- What's the best way to backup my data?
At ioSafe, we suggest a minimum of the "3-2-1 Rule" for backup: Make 3 complete copies of your data, keep them on at least 2 separate systems, and have at least 1 on an ioSafe Solo or offsite.
(Click here for ioSafe's recommended backup software)
- Which operating systems are supported?
The Solo is fully supported with Windows XP, Vista, 7, and Mac OS 8.6 or greater.
The SoloPRO is also supported with the above operating systems when connected via USB. When using the eSATA connection, support is extended to Windows Server and Linux environments.
- How do I get the Solo or SoloPRO to work with my Mac?
Your unit was shipped with the Windows NTFS file system. A simple reformat will be needed to work with your Mac.
- Save any information currently on the disk.
- Open up the Disk Utility application located within the "Utilities" folder and highlight the drive you'd like to format (The line that contains the Hard Drive size).
- Click on the "Partition" tab.
- Click on the dropdown menu where it says "Volume Scheme" and select "1 Partition".
- Click on the "Options" button, select the "Apple Partition Map" option and click "OK".
- Click in the field that allows you to name the volume and type in the value you prefer.
- Verify the volume format is set to "Mac OS Extended (journaled)..
- Click "Apply" and then click "Partition" to start the formatting process.
The partitioning process should take less than 30 seconds. Once complete, the Solo or SoloPRO will mount on your desktop with the name you provided.
- Can I use the Solo or SoloPRO with my Mac and PC?
The simplest and most effective way to backup a PC and a Mac is to have one Solo or SoloPRO for each computer. Although it can be done with one unit, there are some restrictions. Which configuration is most effective will vary between users. Please contact Customer Service for additional information.
- I'm trying to register and need a DRS serial number and Activation code. Where do I get these?
The Solo and SoloPRO come standard with a one year Data Recovery Service. If you purchased a 3yr or 5yr upgrade, additional information with both a DRS serial number, and activation code should have been included in the box with your unit. If this information was lost or cannot be found, please contact customer service.
- Can I leave the Solo or SoloPRO on 24/7 or should I turn it off in between uses?
The Solo and SoloPRO are designed to run 24/7. However, they may be turned off between backups without any ill effects, as long as the "Safely Remove Hardware" or "Eject" features are used. Your hardware or operating system may not support the "Safely Remove Hardware" or "Eject" features when using the eSATA interface.
- Connecting the Solo or SoloPRO to a wireless router.
When connecting to a wireless router via USB we have two recommendations: the Linksys WRT610N for Windows environments and the Apple Airport Extreme for Mac environments. Both of these have been tested and are known to work. For the router to recognize the Solo, the router may need the most recent firmware update, as well as a reboot from within its web interface.
The SoloPRO has demonstrated greater compatibility with USB/NAS devices from various vendors. Although not all can be tested directly by ioSafe's customer service team, selecting the SoloPRO eSATA/USB2.0 product for this application should yield much better results than previous experiences with our Solo USB 2.0 product.
- Will the USB 3.0 SoloPRO connect to a USB 2.0 port?
Yes, USB 3.0 is backwards compatible with USB 2.0. However, the unit will be limited to USB 2.0 speeds.
- What do you recommend to lock the Solo down for theft prevention?
The Solo can be bolted down or locked with a simple cable and padlock. The SoloPRO has the added benefit of a Kensington Security Slot.
- Does the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) spin down when not in use?
The standard Solo has been designed to continually spin, always waiting for data. Sometimes an operating system or backup program will time-out with an error if it has to wait too long for the drive to spool up from sleep — resulting in no data getting backed up. While we strive to make the Solo as energy-efficient as possible, our first and primary goal is to protect people's data.
The SoloPRO, when connected via the eSATA interface, may spin the HDD down if the operating system supports this functionality and is configured through its power management interface to do so. The Fan in the SoloPRO will not spin down since it receives power directly from the SoloPRO's power supply.
- What if there is a disaster after my Data Recovery Service has expired?
IoSafe's Disaster Recovery Team will always help with the recovery process. However, the $1000 of coverage for the Solo, or $2500 of coverage for the SoloPRO, will no longer be available.
- Do the Solo and SoloPRO have surge protection?
Although the Solo and SoloPRO can handle regular fluctuations in power, it is always recommended to use a surge protector with valuable electronics.
- Can I set the Solo or SoloPRO on its side?
Yes, both the Solo and SoloPRO can be set on their side. Wherever it's placed, make sure it's in a stable location with a clear path for airflow. Air needs to flow through the front vent holes (around the blue LED) and out the back.
- Do you recommend encrypting data?
Because we focus on keeping your data backed up and recoverable in the event of a disaster, encryption is not recommended. If the encryption keys are lost, data recovery may be difficult or impossible.
- Can the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) be easily removed and upgraded?
The HDD of the Solo and SoloPRO is well sealed and protected from floods and fires. For this reason it is not easily removed. Attempting to remove the drive from its enclosure will void the warranty. To avoid the need for an upgrade in the future, plan ahead. Consider how much data you expect to store a few years down the road and purchase accordingly.
- How do you handle recovery of data subject to compliance such as HIPAA, SOX, FERPA, GLBA or NIST 800.34?
If data subject to regulatory compliance is software encrypted on ioSafe devices, there is no security risk in ioSafe recovering the software encrypted volume and returning the volume back to the customer intact as long as ioSafe in not given the encryption keys to the volume. ioSafe should not need the software encryption keys to recover the encrypted volume of data. If the volume is not encrypted and/or ioSafe cannot recover the encrypted volume with our internal recovery tools, we can contract with our forensic recovery partner, DriveSavers, if a SAS 70 Type II certification is required during regulatory compliance data recovery. The data drives can be sent directly to DriveSavers if security reasons require it. http://www.drivesaversdatarecovery.com/certification/certified-secure-data-recovery/
