Purpose |
Basic steps to troubleshoot your non-booting eSATA drive. If your drive is still not booting after following these steps and asking your lab teacher for assistance, go to a working PC and use the web form at http://cstech to request help.
Your eSATA drive must be declared non-functional by the Computer Studies Technologist before you can exchange it at the New Technology Store.
NOTE: If you are trying to boot from a CD, try a different CD before trying the following steps.
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Required Items |
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A fully assembled eSATA drive and enclosure. (See http://cstech/esata.html)
Please note: Although other models of eSATA drives may work in the labs, only the Vantec Nextar 3 enclosures will be supported.  |
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1. Basic trouble shooting steps |
If your eSATA drive is not working, follow these steps before asking for help. |
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1.1 |
Power?
Double check that the power switch is on.
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1.2 |
Cables?
Re-seat the grey eSATA data cable a BOTH ends, being sure of the proper orientation of the cable. They often get knocked loose.
Reseat the power cable, being sure of the proper orientation of the cable.
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1.3 |
Non functional PC?
Rule out the PC by checking your eSATA drive at another station.
NOTE: If your drive starts working, report the damaged PC via the web form at http://cstech.
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1.4 |
Drive assembly?
Your drive may have come loose. Open it and verify that the drive is pushed up tightly against the printed circuit board as seen in the image below. Ensure the screws are snug.
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2. Basic drive care |
| 2.1 |
Temperature and condensation
Your eSATA drive is sensitive to temperature and temperature changes.
Store it in your locker, not in your car. If it does get cold, you must allow it to return to room temperature before you power it up. The drive should be kept inside a zip lock bag during this time to prevent condensation from building up. |
| 2.2 |
Shock
Your eSATA drive is sensitive to shock. Do not store it unpadded in the
bottom of your backpack where it will hit the floor every time you
drop your backpack. Keep it in a thick bubble wrap envelope or wrap
it in your clothes. |
| 2.3 |
Starting Up
Ensure eSATA enclosure power is off
Connect the eSATA cable and power cable, being careful to align the notches as shown:
(Click to enlarge)
NOTE: The power connection is tight when new. It may take some pressure to connect. Just be sure it’s aligned properly, and push. BE CAREFUL. It can be forced in backwards.
Power on the eSATA enclosure
Power on the PC
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| 2.4 |
Shutting Down
Shut down the PC as normal
Turn off the eSATA enclosure power (try not to move the drive)
Allow the drive to spin down for at least 15 seconds
Carefully disconnect the drive
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