Rocstor COMMANDER FC series User manual

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secure your future
User Manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT NOTICES 4
Safety Notices ________________________________________________________ 4
General Notices
Capacity Disclaimer ___________________________________________________ 4
Care and Handling 4
GENERAL 6
Introduction ____ ________________________________________________ 6
Box Contents 8
Minimum System Requirements _____________________________________ 9
Connectors and Commander rear view 9
MUST BE READ FIRST__________________________________________________ 10
QUICK INSTALLATION 12
How to Connect the Interface Cables - Connecting the Drive ___________________ 12
Cable Types: FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB and SATA 13
INSTALLING YOUR DRIVE 15
Commander as a bootable device _________________________________________ 15
Disconnecting Your Drive 15
oPC _______________________________________________________________ 15
oMac 15
Reformatting Your Drive ________________________________________________ 15
oReformatting via PC (Window based computers) 16
oReformatting via Mac _______________________________________________ 16
PARTITIONING AND FORMATTING THE COMMANDER DRIVE ON A MAC OS 17
Warning _____________________________________________________________ 17
Important Notes 17
Instructions for Partitioning and Formatting from FAT 32 to HFS+ _______________ 18
PARTITIONING & FORMATTING the COMMANDER on WINDOWS 2000, XP, VISTA, 7 27
Warning _____________________________________________________________ 27
Important Notes 27
Different ways to get to the Control Panel __________________________________ 28
Instructions upon reaching the Control Panel 30
Instructions for Partitioning and Formatting from FAT 32 to NTFS _______________ 31

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TROUBLESHOOTING 37
Troubleshooting for Macintosh computers _________________________________ 37
Troubleshooting for PC Windows based computers 39
KNOWLEDGE BASE 41
Commander HX Unique Features _________________________________________ 41
Specifications 42
Encryption Technology (Q&A) ____________________________________________43
Introduction to Interfaces (ports) and Cables 48
oUSB (Universal Serial Bus) ____________________________________________ 48
oComparison Chart __________________________________________________ 49
Introduction to Formatting 50
oFile Allocation Table (FAT) and FAT 32 __________________________________ 50
oHFS Plus or HFS+ 51
LIMITED WARRANTY 52
TECHNICAL SUPPORT 56
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 56
Trademarks __________________________________________________________ 56
Copyrights 56
CONTACT INFORMATION 57
Corporate Headquarters ________________________________________________ 57
Technical Support / Return Authorization “RMA” 57
Sales Info ____________________________________________________________ 57

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IMPORTANT NOTICES
Safety Notices
The warranty is void if an unauthorized person attempts and/or repairs the hard disk drive.
Read all Manuals and instructions carefully before using the device.
Do not spill any liquid or insert any object into the device.
Use the device within the specifications indicated, including but not limited to: power
requirements, temperature, humidity, sunlight and magnetism from other devices such as
computers and televisions.
Please visit the Rocstor website, www.rocstor.com for further information concerning
specifications and use of the device.
General Notices
Consistently make multiple backup copies of your data for your protection. Hard disk drives
are subject to failure at any time.
Rocstorage, Inc. shall not be held liable for loss of data or the restoration or recovery of
data on the device. Please view complete Limited Warranty Information in this manual or
on the Rocstor website (www.rocstor.com) for further details.
Capacity Disclaimer
Actual accessible hard drive capacity will indicate up to 10% lower than stated under different
Operating Systems and formatting.
The storage volume is measured in total bytes before formatting. References to round
numbers of gigabytes or terabytes are an approximation only. For example, a disk drive labeled
as having 500GB (gigabytes) has space for approximately 500,000,000,000 bytes before
formatting. After formatting, the drive capacity is reduced by about 5% to 10% depending on
the operating system and formatting used.
Care and Handling
The following instructions concern the proper care and handling of Commander FC Drives.
Please take a moment to review these instructions.
As with any storage solution, it is recommended that all data be backed up regularly.
Ensure that you follow the proper removal procedure to disconnect the Commander drive.
Do not move or disconnect this device from your computer while it is reading or writing
data. This may cause damage to the Commander drive.
Do not place this device near a heat source or expose it to direct flame.
Do not place the device near any equipment generating strong electromagnetic fields.
Exposure to strong electromagnetic fields may cause the device to malfunction or data to
be corrupted.
Do not drop or cause shock to your Commander drive.

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Do not spill any liquid or insert any object into the device.
Do not attempt to disassemble and service the Commander drive during the warranty
period.
Please read the Safety Notices and Limited Warranty information in this Manual and on
the Rocstor website (www.rocstor.com) for further details.

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GENERAL
Introduction
COMMANDER F Series (Desktop) Encryption USB 3.0 (2.0)
Commander line has the world’s most
technologically advanced encrypted
desktop external hard drive in the market
today.
Commander FC is made with more than 1.5
Lb (~0.75 Kg) of recycled aluminum, making
this enclosure extremely ruggedized. The
exclusive shock-absorbent mechanism
(patent pending) within the enclosure keeps the hard drive suspended within the casing, while
dissipating the heat produced by the hard drive, keeping it at the ideal temperature.
The built-in power supply will offer the user the flexibility they require by eliminating carrying
extra non-standardized and sometimes bulky adaptors and cables. The power supply contained
in the Commander line is Auto-Switchable 240VA/100VA (will work internationally) and uses
any standard computer cable, no matter what country you are in. Commander contains no fan,
making this device the quietest desktop external hard drive.
Commander external hard drives deliver extraordinary performance, transfer speeds, and
reliability for both Mac and PC users. Specifically designed for demanding security concerned
professionals, the Commander FC contains a fast SATA high-capacity 3.5″drive in a stylish and
unique aluminum case that can be stacked or mounted vertically. With its built-in power supply
and fan-less and quiet operation, the Commander FC can be easily moved from one desktop
environment to another using the provided carrying case, with 4TB single hard drive
introduction making this device the most versatile portable drive in the world today.
It has been integrated with one of the most secure encryption hardware-based chipsets in the
world. It contains Advanced Encryption Standard Algorithm AES-256 bit key
strength, real-time encryption. There is virtually zero time in encrypting and
decrypting the data. In either CBC or ECB modes, the encryption chip bears
certifications of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST),
and FIPS Level 2 for Cryptographic Module. It is authenticated by digital key
token, which is inserted for authentication and removed soon after the
device is authenticated and ready for use.
Choose Rocsecure drives and store your future.

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Box Contents
External hard disk drive
Stand for vertical mounting
USB cable (USB 3.0 to USB 3.0 or USB 3.0 to USB 2.0)
AC power cord
Three (digital) key tokens
Installation user Guide
Carrying case

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Minimum System Requirements
Mac Users: Window Users:
Connectors
Standard AC power input connection
Digital key token
ON/OFF power switch
USB 3.0 port x1
Hardware: USB 3.0 (2.0) port(s.)
Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows
2000, Me, XP, Vista, Windows 7
Recommended memory: 512 MB RAM
Hardware: USB 3.0 (2.0) port(s.)
Mac: PowerPC or Intel processor running
Mac OS 9, X, Leopard, Snow Leopard,
Lion
Recommended memory: 512 MB RAM

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MUST BE READ FIRST
Commander FC9 uses the most advanced encryption chip. It encrypts and decrypts all the data that is
being read and written simultaneously in real-time. It uses a digital key token to authenticate and
authorize to access data in the device.
This device contains three (3) digital key tokens that bear the mini USB form factor; the three (3) digital
keys provided with each device are unique and have the same key codes.
Each Commander works only with the similar digital key tokens that it has been formatted with.
You must keep at least one of the digital key tokens in a safe place.
If you lose all of your digital key tokens, you lose your data.
Rocstor does not keep a note of any key codes nor will be able to copy any digital Keys.
oIn the future, you may order your device with as many keys with similar key codes as you prefer
(extra digital keys bear additional costs). Rocstor is not able to reproduce or copy digital keys
once it leaves the factory.
Any set of digital keys can be formatted with as many Commander Products as you prefer. That
means if you have two (2) or more (or even twenty [20]) Commander Devices you can format all of
them with one set of digital keys. Digital key(s) with the same key code in this scenario are one set of
keys that would authenticate all of the Commander devices.
The key token works with the hard drive. If at any time if your device ports becomes defective but
your hard drive is in working condition (not damaged), the hard drive can be instead into another
similar enclosure and it will operate with your digital key that it had been formatted with originally.
If you lose one or even two digital keys, you may conduct the following tasks:
Purchase another set of digital keys from Rocstor.
You may purchase as many digital key tokens with the same key codes as you prefer
(recommendation: not to exceed 11 pieces of digital keys with the same key codes).
Once you have the new set of digital key tokens in your possession, you may proceed with the
following tasks:
oUsing one of the original keys (may be the last key in your possession) that authenticates your
drive, back up your data into another external hard drive or into a specific file made in your
computer hard drive designated for these data transfer.

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oOnce completed, please check and be certain that the data you need is fully transferred; these
data if not encrypted are vulnerable at this time.
oYou are now ready to reformat the drive with the new set of digital keys that you received.
NOTE: By reformatting the Commander device now, you will lose all the data that you have
stored in it. However, you had just transferred the data contained into a new temporary
device.
Insert the new set of digital key tokens you received into the Commander external drive
and proceed with formatting. Once the key is inserted, the device operation is similar to
any standard external hard drive; therefore, the formatting either for PC under
Windows or Mac is the same. (If you seek help in formatting, please proceed with the
formatting chapter in this manual; you may start with the Table of Contents on page
two (2) of this manual. If you require live assistance, you may call Rocstor tech support
toll-free at 888-877-7716, Ext 8883, or email [email protected]m.)
Once the drive is formatted with a new digital key, which you received/purchased, it will authenticate
the Commander device with that key (set of new keys) only. You may dispose of your previous leftover
original digital keys.
You are now ready to transfer (“move”) back the data you had transferred to your computer or from
another external hard drive to the newly formatted Commander FC. And be sure to remove/delete the
unsecure data that was left in your computer or the external hard drive if you desire.

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QUICK INSTALLATION
How to Connect the Interface Cables - Connecting the Drive
1. Turn ON your computer and wait until it fully boots up to load all programs.
2. Insert one of the digital key-tokens into the designated port
3. Connect one end of the power cord directly to the Commander FC and the other end to an
AC outlet, surge protector or battery Backup (UPS).
4. Turn the Commander FC Hard Drive switch ON.

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5. The Hard drive is preformatted for Plug-and-Play operation. After a few seconds a
Rocstor HD icon will show on the “My Computer” folder under the Windows OS. Under
the Mac OS, the Rocport HD will appear on the “Desktop.”
6. At this time it is recommended to remove the digital key-token and keep it in a safe
place.
7. Click (double click) on the Rocstor HD icon to access the drive.
NOTE: as long as the drive is ON it performs as any standard external drive; therefore all the
data which is being read (decrypted) is open to be accessed at all time while the drive is in the
ON position. Once the drive is tuned OFF the digital key must be inserted back in for
authentication. (However, it encrypts and decrypted all the date that is being read and written
to the drive at all time).

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Cable Type
USB supports three data transfer rates:
USB 3.0: A Supper-Speed (USB 3.0) rate of up to 5,000 Mbits/s (1GB/3.3sec)
USB 2.0: A Hi-Speed (USB 2.0) rate of 480 Mbits/s (60 MB/sec)
USB 1.1: A Full Speed rate of 12 Mbits/s (1.5 MB/sec)
USB 1.0: A Low Speed rate of 1.5 Mbits/s (187 KB/sec)

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INSTALLING YOUR DRIVE
All Rocstor hard drives are formatted as blank FAT32 (32-bit file allocation table) volumes
{unless otherwise stated on the box} that are compatible with most modern Windows and
Macintosh operating systems. To begin using your Rocstor drive, simply connect a data cable
and power cord. There’s no need to shut down your computer because your Rocstor drive is
hot-pluggable. Just plug it in and it’s ready to use.
Commander as a bootable device
If you intend to use the drive as a startup device, check the documentation that came with your
computer to confirm compatibility with the various interfaces. PowerPC-based Macs require
FireWire connections for startup disks, whereas Intel-based Macs can use either FireWire or
USB connections.
Furthermore, using the drive as a startup device requires installing an authorized copy of the
Windows or Mac operating system (available separately from Microsoft and Apple,
respectively). To install the Mac OS 9 or OS X, you must reformat the drive as a Mac OS
Extended volume with Disk Utility. An Intel-based Mac cannot start from a device formatted on
a PowerPC-based Mac or vice versa.
Disconnecting Your Drive
Never disconnect or turn off an external drive when its activity light is ON. External drives must
be properly unmounted (or disconnected) to avoid data loss and possible damage to the hard
disk drive or computer.
PC
The easiest ways to safely unmount an external hard drive on your PC is to right-click the device
removal icon next to the clock in the system tray. Then choose Safely Remove Hardware.
Choose the external device you want to remove, and then click Stop. An alert will notify you if
the drive is in use by an application. If in use close any open documents or applications on the
drive and try again. Windows will display an alert when you can safely disconnect or turn off the drive.
Mac
The easiest way to safely unmount an external hard drive is to drag its Finder icon to the Trash.
An alert will notify you if the drive is in use by an application. Close any open documents or
applications on the drive and try again. When the drive’s icon no longer appears on the Finder’s
Desktop and the drive’s activity light is green, you can safely disconnect or turn off the drive.
Reformatting Your Drive
As mentioned previously, all Rocstor hard drives are formatted as blank FAT32 volumes
(otherwise noted on the retail packaging) that are compatible with most modern Windows and
Macintosh operating systems. However, you can use your normal disk management tools to

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erase or reformat the drive if needed. For example, Windows users may want to reformat the
drive as an NTFS (new technology file system) volume, or Mac OS X users may wish to reformat
the drive as a Mac OS Extended (Journal) or UFS (Unix file system) volume.
Please note that all of your data will be lost if the volume (Hard Drive) is formatted or reformatted.
Reformatting via PC (Window based computers)
Right-click the Commander drive in the “My Computer” folder, then choose Format. In the
dialog window that appears, choose the desired capacity, file system and allocation unit size
and then click Start.
Reformatting via Mac
Open Disk Utility (/Applications/Utilities). Select the drive in the list at the left, and then click
the Erase tab. Choose the desired volume format, specify a name, and then click Erase.

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PARTITIONING AND FORMATTING THE COMMANDER DRIVE ON A MAC OS
All Rocstor drives are factory formatted with FAT32, unless otherwise stated on the retail box.
WARNING: Formatting and Partitioning the Commander Drive will destroy all of its data. To
protect your data, back it up before formatting or partitioning this device.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. All programs should be closed before beginning.
2. Connect the Rocstor hard disk drive to your computer using the appropriate cables.
3. Turn ON the Rocstor hard disk drive. Some Rocstor HDs are bus-powered and turn ON
automatically. Look for a Blue or Green light.
4. “Click” means left click. “Right Click” will be so labeled.
5. Some computers are set so a single “click” will perform the task, such as opening a
window. Depending on your mouse setting, you may have to double click to get to the
next window. If a single click does not open the next window, please double click.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR PARTITIONING AND FORMATTING FROM FAT32 to HFS+:
1. Connect the Rocstor drive to the computer via a port.
2. The drive will appear as an icon on the Desktop on the middle right side (figure 1.0 below)
the icon will represent the method of connection
Figure 1.0
USB Connection
Figure 1.1

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Note: the Hard Drive is connected via USB port; the desktop would indicate the USB (figure
1.1)
3. Once the icon appears on the “Desktop”click on the “Macintosh HD” icon (figure 2.0)
Figure 2.0

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4. In the “Macintosh HD” menu, click on the “Applications” icon.
5. In the “Applications” menu, click on the “Utilities”icon (figure 3.0.)
Figure 3.0