Model PX-712UF External
USB/FireWire Drive
DVD±R/RW, CD-R/RW DRIVE
INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL
JUNE 2004
Plextor reserves the right to make improvements in the products
described in this manual at any time without prior notice.
Plextor makes no representation or warranties with respect to the
contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of
merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Further, Plextor
Corp. reserves the right to revise this manual and to make changes in
its content without obligation to notify any person or organization of
such revision or change.
This manual is copyrighted, all rights reserved. It may not be copied,
photocopied, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or
machine-readable form without Plextor’s prior permission.
Manual copyright ©2004 Plextor Corp. First edition, June 2004.
Licenses and Trademarks
Plextor and the Plextor logo are registered trademarks of Plextor Corp. All other
licenses and trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Record Your Serial Number
For future reference, record the serial number and the TLA code (found
on your drive’s label) in the space provided below.
TLA/Firmware Revision Number
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION STATEMENT
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
CAUTION: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
STATEMENT
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
LASER INFORMATION
These products have been designed and manufactured according to IEC 60825-1 on the
Safety of Laser products. This product comes under “Class 1 Laser Products.”
CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other
than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
A Laser Caution Label is attached on the bottom of the external drive model.
The laser beam emitted from the optical pickup is visible and invisible. Accordingly:
• Do not open the optical pickup housing.
• Obtain service only from Plextor-authorized personnel.
CAUTION: To disconnect the external DVD/CD drive from electrical current, pull
out the drive’s power cable.
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
iii
Bottom View of External Drive, Showing Caution Label Location
Detail of PX-712UF Laser Caution Labels
iv PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
Table of Contents
1. Getting Started ..............................................................................1
About this Manual...........................................................................1
Meet Your PX-712UF.....................................................................2
What the PX-712UF Does...........................................................2
Features of the PX-712UF...........................................................3
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-712UF..........................6
What You Can Do with the PX-712UF.......................................7
About Software ...............................................................................8
Precautions ...................................................................................... 9
Where to Go From Here.................................................................. 9
2. Installing the PX-712UF External USB/FireWire Drive.......... 11
PX-712UF Drive Features and Controls .......................................11
Front Panel—PX-712UF External Drive ..................................11
Rear Panel—PX-712UF External Drive....................................13
What Else Is In the PX-712UF Box .............................................. 15
Save Your Box!.........................................................................15
Mount the PX-712UF Drive..........................................................16
Determine Your Computer’s Operating System ...........................17
Determine What Interface to Use..................................................17
Connect the PX-712UF Drive ....................................................... 18
Record the Serial Number and TLA Code ................................18
Install the Drive in Your Windows Computer...........................18
Identifying Cables and Ports .....................................................20
If You Have Windows 98SE and FireWire...............................21
If You Have Windows 98SE and USB......................................21
Switching Between USB and IEEE 1394 Interfaces ..................... 22
If You’re Using FireWire.............................................................. 22
If You Have a Macintosh ..............................................................23
3. Using Your PX-712UF ................................................................25
What Media to Use........................................................................25
DVD Media...............................................................................25
CD-ROM Media........................................................................25
Tray Loading and Operation .........................................................27
Handling DVD and CD Media..................................................27
Cleaning Discs...........................................................................28
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
v
Table of Contents
Mounting Position......................................................................... 29
Playing DVDs............................................................................... 29
Writing to DVD Media ................................................................. 30
Specifying +R/RW or -R/RW................................................... 30
Writing to CD-R and CD-RW Media ........................................... 30
Using the Disc/Busy Indicator ...................................................... 31
Switching to SpeedRead for Video Playback ............................... 32
4. Advanced Features and PlexTools Professional....................... 33
Loading PlexTools Professional Software.................................... 33
Using Silent Mode ........................................................................ 34
Turning On Silent Mode ........................................................... 34
Important Facts about Silent Mode........................................... 36
Using SecuRec.............................................................................. 37
Password-Protecting a Disc with SecuRec................................ 37
Reading a Password-Protected Disc.......................................... 39
Important Facts about SecuRec................................................. 39
Using VariRec............................................................................... 40
How the Default VariRec Setting Is Determined...................... 40
Changing the VariRec Setting................................................... 41
Important Facts about VariRec ................................................. 43
Using GigaRec.............................................................................. 43
Burning a Disc with GigaRec ................................................... 44
How GigaRec Works ................................................................ 45
Important Facts about GigaRec................................................. 45
Testing Your CDs and DVDs ....................................................... 46
Measuring Read Transfer Rate ................................................. 46
Measuring Write Transfer Rate................................................. 49
Measuring Q-Check C1/C2/CU Errors ..................................... 51
Measuring Tracking and Focus Error ....................................... 56
Making Q-Check Jitter/Beta Measurements ............................. 59
Measuring Q-Check PI/PO Errors ............................................62
Advantages of Buffer Underrun Proof Technology...................... 64
vi PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
Table of Contents
5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting ............................................ 65
Cleaning the PX-712UF Drive ...................................................... 65
Upgrading Firmware .....................................................................66
Emergency Eject ...........................................................................67
Troubleshooting ............................................................................67
Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized..........................................67
Using the PX-712UF Self-Test Diagnostics.............................. 69
What You’ll Need .....................................................................69
Performing the Self-Test ...........................................................69
What the Self-Test Results Indicate ..........................................70
6. Frequently Asked Questions.......................................................71
Appendix A: PX-712UF Specifications..........................................73
Appendix B: Technical Support.....................................................85
How to Contact Plextor Technical Support................................... 86
Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call for Support....................... 86
Returns ..........................................................................................87
Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department .................................... 87
Packing Your Drive................................................................... 88
Shipping Your Drive to Plextor.................................................88
Appendix C: Warranty...................................................................89
If You’re Outside the U.S. or Canada ...........................................90
Index.................................................................................................91
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual vii
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viii PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
1. Getting Started
Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Plextor® PX-712UF, a
reliable, high-performance recordable DVD and CD writer, rewriter, and
player. We appreciate the confidence you have shown in us. Our goal is
to put you—and keep you—on the leading edge of DVD and CD
technology.
About this Manual
Please read this manual carefully and keep it handy for easy reference.
Use the manual for installation, operation and troubleshooting. If your
drive needs service, see your dealer or call Plextor’s Technical Support
Department.
In this manual you should find all the information you need to
successfully install, operate and troubleshoot your drive. If you run into
a problem that doesn't seem to be covered, however, please contact us.
(See “Appendix B: Technical Support” for the different ways you can
reach us.) You will be connected to our friendly, helpful band of tech
support engineers. What might seem like an uncooperative drive to you
could very well be a 30-second fix to them. But we will never know
unless you contact us.
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
1
Section 1. Getting Started
Meet Your PX-712UF
The PX-712UF is a DVD ReWritable/CD ReWritable drive that
provides professional quality DVD and CD performance for writing,
rewriting and reading.
What the PX-712UF Does
For DVDs, the PX-712UF:
• Writes DVD+R (recordable DVD, “plus” format) media at
up to 12X speed on recommended 8X media.
• Writes DVD-R (recordable DVD, “dash” format) media at
up to 8X speed.
• Writes DVD+RW (rewritable DVD, “plus” format) media
at up to 4X speed.
• Writes DVD-RW (rewritable DVD, “dash” format) media
at up to 4X speed.
• Supports DVD+VR and DVD-VR real time editing.
• Reads DVD discs at up to 16X (depending on USB or IEEE 1394
host controller).
• Reads DVD-Video discs with CSS at up to 2X CLV.
• Supports DVD-RW DRT-DM (Distributed Real Time Defect
Management)
For CDs, the PX-712UF:
• Writes to CD-R (recordable CD) media at up to 48X speed.
• Writes to CD-RW (rewritable CD) media at up to 24X speed.
• Reads all CD-ROM, CD-RW, and CD-R data media at a maximum
of 48X speed.
• Reads CD-DA (audio) and CD-R audio media at up to 40X speed.
• Reads CD-RW audio media at up to 32X speed.
2 PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
Section 1. Getting Started
Features of the PX-712UF
• USB 2.0 and FireWire interface: Features both USB 2.0 and
FireWire® (IEEE 1394), to connect to a PC or Macintosh computer
with either of these high-speed interfaces. Supports both Hi-Speed
USB 2.0 (480 megabits per second) and Full-Speed USB 1.1 (12
megabits per second).
• PoweRec: Plextor Optimized Writing Error Reduction Control
(PoweRec) adjusts laser power and writing speed so they’re at the
optimum settings for that particular disc. (For example, when you’re
writing a DVD, PoweRec checks to see if the maximum 12X speed
is possible, and sets the optimum write speed.) You can enable and
disable PoweRec.
• VariRec: Lets you change the write strategy to record at highest
quality on different types of discs. Also provides user adjustment of
the recording power above or below a default level. This adjustment
lets you customize the optimum laser power to your own needs.
• Silent Mode: Unique technology that sets the drive for super-silent
operation. By controlling access speed, read/write speed, and tray
opening and closing speed, you reduce drive noise to a whisper.
• MMC compliance: Supports the MMC-4 command set.
• Flash memory: Allows upgrading the PX-712UF to the latest
firmware revision (available from the Plextor web site) without
opening the computer or physically accessing the drive.
• Black tray: Reduces the effect of optical distortion by absorbing
reflections from the laser beam, enhancing read quality.
• Plug and Play: Supports Windows Plug and Play.
• Self-test diagnostics: The PX-712UF has a self-test diagnostic
function for easy troubleshooting.
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual 3
Section 1. Getting Started
• Q-Check tests: The Plextor PX-712UF achieves high-quality
recording on virtually any DVD or CD media. To see for yourself,
use the Q-Check features to check laser operation, or measure and
display characteristics of the media you’re using.
DVD Features
• Lossless linking for DVD+R/RW: Allows DVD+RW discs to be
edited and still play on DVD-ROM players.
• Zero Link for DVD-R/RW: Has 0 byte gap between sessions so the
discs are compatible with all players. This allows DVD-RW discs to
be edited and still play on DVD-ROM players.
• Wide DVD+R/RW and DVD-R/RW media compatibility: Compatible
with a wide range of DVD±R and DVD±RW media.
• Multiple DVD types: Supports DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, multi-
border, multi-session, DVD±VR, for read and write.
• Versatile recording modes for DVD+R/RW: Including disc-at-once
(DAO), multi-session, and incremental write for DVD+R; random
access write and sequential write for DVD+RW.
• Recording versatility for DVD-R/RW, too: Including DAO,
incremental recording, multi-border recording for DVD-R; and
multi-border recording, incremental recording, restricted
overwriting, DRT-DM for DVD-RW.
• SpeedRead: For DVD-Video discs equipped with CSS copy
protection, you can enable fast playback (SpeedRead) or leave at the
factory default for quiet video playback.
4 PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
Section 1. Getting Started
CD-R and CD-RW Features
• Variety of recording modes: Supports track-at-once, disc-at-once,
session-at-once, multi-session, variable and fixed packet writing, and
CD-MRW (Mount Rainier).
• Buffer Underrun Proof Technology: Eliminates buffer underrun
errors, so you can safely use your computer for other tasks while
you’re writing to a CD-R or CD-RW disc.
• Wide compatibility: Wide CD-R and CD-RW media compatibility.
• Orange Book compatibility: Compatible with Orange Book, Parts II
and III.
• OPC and ROPC: Optimum Power Control and Running Optimum
Power Control, which adjust the laser power for the optimum write
strategy.
• CD-TEXT, CD+G: Supports CD-TEXT and CD+G writing.
• GigaRec: Variable capacity recording that lets you change CD-R
disc capacity over a range from 60 percent to 130 percent of the
rated value. GigaRec lets you get much more data onto a CD, or
decrease disc capacity while gaining improved audio quality.
• SecuRec: Security protection that lets you make your CDs readable
only by persons with the correct password.
• Overburn: Another way of burning more information onto a CD—
audio up to 99 minutes 59 seconds in length, or a data disc up to 875
megabytes in capacity.
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual 5
Section 1. Getting Started
Minimum Configuration to Use the PX-712UF
Here’s what you’ll need in order to install and use the PX-712UF drive.
• Computer: Pentium III, 800-MHz CPU or faster. (Pentium 4,
1.6-GHz or faster recommended.)
• Minimum RAM: 128 MB. (256 MB recommended.)
• Interface: USB (2.0 or 1.1) or IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface. (On-
board USB 2.0 or IEEE 1394 host controller recommended.)
• Hard disk size: To write to a CD in image mode (that is, to write an
image of a CD to your hard disk), you need 1 GB of free space. For a
DVD, 6–10 GB of free space is recommended. (For more accurate
guidelines, see the help files or documentation for the recording
software you’re using.)
• Operating System:
PC: Windows XP, 2000, Me, 98SE.
Macintosh: For FireWire and USB 1.1, OS 9.1 or higher
recommended. For USB 2.0, OS X is required.
NOTE: You cannot use the PX-712UF with early versions of Windows
98; if you are using Windows 98, it must be Windows 98SE (Second
Edition). Also, Windows 98SE must be updated with the latest Microsoft
patch.
NOTE: The built-in USB ports on older computers (and even on
inexpensive new ones) provide only USB 1.1—that is, Full-Speed (12
Mbps) USB. This limits the CD-RW drive performance to 4X write, 4X
rewrite, and 6X read, while DVD performance with USB 1.1 is 0.7X. For
optimum performance if your PC or Macintosh does not have built-in
USB 2.0, use the FireWire port, if available. Or, for PCs (and Macs with
expansion capability), you can purchase and install a third-party PCI
USB 2.0 or FireWire plug-in host adapter card.
6 PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
Section 1. Getting Started
What You Can Do with the PX-712UF
Just look at some of the things you can do with your PX-712UF:
• Record slide shows or digital video onto DVD+R, -R, +RW or
-RW discs.
• Play DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, and DVD-RW discs.
• Record data or audio onto writable or rewritable CD media.
• Play music CDs.
• Save photos and other images on rewritable or writable CDs.
• Create a CD or DVD “sneakernet” to share information with
colleagues—just use software such as Roxio’s DirectCD to drag and
drop files onto DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R or CD-RW media, then
continue adding files and sharing the same disc.
• Archive images and video to DVD or CD.
• Master new software programs on DVD or CD.
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual 7
Section 1. Getting Started
About Software
In order to record on DVD±R/RW and CD-R/RW discs you will need to
have mastering, packet writing, or duplication software installed on your
computer system. If you purchased a retail kit from Plextor, you’ll get
this software on a disc in the box.
PlexTools® Professional is a powerful application software package that
lets you take full advantage of the CD/DVD functions of the PX-712UF
drive. PlexTools Professional lets you use your Plextor PX-712UF to
burn CD-R, CD-RW, and DVD discs, and it also lets you take advantage
of all the unique new features found in the Plextor PX-712UF drive.
Roxio’s Easy CD Creator™ 6 Basic DVD Edition also lets you burn
DVDs and CDs. You can burn and share anything on CD or DVD,
including music, photos, and videos; and you can also back up your
critical data to a CD or DVD. One component of Easy CD Creator is
Drag-to-Disc, which makes the Plextor PX-712UF drive as easy to use
as a hard disk drive. (For more information, install Easy CD Creator and
examine its help files.)
For details on other software that is available for writing to DVDs or
CDs, please visit the web sites of the companies whose software you are
interested in, refer to their user’s manuals, or look at the help option
within the software. A list of various software that you can use with
your Plextor drive can be found in the Support/Compatibility section of
www.plextor.com
.
8 PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
Section 1. Getting Started
Precautions
Like the rest of your computer system, your PX-712UF requires
reasonable care in its installation and use.
• Keep the area around your drive clean from dust, smoke, and other
contaminants. Also, do not allow moisture or liquids, including
water or cleaning fluids, to touch the drive. Thinner, benzene, or
alcohol-based solvents can mar your drive’s surface.
• Do not drop or jolt the drive.
• Do not move, carry or transport a disc in the drive, because this can
cause damage.
• Do not attempt to open the drive and service it yourself. Removing
the cover may expose you to harmful electrical voltages or the laser
beam. For your safety, entrust service to experienced service
personnel only.
• Keep your DVDs and CDs free of dirt or other contaminants, by
storing them in jewel cases. Use only industry-standard discs. Do not
insert dirty, warped, poorly balanced, or cracked discs into the drive.
• Do not clean discs using a circular motion. Instead, using a soft, dry
cloth, wipe gently in a radial motion; start at the center of the disc
and proceed to the outer edge.
• Do not attempt to clean your drive using solvent-based cleaners or an
air compressor.
• Do not attempt to clean your drive using a CD cleaning disc. These
discs can damage your drive permanently.
Where to Go From Here
• See Chapter 2, beginning on page 11, to install your drive.
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual 9
Section 1. Getting Started
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10 PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
2. Installing the
PX-712UF External USB/FireWire Drive
This chapter explains how to physically connect your PX-712UF
external drive to your computer.
PX-712UF Drive Features and Controls
Before proceeding, you should become familiar with the controls and
features of your Plextor drive. Match the parts of your drive to the
illustrations below.
Front Panel—PX-712UF External Drive
Figure 1: Front panel of the PX-712UF external drive
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
11
Section 2. Installing the PX-712UF External USB/FireWire Drive
• Disc/busy indicator: Illuminated yellow for disc initializing,
reading, and ejecting. Illuminated amber for writing. (Blink rate
indicates writing speed.) Illuminated green during standby and when
Buffer Underrun Proof Technology is operational.
• Disc tray: Slides out to allow you to insert a disc.
• Emergency eject hole: If the automatic eject button does not work,
turn the power switch to OFF, then insert the emergency eject tool,
paper clip, or other thin, rigid object in this hole to eject the disc tray
manually.
• Power indicator: Illuminated blue when the PX-712UF drive power
is ON.
• Eject button: Push once to eject the tray. Push again to load the tray
back into the PX-712UF. To prevent wear on the drive, always use
the eject button to load the tray.
This button also controls SpeedRead and silent operation for DVDVideo discs with CSS protection. To enable SpeedRead, with the
disc tray empty, press and hold the eject button for 3 seconds, then
insert a DVD-Video disc. The disc is played back at an accelerated
speed.
12 PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
Section 2. Installing the PX-712UF External USB/FireWire Drive
Rear Panel—PX-712UF External Drive
Figure 2: Rear panel of the PX-712UF external drive
• SELF TEST switch: Set switch to the right (off) for normal
operation, or set it to the left (ON) to execute the self-test diagnostic
routine. To execute a self-test: 1) Disconnect the USB or FireWire
cable, 2) turn the drive power switch OFF, 3) set the SELF-TEST
switch ON (left), 4) press and hold the eject button while turning the
power switch ON, and 5) insert a blank CD or DVD disc.
• IEEE 1394 4-pin connector: Connect an IEEE 1394 (also known as
FireWire) cable with a 4-pin connector here.
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual 13
Section 2. Installing the PX-712UF External USB/FireWire Drive
• IEEE 1394 6-pin connector: Connect an IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
cable with a 6-pin connector here.
NOTE: The PX-712UF does not get its power from the IEEE 1394
bus or the USB bus. It must be connected to the AC adapter.
CAUTION: Use only the IEEE 1394 (FireWire) cable shipped with
your PX-712UF.
• Interface switch: Switch the PX-712UF drive to operate with a
different interface (USB, IEEE 1394). This allows you to connect the
drive to either interface, depending on the requirements of your
computer. If you change interfaces with this switch, you must also
cycle the PX-712UF power. (That is, turn the rear-panel power
switch off, then on again.)
• USB 2.0 connector: Connect the USB cable here. You can use a
USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 interface.
CAUTION: Use only the USB cable shipped with your PX-712UF.
• DC 12 V power connector: Connect the AC adapter here.
CAUTION: Use only the AC adapter shipped with your PX-712UF.
• Power switch: Press this switch to turn the power on or off. Press
the “0” down to turn power off. Press the “1” down to turn power on.
14 PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
Section 2. Installing the PX-712UF External USB/FireWire Drive
What Else Is In the PX-712UF Box
What you find in your Plextor box depends on what the company that
sold you the box put in—or took out—while the Plextor drive was in
their possession. Plextor currently sells the PX-712UF drive in this
configuration:
• PX-712UF DVD±R/RW and CD-R/RW drive
• USB 2.0 cable
• IEEE 1394 (FireWire) cable
• AC adapter and power cord
• Emergency eject tool
• Cradle for vertical operation
• 1 piece of approved DVD+R media
• Plextor DVD with bundled software for writing DVDs and CDs
• PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
Save Your Box!
Be sure to save the box after you have installed your drive. The box
and its packaging material were designed and drop tested to ensure
your drive can endure rough treatment and still arrive in working
order. If you have to ship your drive back to Plextor, you’ll want to
send it in the original box. (For more details about returning your
drive to Plextor, see page 87.)
If the security sticker on top of your box is cut, there may be a good
reason: for example, a dealer may have added other components or
software. Carefully check the contents to ensure nothing has been
removed. If something is missing, contact the party from whom you
purchased the box for an explanation.
NOTE: This applies to the Plextor retail box. Your drive may have been
shipped in a different box with other contents, depending on whom you
purchased the drive from and what they included inside the box.
If your drive came pre-installed, some or all of the items above may
have been installed and may not be separately available. See the Plextor
web site for locations to purchase additional or replacement accessories.
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual 15
Section 2. Installing the PX-712UF External USB/FireWire Drive
Mount the PX-712UF Drive
This section explains how to physically connect the PX-712UF external
drive to your computer. In general, this is what you’ll do:
1. Determine what operating system your computer is running:
If your computer is running the Windows XP, 2000 or Me, or
the Macintosh operating system, you can install right away.
If you have Windows 98SE, and you are using the FireWire
(IEEE 1394) interface, you’ll need to go to the Microsoft
Windows web site to bring your system up to date.
If you have Windows 98SE, and you are using USB, you’ll need
to install a set of Plextor-provided drivers to bring your system
up to date.
2. Determine which interface you want to use: FireWire (IEEE 1394)
or USB.
3. Set the PX-712UF interface switch for IEEE 1394 or USB.
4. Connect the AC adapter to an electrical outlet and to the PX-712UF.
5. Turn the drive’s power switch ON (the “1” position).
6. Connect the USB or FireWire cable (corresponding to the setting of
the interface switch) from your PX-712UF drive to the computer.
That’s all there is to it! We’ll go over the procedure in more detail in the
next few pages.
If you have a PC, start here. If you have a Macintosh, go to “If You
Have a Macintosh” on page 23.
16 PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
Section 2. Installing the PX-712UF External USB/FireWire Drive
Determine Your Computer’s Operating System
To determine which operating system your personal computer uses:
1. In Windows, select the Start menu, then select Settings, then Control
Panel, and choose the System icon. You see the System Properties
window.
2. In the System Properties window, make sure the General tab is
selected. The System line shows details about your operating system.
(For example, “Windows 2000.”)
NOTE: Your computer must be running Windows 98SE, Windows 2000,
Windows Me or Windows XP or the Macintosh operating system. If you
are not running one of these operating systems you cannot use the PX712UF. You cannot use the PX-712UF with early versions of Windows
98; it must be Windows 98SE (Second Edition).
Determine What Interface to Use
You can use either USB 2.0 or FireWire. The built-in USB ports on
older computers (and even on inexpensive new ones) provide only
USB 1.1—that is, Full-Speed (12 Mbps) USB.
For optimum performance:
• If your PC does not have built-in USB 2.0, use the FireWire port, if
available.
• If you have neither USB 2.0 or FireWire, you can purchase and
install a third-party PCI USB 2.0 or FireWire plug-in host adapter
card.
• If you don’t want to purchase a separate card, you can use your PC’s
built-in USB 1.1 port. However this limits the CD-RW drive
performance of the Plextor PX-712UF to 4X write, 4X rewrite, and
6X read. DVD performance with USB 1.1 is 0.7X.
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual 17
Section 2. Installing the PX-712UF External USB/FireWire Drive
Connect the PX-712UF Drive
This section explains how to install your drive (that is, how to connect it
to your computer).
Record the Serial Number and TLA Code
Before proceeding to connect the Plextor PX-712UF drive to your
personal computer, record the serial number and TLA number of your
drive on the inside front cover of this manual.
Install the Drive in Your Windows Computer
If you have a computer with Windows XP, Windows 2000 or Windows
Me, use the following procedure to install your PX-712UF drive.
(Windows 98SE users, see page 21, then come back here after you have
updated your Windows installation.)
To install the PX-712UF drive in a Windows-based computer:
1. Turn ON your computer system.
2. Set the interface switch at the rear of the PX-712UF drive to USB
(switch to the right) if you are using a USB cable; or to 1394 (switch
to the left) if you are using IEEE 1394 (FireWire).
3. Connect the AC adapter to your PX-712UF as shown in Figure 3.
4. Turn the drive’s power switch ON (the “1” side is down).
5. Connect the USB or IEEE 1394 (FireWire) cable from your
PX-712UF drive to the computer.
18 PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
Section 2. Installing the PX-712UF External USB/FireWire Drive
Figure 3: Connecting the AC adapter and USB or FireWire cable
The drive should be automatically recognized by the computer. In some
cases, you may have to reboot (turn the computer off, then on again) for
the PX-712UF to be recognized.
CAUTION: The PX-712UF should be the only device on the cable. Do
not daisy-chain the PX-712UF with other IEEE 1394/FireWire devices or
connect to a USB hub.
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual 19
Section 2. Installing the PX-712UF External USB/FireWire Drive
Identifying Cables and Ports
This illustration will help you identify the cables and computer ports and
make the necessary connections.
Figure 4: Identifying cables and ports on your computer
20 PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
Section 2. Installing the PX-712UF External USB/FireWire Drive
If You Have Windows 98SE and FireWire
If you have a computer with Windows 98SE, to ensure stable operation
when using the FireWire (IEEE 1394) interface, you’ll need to update
Windows with a patch file from Microsoft. You must do this before you
can install the PX-712UF drive.
To update your Windows 98SE operating system:
1. With your web browser, go to the Microsoft web site to download
the appropriate patch file. The URLs are:
English:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en;242975
Japanese:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;ja;242975
2. Install the Windows patch according to the instructions provided
with it.
3. Install the PX-712UF drive as detailed on page 18.
If You Have Windows 98SE and USB
If you have a computer with Windows 98SE and are using the USB
interface, you’ll need to update Windows with the Plextor driver before
you can install the PX-712UF.
To update your Windows 98SE operating system:
1. Install the Plextor drivers:
If you have a DVD Player, insert the Plextor disc and install
from the button labeled “98SE USB Driver.”
If you do not have the Plextor disc or do not have a DVD player,
download the PX-712UF drivers from:
http://www.plextor.com/english/support/drivers
/drivers.html#usb
2. Install the PX-712UF drive as detailed on page 18.
PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual 21
Section 2. Installing the PX-712UF External USB/FireWire Drive
Switching Between USB and IEEE 1394 Interfaces
You can connect any or all of the interface cables (USB, IEEE 1394
4-pin, and IEEE 1394 6-pin) and switch between them. You can even
have different cables attached at the same time, allowing more than one
computer to share the PX-712UF.
To switch between interfaces attached to the PX-712UF:
1. Ensure the interface cable for the desired USB or IEEE 1394
interface is attached to the PX-712UF and to the computer.
2. At the rear of the PX-712UF, set the interface switch to the desired
interface.
3. Cycle the PX-712UF power. (That is, turn the PX-712UF’s power
switch off, then on again.)
If You’re Using FireWire
If you are using FireWire (IEEE 1394), remember these hints for better
operation:
• Do not daisy-chain the PX-712UF with other FireWire devices.
• The PX-712UF is not bus powered—that is, it doesn’t get its power
from the IEEE 1394 cable—so you have to use the bundled AC
adapter.
22 PX-712UF Installation and Users Manual
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