your Shared
Storage Drive.
If you have multiple Shared Storage Drives connected to your network,
each will appear in the drop-down menu.
12.
Click Next . The next screen will show the Network ID of your drive.
The screen will tell you that there is “…no security password” setup
for the administrator.

Installing the Shared Storage 7
Click Manage to set an Administrative Password . This will launch the
Shared Storage Drive’s Web-Based UI (User Interface).
Note: See “The Web UI” on page 34 for Using the Maxtor Shared Storage
Plus Web UI. Run Set-up Wizard for more information on setting the
Administrative Password.
Click Next to Set up Shared Storage on this computer. The Main Menu
will appear.
13.
Click the Shared Storage Setup icon. The Shared Storage Setup
window appears.
Choose an Account type.
New Public Account - all of your files are accessible to anyone who
has an account on your Shared Storage Drive.
New Private Account - all of your files are password-protected except
for those that you place in your “public” folder to share with others.
Existing User – If you already have an user account, you may choose
this option to access your folder on the Shared Storage Drive.
Make your selection and click Next .
Note: On-line help is available on most screens of the UI. To get
help on a topic, click on the hyperlink located on the screen (see
the example below).
A Help Window displays providing you with more details.

8
14.
Enter a Name for the new account (Password and Password
Confirmation if prompted) and click Next .
15.
Select your account type ( Home or Business use), and click Finish .
16.
The Quick Start software will now create your new user account and the
appropriate folders for the account. The Set Up Completed screen will
appear…
…and a shortcut to your Shared Storage Drive will appear on your
Windows desktop.

Using the Shared Storage 9
Using the Shared Storage
Using the Drive
You can use your Maxtor Shared Storage Plus drive as you do any
hard drive that is either built-in or directly connected to your computer.
Maxtor Quick Start Software
The Maxtor Quick Start software is an intuitive tool that allows you to:
• Locate/discover Shared Storage Drives on your network
• Setup New User Accounts
• Backup and Restore Files from your computer
• Perform various tasks through its Drive Management options
To access this application, double - click the Maxtor Quick Start
shortcut icon located on your PC’s desktop.
Note: To access the Maxtor Quick Start software when the shortcut
icon has been removed/deleted, click Start ➔ Program (all programs
for Windows XP) ➔ Maxtor Quick Start .
To Locate a Shared Storage Drive
1.
Access the Maxtor Quick Start software.
2.
Click the Locate button. The Quick Start software will open and
the Maxtor screen will appear, with the message: “Locating Shared
Storage Drive on the Network.”
3

10
When your Shared Storage Drive is found, you will see its Network ID
number and IP address appear in a drop-down menu in the middle of
the screen. For example: MSS-000310 (169.254.60.49).
Note: If you have multiple Shared Storage Drives connected to your
network, each will appear in the drop-down menu.
Click Next to proceed.
Shared Storage Setup
This option will help you create a New user account or select an Existing
account to be configured on your PC.
1.
Click the Shared Storage Setup icon. The Shared Storage Setup
window appears.
Choose an Account Type:
• New Public User Account - all of your files are accessible to anyone
who has an account on your Shared Storage Drive.
• New Private User Account - all of your files are password-protected
except for those that you place in your “public” folder to share with
others.
• Existing User Account – If you already have a user account, you may
choose this option to access your folder on the Shared Storage Drive
Creating a New Public User Account
1.
From the Maxtor Quick Start main menu, click Shared Storage Setup .
2.
Under New User , select the Public button and click Next .
3.
Type the name of the User and click Next .

Using the Shared Storage 11
4.
Choose your account type ( Home or Business use) and click Next .
5.
At this point, the following screen appears. This process may take
awhile.
6.
Once the User has been created, you will see the following:
7.
When created, a shortcut icon will appear on the system’s desktop
for the user.
8.
Click the Open button to use the user’s folder right away or click
Main Menu to return to the Maxtor Quick Start main window.
Creating a New Private User Account
1.
From the Maxtor Quick Start main menu, click Shared Storage
Setup .

12
2.
Under New User, select the Private button and click Next .
3.
Type the name of the User, the User’s Password, confirm the
Password and click Next .
4.
Choose the account type ( Home or Business use) and click Finish .
5.
At this point, the following screen appears. This process may take
awhile.

Using the Shared Storage 13
6.
Once the User has been created, you will see the following:
7.
When created, a shortcut icon will appear on the system’s desktop
for the user.
8.
Click the Open button to use the user’s folder right away or click
Main Menu to return to the Quick Start’s main window.
Configuring an Existing User
1.
From the Maxtor Quick Start Main Menu, click Shared Storage Setup .
2.
Click on the Use an existing account radio button and click Next .
3.
Click the Name drop-down menu and select the existing user
from the list displayed.
4.
If needed, type the existing user’s password and click Open .

14
5.
At this point the following screen appears. This process may take
awhile.
6.
Once the User has been created, you will see the user’s folder display
on your desktop,
and a shortcut to the user’s folder will appear on your
Windows desktop.
Differentiating between Home and Business Folders
You can choose a set of folders appropriate for Home or
Business use. The folders created are listed below.
Table 1:
Home Folders Appropriate for
My Backup Public Backed-up files
My Documents Word processing files
My Library Electronic books
My Movies Home videos
My Music Digital music collection
My Photos Digital photos and artwork
My Sites Web pages
My Software Software storage
Public Sharing files with others
Business Folders Appropriate for
My Backup Public Backed-up files
My Documents Word processing files
My Multimedia Audio and video files
My Photos Digital photos and artwork
My Presentations Presentation files
My Projects Project files
My Spreadsheets Spreadsheet files
My Sites Web pages
My Software Software storage
Public Sharing files with others

Using the Shared Storage 15
Using the Backup & Restore Feature
With the Maxtor Quick Start software open, click Backup & Restore .
You will see the following:
From this screen, you can:
• Set a backup so that local files from your PC will backup to the
Shared Storage Drive
• Restore files from the Shared Storage Drive to your PC
• Check the status of your last backup using SimpleView
TM
• Perform file maintenance tasks that delete historical file versions from
the Shared Storage Drive and/or synchronize your backup with your PC
• Begin an immediate backup of your selected files/folders from your PC
to the Shared Storage Drive
Set Backup
This option is used to:
•Select the local files/folders to be backed up to the Shared Storage Drive
•Schedule when files/folders will be backed up to the Shared Storage Drive
•Turn On or Off the Scheduled Backup
• Edit Existing Backup Settings
To Set a Backup:
1.
Launch Maxtor Quick Start and click Backup & Restore .
2.
Click Set Backup .
Step 1 of 2 - You will see the following:
Note: File and Folder names will vary from system to system.

16
3.
Check the boxes associated with the files and or folders you want
to back up and click Next .
Step 2 of 2 - You will see the following:
4.
By default, your selected files and/or folders will be backed up daily
at 10:00 pm. Click Finish to continue.
The Backup Schedule window displays and confirms where the selected
files/folders will be backed up, and that these files/folders will be backed up
daily at 10:00 PM.
Other Settings
To Disable (turn off) Scheduled Backups:
5.
Click the Off button to disable scheduled backups.

Using the Shared Storage 17
To Re-enable (turn on) Scheduled Backups
6.
Click the On button to return to Scheduled Backups.
Advanced – Optional backup settings – This feature allows you to set the
number of Historical File versions you want to save to the Shared Storage
Drive and adjust Folder Tagging. To adjust these settings, click the
Advanced button.
Historic File Versions: When you back up your files, you have the option to
store previous, or “historic,” versions of each file. You can then restore any
historical version based on the date when it was backed up.
7.
You can set your backup to store from 1 to 10 historic versions (the
default is 5). To adjust the number of Historical File Versions, click on the
Historic Versions drop-down field and select the number of backup
versions you wish to save.
Select the number you want…
…and this number will display in the Historic Versions field.
When the number of historical versions reaches the number that you have
selected, the oldest version is deleted and replaced with the newest version
with each new backup.
Folder Tags – By default, this feature adds a special icon to each folder on
your computer that is set to be backed up to the Shared Storage Drive.

18
Example of a Folder Tag denoted by the blue circle with a check.
To Disable Folder Tags:
8.
From the Advanced Setting window, click the Off button to disable
the Folder Tags feature.
To Re-enable Folder Tags (when it has been shut off) :
9.
From the Advanced Setting window, click the On button to restart
the Folder Tags feature.
10.
When all Advanced Settings have been configured, click Save .
11.
Click OK to confirm and save all settings.