This User Guide is written for both Windows XP and Windows Vista users. The images reflect
the Windows XP environment, but all information is relevant for the Windows Vista
environment as well.
The Maxtor BlackArmor™ drive offers these features:
• BlackArmor security to provide the strongest hardware-based, full disk encryption
available for an external storage device*
• The BlackArmor Manager application to allow you to work with stored data on any
computer
• Backup & Restore to protect your data
• Sync to synchronize one or more folders between two or more computers
• Power management features to conserve energy when your BlackArmor drive isn’t
being used
*Government-grade AES encryption certified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Preparing the BlackArmor Drive for Use
Two applications provide the features offered by your BlackArmor drive, the BlackArmor
Manager software and the Maxtor Manager software. Before you install the Maxtor Manager
software for the BlackArmor, you must use the BlackArmor Manager application to configure
and unlock your drive.
Configuring the BlackArmor Drive
To configure a BlackArmor drive,
Step 1: Connect the drive to your computer.
Preparing the BlackArmor Drive for Use1
The Configure window opens:
T
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 1: Configure
Step 2: Select your BlackArmor drive from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Enter the 25-character identification code printed on the drive label.
Step 4: Enter and confirm a drive password.
The password must contain between 6 and 32 characters.
Step 5: Click Set.
A message confirms that a password has been set successfully and offers the
option of setting a password hint:
Figure 2: Password Set Successfully
Step 6: Click Done to close the Black Armor Manager window or Set Password Hint to
create a password hint.
Note: For information on setting a password hint, see Setting a Password Hint.
Preparing the BlackArmor Drive for Use2
The Unlock Drive window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 3: Unlock Drive
Step 7: Select your BlackArmor drive from the dropdown list, enter your password, and
click Unlock.
The Unlock Drive window closes and the BlackArmor autostart window opens:
Figure 4: BlackArmor Autostart Window
Step 8: Select Install Maxtor Manager using the program provided on the device and
click OK.
Preparing the BlackArmor Drive for Use3
The Maxtor Manager installation window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 5: Maxtor Manager Installation Window
You’re ready to install the Maxtor Manager software.
Installing the Maxtor Manager Software
To install the Maxtor Manager software,
Step 1: In the Maxtor Manager installation window, click Install Maxtor Manager.
Figure 6: Maxtor Manager Install Window
Preparing the BlackArmor Drive for Use4
The Welcome window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 7: Welcome
Step 2: Click Next.
Preparing the BlackArmor Drive for Use5
The License Agreement window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 8: License Agreement
Step 3: Click Yes to accept the terms of the License Agreement.
The Choose Destination Location window opens:
Figure 9: Select a Destination
Step 4: Accept the default destination folder or click Browse to select a different folder.
Preparing the BlackArmor Drive for Use6
Step 5: Click Next.
A Setup Status window keeps you informed as the installation proceeds:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 10: Setup Status
When the installation is finished, the Register window opens:
Figure 11: Register
Preparing the BlackArmor Drive for Use7
Step 6: Decide whether to register now and click Next.
The InstallShield Wizard Complete window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 12: InstallShield Wizard Complete
Step 7: Click Finish to restart your computer and complete the installation.
When your computer has restarted, a Maxtor Manager icon appears on your
desktop:
Preparing the BlackArmor Drive for Use8
Maxtor Black Armor
Step 8: Double-click the Maxtor Manager icon to open the BlackArmor application:
Figure 13: My Drives
Using the Maxtor System Tray Icon
You can use the Maxtor Manager system tray icon to check the status of your BlackArmor drive
and to access the drive features.
Step 1: To check the status of your drive, roll your mouse over the system tray icon:
Figure 1: System Tray Icons
The information popup confirms the drive’s status and identifies the drive letter.
Using the Maxtor System Tray Icon9
Maxtor Black Armor
The color of the system tray icon conveys this information:
Figure 14: System Tray Icon Information
Note: When a backup or sync has failed, the red icon continues to display until the next
successful backup or sync.
Step 2: To display the Maxtor Manager menu, click the system tray icon:
Figure 2: System Tray Menu
Step 3: Select the feature you want to access or select Exit to close the menu (the
BlackArmor application remains open).
Table 1: Using your Mouse with the Maxtor System Tray Icon
Click the system tray icon to• Launch Maxtor Manager
• Back Up Now
• Sync Now
• Edit Backup Settings
• View Log
• Open Maxtor Encryption
• Exit
Run your mouse over the icon to show• Status Information
• Status for Multiple Events
Restoring the System Tray Icon
If you select Exit from the System Tray menu, the Maxtor icon disappears from the System
Tray. To restore the Maxtor icon to the System Tray, go to
Start > Programs > Maxtor > Maxtor Status Icon
Using the Maxtor System Tray Icon10
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 15: Restore Maxtor System Tray Icon
Using the Maxtor System Tray Icon11
Managing Your Drives
The My Drives window provides a central point from which to manage your Maxtor
BlackArmor™ drives:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 3: My Drives
The icons across the top of the Maxtor Manager window allow you to access your drive
features.
In the My Drives window,
Step 1: Select a drive.
Step 2: Click an option from the icons across the top of the Maxtor Manager window.
Note: External drives are automatically detected and listed in the My Drives window. It can take
a few seconds for the Maxtor Manager software to detect your drive. If your drive doesn’t
appear, make sure it’s properly connected and turned on.
12
Maxtor Black Armor
Adjusting the Power Setting
You can choose how long your drive should remain inactive before it goes into power-saving
mode.
To adjust the power setting,
Step 1: In the My Drives window, click Settings.
The Settings window opens:
Figure 16: Settings
Step 2: Click Adjust Power Setting.
Adjusting the Power Setting13
The Adjust Power Setting window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 17: Adjust Power Setting
Step 3: Select an interval from the dropdown menu or click Default to return to the default
power setting.
Step 4: Click Apply to save the power setting.
Adjusting the Power Setting14
Maxtor Black Armor
The Adjust Power Setting window confirms that the power setting for your drive
has been changed:
Figure 18: Power Setting Confirmation
Step 5: Click OK to return to the My Drives window.
Testing Your Drive
Test your drive to check the health of your BlackArmor drive. The diagnostic utility performs its
tests without affecting the data on your drive.
To test your drive,
Step 1: In the My Drives window, click Settings.
Testing Your Drive15
The Settings window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 19: Settings
Step 2: Click Test My Drive.
Testing Your Drive16
The Test My Drive window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 20: Test Drive
Step 3: Click Test.
Testing Your Drive17
Maxtor Black Armor
A progress bar indicates the progress of the test. When the test is complete, the
results are displayed:
Figure 21: Drive Test Complete
The drive pictured above is functioning normally. If an error occurs during testing,
the serial number of the bad device is displayed with instructions to contact
Seagate for service and support:
Testing Your Drive18
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 22: Drive Test - Bad Drive
Step 4: Click OK and contact Seagate Support for further assistance.
Updating Your Software
The Software Update feature automatically informs you when an update is available for your
software. However, you can manually check to see if an update is available or you can turn off
the Software Update feature.
To check for software updates,
Step 1: In the My Drives window, click Settings.
Updating Your Software19
The Settings window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 23: Settings
Step 2: Click Check for Software Update.
Updating Your Software20
The Software Update window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 24: Software Update
Check for update automatically is selected by default.
Step 3: To turn off Software Update, unselect Check for updates automatically.
Step 4: To check for updates now, click Check Now.
If an update is available for your software, a Software Update window allows you
to download the update:
Figure 25: Software Update Available
Step 5: Click Yes to download the software update and follow the Install Wizard
instructions to install it.
Updating Your Software21
If your software is up to date, a Software Update window informs you of that:
Figure 26: Software Up to Date
Step 6: Click OK to return to the Settings window.
Maxtor Black Armor
Updating Your Software22
Maxtor Black Armor
Backing Up & Restoring Folders
The Maxtor Manager Backup feature allows you to
• Schedule the backup of selected folders
• Edit backup settings
• Launch an immediate file backup
• Restore backed up files
After the initial backup, the Maxtor Manager software backs up changed files in backed up
folders on a schedule you set or right away when you click Back Up Now in the Backup
window.
Creating a Backup Plan
You can create one Backup Plan for each Maxtor drive connected to your computer. You can
select either of two Backup Plans:
• Simple Backup: Pre-configured to back up your XP My Documents/Vista Personal
Folder folder daily at 10:00 p.m.
— OR —
• Custom Backup: You select the folders to be backed up and set a backup
destination and schedule.
Using Simple Backup
Use Simple Backup to back up your XP My Documents or Vista Personal Folder folder daily
at 10 p.m.
Creating a Backup Plan23
To use Simple Backup,
Step 1: Click the Backup icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
The Backup window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 27: Backup
Step 2: In the Backup window, click Simple Backup.
A Simple BackupConfirmation window confirms that you’ve selected Simple
Backup and asks you to name this Backup Plan:
Figure 28: Simple Backup Confirmation
Creating a Backup Plan24
Step 3: Enter a name for your Backup Plan and click OK.
The Backup window now allows you to edit your backup settings and restore
backed up files and describes your Backup Plan and the details of your last
backup.
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 29: Simple Backup Details
Creating a Custom Backup
To select specific folders for backup and set up a backup destination and schedule,
Step 1: Click the Backup icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
Creating a Backup Plan25
The Backup window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 30: Backup
Step 2: In the Backup window, click Custom Backup.
Creating a Backup Plan26
The Backup Folder Selection window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 31: Backup Folder Selection
Step 3: Name your Backup Plan, select the folders to be backed up, and click Next.
Creating a Backup Plan27
The Backup File Types window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 32: File Types: All Types
Creating a Backup Plan28
Step 4: Select the types of files you want to back up:
Select specific file types to include or exclude for backup:
— To back up only a few of the available file types,
1.Select Include these file types.
2.Select each file type you do want to back up and click Add to move it to
the Include list.
— To back up most of the available file types,
1.Select Exclude these file types.
2.Select each file type you don’t want to back up and click Add to move it to
the Exclude list.
Note: File extensions are the last three characters of a file name that define the file type.
Creating a Backup Plan29
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 34: File Types: Custom
Step 5: Click Next.
Creating a Backup Plan30
The Backup Schedule window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 35: Backup Schedule
Step 6: Select the days and time you want to back up your folders and click Finish.
Creating a Backup Plan31
Maxtor Black Armor
The Backup window now offers the options of editing your backup settings and
restoring backed up files and describes your Backup Plan.
Figure 36: Custom Backup Details
Managing Backup Settings
Use the Backup window to manage your backup settings:
• Edit your backup settings
• Restore backed up files
• Delete Backup Plans
• Turn Scheduled Backup on or off
• Back up a folder manually
• View the Backup Log
Editing Backup Settings
To edit the settings for a Backup Plan,
Step 1: Click the Backup icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
Managing Backup Settings32
The Backup window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 37: Backup
Step 2: In the Backup window, click Edit Backup Settings.
Managing Backup Settings33
Maxtor Black Armor
The Backup Folder Selection window displays your current Backup Plan name
and folder selection:
Figure 38: Backup Folder Selection
Step 3: Edit the Backup Plan name and/or the folder selection and click Next.
Managing Backup Settings34
Maxtor Black Armor
The Backup File Types window displays your file types selection:
Figure 39: File Types
Step 4: Edit the types of files to be backed up and click Next.
Managing Backup Settings35
The Backup Schedule window displays your current schedule:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 40: Backup Schedule
Step 5: Edit the days and/or time you want to back up your folders and click Finish.
Managing Backup Settings36
The Backup window now displays your edited Backup Plan.
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 41: Backup
Deleting a Backup Plan
You can delete the Backup Plan for any BlackArmor drive on which you’ve created one, even
if the drive is not connected to your computer.
To delete a Backup Plan,
Step 1: Click the Backup icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
Managing Backup Settings37
The Backup window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 42: Backup
Step 2: In the Backup window, click Delete Backup Plan.
Managing Backup Settings38
The DeleteBackup Plan window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 43: Delete Backup Plan
Listed is the Backup Plan for each BlackArmor drive connected to your computer.
Step 3: Select the Backup Plan you want to delete and click Delete.
The Backup Plan is deleted.
Note: Your backed up files are NOT deleted.
Using Scheduled Backup
Use Scheduled Backup to back up changes in backed up folders on the days and time you set.
The Scheduled Backup On/Off switch enables or disables the Backup schedule.
By default, Scheduled Backup is turned on.
Managing Backup Settings39
Turning Off Scheduled Backup
To turn off Scheduled Backup,
• In the Backup window, click the Scheduled BackupOff button.
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 44: Scheduled Backup Off
Backing Up Manually
You can back up files manually whenever you like, whether Scheduled Backup is on or off.
To launch a backup manually,
• Click Back Up Now in the lower right corner of the Backup window.
— OR —
• Select Back Up Now from the System Tray menu:
Managing Backup Settings40
Maxtor Black Armor
A Backup Progress window informs you of the progress of the manual backup and
lets you know when the backup is complete:
Figure 45: Manual Backup Complete
Viewing the Backup Log
The Backup Log is a text-based report of your backup history.
Managing Backup Settings41
To view the Backup Log,
Step 1: Click View Log in the Backup window:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 46: Backup
— OR —
Click the BlackArmor icon in your System Tray to display the BlackArmor popup
menu:
Managing Backup Settings42
Maxtor Black Armor
Step 2: Click View Log to open a text file showing the history of your system backups:
Figure 47: Backup Log
Restoring Files
When you back up the files stored in selected folders, the Maxtor Manager saves ten (10)
previous, or historical, versions of each revised file stored on your BlackArmor drive. You can
restore a saved historical version of a backed up file based on the date it was last modified or
you can restore the most recent version of a backed up file.
To restore files,
Step 1: Click the Backup icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
Restoring Files43
The Backup window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 48: Backup
Listed beneath Restore Files are the date and time of your most recent backup.
Step 2: In the Backup window, click Restore Files.
The Restore a Backup window opens:
Restoring Files44
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 49: Restore a Backup
Restoring an Historical Version
Step 1: Click Restore historical version of backed up file to restore a previous version
of a file.
Restoring Files45
The Restore Historical Version window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 50: Restore Historical Version
Step 2: Select a file and file version to be restored and click Restore.
The selected file version is restored to the location noted in the Restore
Historical Version window.
Restoring the Most Recent Version
Step 1: Click Restore most recent version to restore the latest version of a file.
Restoring Files46
Maxtor Black Armor
Windows Explorer displays the contents of the Maxtor Backup folder:
Figure 51: Maxtor Backup in Windows Explorer
Step 2: Browse to the desired file and drag it to the location at which you want it restored.
Step 3: Close Windows Explorer.
Restoring Files47
Maxtor Black Armor
Synchronizing Folders
Sync is designed to synchronize files in one or more folders between two or more computers.
You can sync selected folders from one computer to your BlackArmor drive and then connect
the drive to another computer to complete the sync.
Note: Files cannot be synchronized between computers running XP and those running Vista.
You have these Sync options:
Simple Sync: Custom Sync:
Sync XP My Documents or Vista Personal Folder Select one or more folders to sync
Sync all file types Select file types to include or exclude
Sync automatically Select automatic or manual sync
Always overwrite older file versions Set Sync and Copy & Replace Rules
Note: Make sure all computers participating in the Sync are set to precisely the same time to
ensure that Sync works properly.
Using Simple Sync
Simple Sync is pre-configured to automatically sync all file types in your XP My Documents
or Vista Personal Folder folder. Newer file versions always overwrite older versions.
To select Simple Sync,
Step 1: Click the Sync icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
Using Simple Sync48
The Sync window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 52: Sync
Step 2: Click Simple Sync.
The Simple Sync Confirmation window opens:
Figure 53: Confirm Simple Sync
Step 3: Click OK to close the confirmation window.
Your XP My Documents or Vista Personal Folder folder is now synchronized
with your drive. Connect the drive to other computers to complete the sync.
Using Simple Sync49
Maxtor Black Armor
Using Custom Sync
Custom Sync allows you to select specific folders and file types for synchronization and to
choose sync and encryption settings.
To configure Custom Sync,
Step 1: Click the Sync icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
The Sync window opens:
Figure 54: Sync
Step 2: Click Custom Sync.
Using Custom Sync50
The Folder Selection window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 55: Folder Selection
Step 3: Select the folders to be synchronized.
You can select as many folders as you like, but they must all reside on the same
drive (partition).
Step 4: Click Next.
Using Custom Sync51
The File Types window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 56: Sync All File Types
Using Custom Sync52
Step 5: Select the types of files you want to sync:
Select specific file types to include or exclude for sync:
— To sync only a few of the available file types,
1.Select Include these file types.
2.Select each file type you do want to sync and click Add to move it to the
Include window.
— To sync most of the available file types,
1.Select Exclude these file types.
2.Select each file type you don’t want to sync and click Add to move it to the
Exclude window.
Figure 58: Sync File Types: Custom
Step 6: After you’ve selected the types of files to sync, click Next.
Using Custom Sync54
The Sync Rules window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 59: Sync Rules
Step 7: Select your Sync rules:
• Sync Rules:
— Sync automatically each time a file changes
— Sync manually using the Sync Now button in the Sync window
• Copy & Replace Rules
— Always overwrite older file versions with newer versions
— Ask before overwriting a file
Step 8: After you’ve set your Sync rules, click Finish to return to the Sync window.
Completing the Sync
To complete the sync, you must remove your BlackArmor drive from the computer on which
the original sync occurred and connect it to another computer on which you want to sync the
selected folders. You can connect the BlackArmor drive to as many computers as you wish to
include in the sync.
The first time you connect your BlackArmor to a second computer to complete a Sync, you’re
asked where to put the synchronized folders on this computer.
Completing the Sync55
To complete the Sync,
Step 1: Safely remove the BlackArmor drive from your computer.
Step 2: Connect the BlackArmor drive to another computer.
(a) If you’ve synchronized folders other than XP My Documents (or Vista
Personal Folder), the Sync Folders window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 60: Sync Folders
Completing the Sync56
Maxtor Black Armor
(b) If you’ve synchronized your XP My Documents (or Vista Personal Folder),
the Sync “My Documents” (or Sync “Personal Folder”) window opens:
Figure 61: Sync My Documents or Personal Folder
(c) If you’ve synchronized both XP My Documents (or Vista Personal Folder)
and other folders, both windows open.
Step 3: In each window, select the location at which to store the synchronized folders on
this computer and click OK.
From now on, the selected folders will automatically sync with the versions on
your BlackArmor drive each time you connect the drive to the computer.
Editing Sync Settings
To change any of your Sync settings,
Step 1: Click the Sync icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
Editing Sync Settings57
The Sync window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 62: Sync
Step 2: Click Edit Sync Settings.
Editing Sync Settings58
Maxtor Black Armor
The Folder Selection window displays your current folder settings:
Figure 63: Edit Sync Folder Selection
Step 3: Add and/or remove folders from Sync and click Next.
Note: Folders removed from Sync are deleted from your BlackArmor drive.
Editing Sync Settings59
The File Types window displays your current file type settings:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 64: Edit Sync File Types
Step 4: Make the desired changes and click Next.
Note: If you sync a type of file and then remove that file type from your sync selections, all files of
that type previously synchronized will be removed from your drive during the next sync.
Editing Sync Settings60
The Sync Rules window displays your current settings:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 65: Edit Sync Rules
Step 5: Make the desired changes and click Finish to return to the Sync window.
Checking Sync Status
To check the status of a Sync,
Step 1: Click the Sync icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
Checking Sync Status61
The Sync window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 66: Sync
Step 2: Click Check Sync Status.
Checking Sync Status62
The Sync Status window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 67: Sync Status
Listed are the names of the computers on which Sync was set up, the date of the
last Sync, and the Automatic Sync setting (On or Off).
Step 3: Click OK to return to the Sync window.
Deleting Sync Settings
To delete all your Sync settings and create a new set,
Step 1: Click the Sync icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
Checking Sync Status63
The Sync window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 68: Sync
Step 2: Click Delete Sync Settings.
The Delete Sync Settings Confirmation window opens:
Figure 69: Delete Sync Settings Confirmation
Checking Sync Status64
Step 3: Click Delete.
The original Sync window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 70: Sync
Step 4: To create new Sync settings, select Simple Sync or Custom Sync.
Using Automatic Sync
The Automatic Sync feature continuously tracks file changes in synchronized folders and
automatically synchronizes revised versions. Your BlackArmor drive must be connected
during Automatic Sync.
By default, Automatic Sync is turned on. You can turn it off and control when files are
synchronized rather than synchronizing files automatically.
Using Automatic Sync65
To turn off Automatic Sync,
Step 1: Click the Sync icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
The Sync window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 71: Automatic Sync
Step 2: In the Sync window, click the Automatic Sync Off button.
Step 3: To sync manually when Automatic Sync is off,
• Click Sync Now in the lower right corner of the Sync window.
— OR —
• Select Sync Now from the System Tray menu to Sync on ALL connected
drives:
Using Automatic Sync66
A Sync Progress window informs you of the progress of the sync.
Figure 72: Sync Progress
Step 4: When the sync is complete, click OK to close the window.
Maxtor Black Armor
Using Automatic Overwrite
The Automatic Overwrite feature instructs Maxtor Manager to replace old file versions with new
versions each time a sync occurs.Your BlackArmor drive must be connected to use Automatic
Overwrite.
• When Automatic Overwrite is on, older file versions are always replaced with newer
versions.
• When Automatic Overwrite is off, the Maxtor Manager displays the Sync Preview
window to allow you to decide whether to overwrite, add, or delete files on an
individual basis
By default, Automatic Overwrite is turned on.
Using Automatic Overwrite67
To turn off Automatic Overwrite,
Step 1: Click the Sync icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
The Sync window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 73: Automatic Overwrite
Step 2: In the Sync window, click the Automatic Overwrite Off button.
Step 3: To sync manually and make individual decisions about which files to add,
overwrite, or delete,
• Click Sync Now in the lower right corner of the Sync window.
— OR —
• Select Sync Now from the System Tray menu to Sync on ALL connected
drives:
Using Automatic Overwrite68
The Sync Preview window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 74: Sync Preview
Listed are the files scheduled to be overwritten.
Step 4: If you do NOT want to overwrite an older file version with a newly-synchronized
version, add a file, or delete a file, uncheck the file in the On column.
Step 5: Click Sync Now to sync your files according to the settings you’ve made in the
Sync Preview window.
A Sync Progress window informs you of the progress of the sync.
Figure 75: Sync Progress
Step 6: When the sync is complete, click OK to close the window.
Using Automatic Overwrite69
Using the Sync Preview Window
Use the Sync Preview window to manage your synchronized files:
• Add or delete files.
• Decide whether to overwrite existing file versions.
• Resolve conflicts over which version of a synchronized file to save.
If the same file is edited on different computers at the same time, a conflict occurs
over which version of the file to save. When the BlackArmor drive containing a
changed version of a file is connected to a computer containing another changed
version of the same file, the Sync Preview window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 76: Sync Preview
To use the Sync Preview window,
Step 1: Use the On checkbox to tell Maxtor Manager which file versions to overwrite, add,
or delete.
Using the Sync Preview Window70
Step 2: Click Sync Now to complete the sync.
A Sync Progress window informs you of the progress of the sync.
Figure 77: Sync Progress
Step 3: When the sync is complete, click OK to close the window.
Maxtor Black Armor
Using the Sync Preview Window71
Maxtor Black Armor
Managing BlackArmor™ Security
BlackArmor™ security uses Government-grade AES encryption technology certified by the
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to provide the strongest hardwarebased, full disk encryption available for an external storage device. Your entire drive and all
the data stored on it are protected by a drive encryption key from unauthorized access.
Unlocking the BlackArmor Drive
Your BlackArmor drive locks automatically each time you disconnect it from a computer. You
can unlock it in either the Maxtor Manager application or the BlackArmor Manager application
when your drive is connected to a computer on which the Maxtor Manager software is not
installed.
Note: For information on unlocking your drive in the BlackArmor Manager application, see Using
BlackArmor Manager.
To unlock your drive in the Maxtor Manager application,
Step 1: Click the Security icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
The Security window opens:
Figure 78: Security - Drive Locked
Unlocking the BlackArmor Drive72
The window idsplays Locked instead of a drive letter.
Step 2: Click Unlock Drive.
The Unlock window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 79: Unlock
Step 3: Enter your password and click Unlock.
Unlocking the BlackArmor Drive73
Maxtor Black Armor
The window refreshes to display the drive letter. The Unlock Drive option is now
grayed out:
Figure 80: Other Features
Changing your Password
Your password must initially be set in the BlackArmor Manager application. Once you’ve set a
password, you can change it in either the Maxtor Manager application or the BlackArmor
Manager application when your drive is connected to a computer on which the Maxtor
Manager software is not installed.
Note: For information on initially setting your password in the BlackArmor Manager application,
see Using BlackArmor Manager.
To change your password in the Maxtor Manager application,
Step 1: Click the Security icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
Changing your Password74
The Security window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 81: Security
Step 2: Click Change Password.
Changing your Password75
The Change Password window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 82: Change Password
Step 3: Enter your current password, then enter and re-enter a new password.
Step 4: Click Set.
A message confirms that a new password has been set successfully:
Figure 83: Password Set Successfully
Step 5: Click Done to return to the Security window or click Set Password Hint to set a
hint that will provide a reminder to your password.
Changing your Password76
Maxtor Black Armor
Using the Password Hint
BlackArmor not only allows you to set a hint to help you remember your password, but also
protects that password hint with a security question you must answer in order to retrieve the
password hint. You can delete or change your password hint any time.
Note: To set, change, or delete a password hint, you must enter the 25-character identification
code printed on your BlackArmor drive label:
Figure 84: Drive Label Identification Code
Opening the Set Password Hint Window
The Set Password Hint window can be opened from any of three windows:
• The Unlock Drive window:
(a) Click Hint in the Unlock Drive window.
If no password hint has been set, the Password Hint Not Set window opens.
Using the Password Hint77
(b) Click Set Password Hint.
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 85: Set Password Hint from the Unlock Drive Window
Using the Password Hint78
• The Change Password window:
(a) Set a new password in the Change Password window.
(b) Click Set Password Hint in the Password Set window.
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 86: Set Password Hint from the Change Password Window
Using the Password Hint79
Maxtor Black Armor
• The Other Features window:
Click Set, Change, or Delete Password Hint in the Other Features window:
Figure 87: Set Password Hint from the Other Features Window
Setting a Password Hint
To set a password hint,
Step 1: Open the Set Password Hint window:
Using the Password Hint80
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 88: Set Password Hint
Step 2: Select a security question from the dropdown list or create a question of your own.
Step 3: Enter the answer to the security question.
Step 4: Enter a hint to help you recall your password if you forget it.
Step 5: Enter the 25-character identification code printed on the drive label.
Step 6: Click Set.
A message confirms that your password hint has been set successfully:
Figure 89: Password Hint Set Successfully
Step 7: Click OK to return to the Security window.
Using the Password Hint81
Changing a Password Hint
To change a password hint,
Step 1: Click the Security icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
The Security window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 90: Security
Step 2: Click Set, Change, or Delete Password Hint.
A message informs you that a password hint has already been set and asks if you
want to delete it or overwrite it with a new password hint.
Figure 91: Password Hint Already Set
Using the Password Hint82
Step 3: Click Overwrite.
The Set Password Hint window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 92: Set Password Hint
Step 4: Select a security question from the dropdown list or create a question of your own.
Step 5: Enter the answer to the security question.
Step 6: Enter a hint to help you recall your password if you forget it.
Step 7: Enter the 25-character identification code printed on the drive label.
Step 8: Click Set.
A message confirms that your password hint has been set successfully:
Figure 93: Password Hint Set Successfully
Using the Password Hint83
Step 9: Click OK to return to the Security window.
Deleting a Password Hint
To delete a password hint,
Step 1: Click the Security icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
The Security window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 94: Security
Step 2: Click Set, Change, or Delete Password Hint.
Using the Password Hint84
A message informs you that a password hint has already been set and asks if you
want to delete it or overwrite it with a new password hint.
Figure 95: Password Hint Already Set
Step 3: Click Delete.
The Delete Password Hint window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 96: Delete Password Hint
Step 4: Enter the 25-character identification code printed on the drive label.
Step 5: Click Delete Password Hint.
Using the Password Hint85
A message confirms that your password hint has been deleted:
Figure 97: Password Hint Deleted
Step 6: Click OK to return to the Security window.
You can set a new password hint by following the original steps at any time.
Maxtor Black Armor
Retrieving a Password Hint
If you’ve forgotten your password, you can retrieve the password hint you set to help you
remember the password.
To retrieve your password hint,
Step 1: Click the Security icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
Using the Password Hint86
The Security window for the locked drive opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 98: Security - Drive Locked
Step 2: Click Unlock Drive.
Using the Password Hint87
The Unlock window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 99: Unlock
Step 3: Click Hint.
Using the Password Hint88
The Retrieve Password Hint window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 100: Retrieve Password Hint
Step 4: Enter the answer to the security question you selected when you set the password
hint and click Show Hint.
The Password Hint window displays the password hint:
Figure 101: Retrieve Password Hint
Step 5: Click Done to return to the Unlock window and enter your password.
If you still cannot remember your password after retrieving your password hint, you
must erase your BlackArmor drive in order to continue to use the drive. You can
erase your drive only in the Maxtor Manager application on your desktop.
Note: For information on erasing your BlackArmor drive, see Erasing the BlackArmor Drive.
Using the Password Hint89
Maxtor Black Armor
Erasing a BlackArmor Drive
If you’ve forgotten your password and cannot unlock the BlackArmor drive, the only way you
can continue to use it is to securely erase it using KeyErase™. KeyErase regenerates the
drive encryption key, during which process all it the drive has been erased.
To erase your BlackArmor drive,
Step 1: Click the Security icon in the Maxtor Manager window.
The locked Security window opens:
Figure 102: Security - Drive Locked
Step 2: Click KeyErase™.
Erasing a BlackArmor Drive90
The KeyErase window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 103: KeyErase 1
Step 3: Read the warning information and click Next Step.
Erasing a BlackArmor Drive91
A second KeyErase window opens:
Maxtor Black Armor
Figure 104: KeyErase 2
Step 4: Verify that the security LED is flashing on the drive you want to erase.
Step 5: Enter the 25-character identification code printed on the drive label.
Step 6: Click Erase Drive.
Erasing a BlackArmor Drive92
Maxtor Black Armor
When the drive has been erased (this takes only a few moments), the Configure
BlackArmor window opens:
Figure 105: Configure BlackArmor
Configuring an Erased Drive
After you’ve erased a BlackArmor drive, you must configure the drive and set a drive
password.
To configure the drive,
Step 1: Enter the 25-character identification code printed on the drive label.
Step 2: Enter and confirm a drive password.
The password must contain between 6 and 32 characters.
Step 3: Click Set.
Erasing a BlackArmor Drive93
Maxtor Black Armor
A message confirms that a password has been set successfully and offers the
option of setting a password hint:
Figure 106: Password Set Successfully
Step 4: Click Done to close the Password Set window or Set Password Hint to create a
password hint.
Note: For information on setting a password hint, see Setting a Password Hint.
The Unlock Drive window opens:
Figure 107: KeyErase 2
Step 5: Enter your password and click Unlock.
Erasing a BlackArmor Drive94
Maxtor Black Armor
The Unlock window closes. After a short wait, the Format Maxtor Drive window
opens:
Figure 108: Format Maxtor Drive
Note: It can take up to a full minute for the Fornat Maxtor Drive window to open.
Step 6: Click Format to reformat your drive for use.
A Format confirmation window opens. Since you’ve just erased everything on your
BlackArmor drive, you don’t have to worry about erasing data.
Figure 109: Format Maxtor Drive Confirmation
Step 7: Click Format.
Erasing a BlackArmor Drive95
You’re informed of the progress of the format.
Figure 110: Format Maxtor Drive Confirmation
Maxtor Black Armor
A message confirms a successful format.
Figure 111: Format Completed
Erasing a BlackArmor Drive96
Maxtor Black Armor
If the formatting fails, a message informs you that a partition could not be created.
Figure 112: Format Failed
Step 8: Close the Partition creation failed window.
You must use Administrative Tools to create a partition so you can continue to use
the BlackArmor drive.
Using Administrative Tools to Format an Erased
BlackArmor
If your BlackArmor drive cannot be formatted automatically using the Format Maxtor Drive
window, you must use Administrative Tools to manually create a partition so you can continue
to use the BlackArmor drive.
Erasing a BlackArmor Drive97
Loading...
+ hidden pages
You need points to download manuals.
1 point = 1 manual.
You can buy points or you can get point for every manual you upload.