Customer Services 1-877-294-2979 9 (toll Free)
FAQ for USB micro harddrive (such as FlashDio, many answers are also applied to similar products )

I. Frequently asked questions about the FlashDio™

a. In order to use FlashDio, do I need to install any software driver?
No.  However, you will need to install the FlashDio driver file if you are running Windows 98SE before plugging the device into the USB port.
Download Win 98, 98SE driver.

b. What precautions should I take in using the FlashDio?
Treat the FlashDio as you would with any electronic device (laptop, digital camera etc.). Keep the FlashDio out of heavy physical shock, humidity, electronic shock etc. FlashDioUSA will not be held responsible for modifications you made, or any self-attempt to repair.

c. What kind of files may I save on the FlashDio?
The FlashDio is virtually an ordinary hard drive but it’s made of Flash memory. Therefore, it functions like a normal hard drive. Any files that you can save onto your computer harddrive can also be saved onto the FlashDio, using anti-virus to scan/protect the data being transferred to/from FlashDio is strongly recommended.

d. How many erase/write cycles can FlashDio still last?
1,000,000 (one million) cycles.

e. Returning FlashDio that you purchased.
Please click mailto:RMA@FlashDio.Net to ask for an RMA and to learn about Warranty Policy (one year limited parts and services).

f. Changing from FAT to FAT32 on the FlashDio (not recommended) You can only change this file system format if you are using Windows 2000. FlashDioUSA is not liable for lost data or storage capacity due to a file system change.

II. Exceptional Hardware/Software

a. Using USB hubs with FlashDio ?
Yes, the FlashDio will function normally with USB hubs.

b. Can I use my FlashDio with Win CE or Palm OS?
 FlashDio supports USB 1.1, unless these Win CE and Palm OS support it (they are not currently supported)

c. Can I use my FlashDio with Windows NT 4.0?
Windows NT 4.0 is not supported by the FlashDio.

d. Does FlashDio support Windows XP?
Yes.  The FlashDio supports 98, 98SE, 98ME, Win-2000 and XP

III. Installation inquiries

A. What Operating Systems is the FlashDio compatible with?
The FlashDio is compatible with Win 98, 98SE*, Win98 ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Mac OS 9 and above, and Linux 2.4.x and above. But, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 3.51, and Windows NT 4.0 are not supported.

*You will need to install the FlashDio driver file for Win 98, 98SE before plugging the device into the USB port.
Download Win 98, 98SE driver.

B. Where can I get the Windows 98, 98SE driver file?
The Windows 98, 98SE installation driver file for the FlashDio is  available from:

1.The CD (included in the product package).
2. Download Win 98, 98SE driver.

C. Which comes first: installing the driver file for Win98SE or connecting the FlashDio to the USB port?
If you are running any MS OS beyond Win 98ME (including ME), you don’t need to install any drivers in order to use the device. Just plug the FlashDio into any USB ports, however, if you are using Win-98 & 98SE, please install the driver before inserting the Flashdio into an USB port. 
Click here to download Win 98, 98SE driver.


D. I own a laptop with an Operating System that supports the FlashDio. However, my computer does not recognize the FlashDio when it’s plugged in.

For Window 98, 98SE, do not plug any USB devices into your USB ports on your laptop during the installation, please install the driver file first before connecting your FlashDio to the USB port.
Download Win 98, 98SE driver.

Wait till the installation process is completed before plugging the FlashDio directly into the USB port.

 

            E. How do I use FlashDio on Linux? how do I mount the device?

 

            The following is the mounting command for FlashDio for Linux.

            Just a basic knowledge on Linux:

1.      Linux always uses Mount/Unmount command

2.      All Linux requires all devices to be commanded to load and unload a device

3.      And you must unmount everytime after you finish using the device and disconnect it from the PC

4.      to Mount and Unmount, you must do it through “root”

 

        FlashDio is recognized as a SCSI device, thus when using FlashDio, you must register it as SCSI when using Mount command.

 

Usage Guide:

 

root]#cd /mnt

mnt]#mkdir flashdio

mnt]# mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/flashdio -t vfat

 

once you have mounted the above command, you only need to type the command shown below to access FlashDio:

 

root]# cd /mnt/flashdio

 

If you log off your computer and reboot again, you must re-enter the Mount command as above:

root]#cd /mnt

mnt]#mkdir flashdio

mnt]# mount/dev/sda1/mnt/flashdio-t vfat

 

 

When Un-mounting FlashDio, please type the following command:

 

mnt] cd ..

root]# umount flashdio

 


IV. FlashDioUSA Resellers.
 
 

a. Where can I find a reseller close to my area?
Click here to find a reseller close to your region. 

   Currently it’s available at  Ameta, BesTradeUSA, BesBuyUSA, Processor.com, TigerDirect  We are expanding the distribution channels, if you are one of an interested resellers and distributors, please give us a call at 1-847-858-2472 for an excellent reselling opportunity.

b. How can I become a reseller for FlashDioUSA?
Call our sales representatives at 1-847-858-2472 for reselling opportunity.


V. How to contact FlashDioUSA.
 
 

a. Questions or comments?
Your comments, concerns, and suggestions are valued. Write to us with your thoughts at info@FlashDio.com or call us at 1 877-294-2979. 


b. How can I contact FlashDioUSA regarding troubleshooting the FlashDio that I have purchased?
Click here to ask for support.  Please be specific so that we can help you promptly.

VI. Common Errors

A. May I format the FlashDio?

Under most situations, we do NOT recommend to format the FlashDio using Windows standard format because Windows format will apply a different file allocation table than the one we currently use with our FlashDio.

B. When plugging FlashDio into an USB port, it was not recognized, what do I do?


1. Your computer may not fully support USB technology.

2. You may not have installed the driver for Win98 (if you are using MS W98SE). Please install the driver by using the CD provided within your package or download from here Windows 98SE driver at the FlashDio.net website. 

3. You may be running the following OS (Windows 95, Windows NT 3.51, or Windows NT 4.0) that FlashDio does not support.  If you are using the FlashDio on the Win 98SE please goes to the Start Menu - Control - Add/Remove Programs, remove the Flash Manager, and then re-install it.