Commonly-asked Questions

Q:
What does Disk Protection do for me?
A:
This software tool increases the Zip disk protection options beyond the functionality provided by a conventional write-protect tab.  Disk Protection allows you to set write protection that acts just like that from a physical write-protect tab or switch, but it also allows you the option of assigning a password that must be used to remove the write protection.  Or you can set read/write protection to make highly sensitive data completely unreadable by anyone who doesn't know the password you assign.  Other options allow you to temporarily unprotect a disk or remove protection completely if desired.

Q:
What is the difference between Erase and Erase with Surface Verify?
A:
Erase works just like Erase from the Finder.  Choosing this option quickly erases the header information on a disk, allowing the rest of the data on the disk to be overwritten with new data as you work.  Erase with Surface Verify is a longer format that erases the entire disk and verifies the integrity of the entire disk surface.  If a disk develops read/write problems, use Erase with Surface Verify to repair it.  (CAUTION:  All information on a disk is lost when the disk is erased, so make sure you copy any information you need before erasing the disk.)

Q:
What happens if I forget my password?
A:
If you forget the password for a write-protected Zip disk, you can use the Finder to copy the data on that disk to another disk, then use Erase with Surface Verify to erase and reclaim the protected disk.  If you forget the password for a disk that is read/write-protected, the data on the disk cannot be recovered in any way (even by Iomega!).  In order to use the disk again, it must be reformatted using Erase Disk with Surface Verify, and all data on the disk will be lost.

Refer to the Iomega Software Manual for answers to more questions about Zip drives and disks.