Introduction to Iomega Tools

Iomega Tools is an integrated software package designed to make your life easier and to help you get things done. Iomega Tools helps you manage basic tasks with your Iomega drives and disks, as well as specialized applications that help you carry out more complex tasks in the easiest possible way.

Below is a brief description of the Iomega Tools:

Format allows you to prepare the disk in the selected drive, either with a short or long format.

Protect enables software protection for an Iomega disk in a selected drive.

Iomega Watch makes it easy and convenient to use read/write protected Iomega disks. You can access Iomega’s website by clicking this button.

At our website you can browse for product information or software updates, obtain more information on Iomega products, or gain quick and easy access to Iomega Technical Support documents.

Click here [image] to access Iomega’s website.

Click here [image] for instructions on accessing Iomega Tools.


Quick Help for Iomega Tools

Your Iomega Tools software supports the handy quick help feature available in Windows 95/98 and NT.  Quick Help can be accessed in any window that has a question mark icon in the upper right hand corner.

You can access quick help two ways:

1. Click on the question mark icon (illustrated at right), and then on any screen item.
− OR −

2. Click the RIGHT mouse button on the screen item where you want help, and then click on “What’s This” (illustrated at right).
The information given in quick help boxes is short and concise, and is meant to give enough information to help you get through your operation.  The help file you are reading now is more thorough and complete and is meant to give you a broader understanding of the different Iomega tools and their functions.


Format

The Format tool allows you to format or prepare a disk for new data.

A short format is quick, but does not verify the disk surface.  Use this option when reformatting a disk only if you are sure the disk is undamaged.

A long format (also called a low-level format or format with surface verify) prepares the entire disk and verifies the disk surface at the same time.  Use this option to repair a disk that has developed read/write errors.

Click here [image] for instructions on accessing the Iomega Tools Format function.


Protect

The Protection tool enables software protection for an Iomega disk in a selected drive (it is grayed out as unavailable for all other drives and disks).  As a replacement for the conventional write-protect tab on removable disks, this tool provides a wider variety of data protection options for Iomega drive users.

Write Protection prevents anyone from accidentally overwriting critical data, and can be quickly applied with two keystrokes.  For stronger Write Protection, use a password. If you forget the password, the data can be recovered by simply copying the disk to another disk and reerasing the original disk for reuse.

Read/Write Protection is like putting your disk in a safe, and should be reserved for highly sensitive data. This feature requires a password.

CAUTION:  If you forget your password your data cannot be recovered.  You must select the “I Forgot” option from the Unprotect menu and long format the disk before you can use it again.

Use Password allows you to update or vary your password at will.  You must know the old password in order to change the old one.

NOTE:  Although Iomega disk protection options are set using the Protect tool, the actual protection mechanism is secured in the drive hardware.  Because Iomega disk protection is not software-based, it cannot be bypassed using other software programs.

Click here [image] for instructions on accessing the Iomega Tools Protect and Unprotect functions.


Unprotect

Unprotect eliminates all protection coding on the disk.  Remove the check from the box entitled “Remove protection only temporarily” to remove protection entirely.  If this box remains checked, you have temporary access to the disk.  Protection will be automatically restored when the disk is ejected.

If you forget your password, your data cannot be recovered.  You must select the “I Forgot” option from the Unprotect menu and long format the disk before you can use it again.

NOTE:  Although Iomega disk protection options are set using the Protect tool, the actual protection mechanism is secured in the drive hardware.  Because Iomega disk protection is not software-based, it cannot be bypassed using other software programs.

Click here [image] for instructions on accessing the Iomega Tools Protect and Unprotect functions.


Make Nonremoveable
Make Non-Removable

Make a disk non-removable is sometimes required either by software installations to the disk, or by software running from the disk.  This tool allows you to make a removable drive look like a hard drive to the system when necessary. When the Make Non-Removable option is selected, the disk in the currently selected drive will be set as non-removable until the setting is changed back or Windows is restarted.

When you use Make Non-Removable, it changes to Make Removable, which you can use whenever you want to remove the disk.

Click the box next to the message “Make Disk Non-Removable,” so that a check appears, to make the disk non-removable.


Eject

NOTE: You may or may not see this particular preference panel depending on your system’s configuration.

The Eject tool allows you to eject your Iomega disks from My Computer or Windows Explorer and may also warns you if your computer bay door covering is down before ejecting your disk (depending on your particular system configuration).

Click here [image] for instructions on using the Iomega Tools Eject function.


Iomega Watch (Windows 95/98)

Iomega Watch is a memory resident utility that detects use of a read/write protected Iomega disk under Windows and allows you to unprotect the disk so you can use it.  Whenever you insert a read/write protected Iomega disk, the Iomega Watch window opens automatically so you can enter the password needed to temporarily unprotect the disk.  If you do not enter the correct password, the disk remains protected and you will not be able to read files from the disk or write files to the disk.

The IomegaWare Setup program places Iomega Watch in your Program Startup group so that it loads automatically when Windows starts up.  If you prefer not to use Iomega Watch, it can be easily disabled.

NOTE:  Iomega Watch does not work with parallel port connections, for example a parallel port Zip drive.  If you are using a parallel port Zip drive, or if you disable Watch, you must use the Protect tool from the drive shortcut menu to unprotect the disk before you can read files from or write files to any read/write protected disk.

Click here [image] for instructions on disabling Iomega Watch.


Introduction to Property Sheets

Property Sheets provide detailed information about the selected drive, the disk in the drive, the adapter to which the drive is connected (where applicable), and the computer.  Many of the details are highly technical, but may prove useful.

Click here [image] for instructions on accessing the Iomega Tools Property Sheets.


Disk Section of the Iomega Property Sheet

The Disk page gives you detailed information about the selected disk in a drive.

Important Notes:

•	If Disk Life indicates Marginal, the disk is approaching the end of its prime.  In this case, move the data to a new disk and use the old one for less active service, such as archiving.

•	If Format Life indicates Long Format Recommended, it does not necessarily mean anything is wrong with the disk.  Usually, file fragmentation and sector flagging have just exceeded a reasonable level.  However, remember to move the data before erasing.  (To reformat the disk, use the Format tool and select the Long Format option.)

You can also set disk protection and make a disk non-removable from the disk section of the Iomega property sheet.

Click here [image] for instructions on accessing the “Disk” section of the Iomega property sheet.


Drive Section of the Iomega Property Sheet

The Drive section gives you detailed information about a selected drive.  Many of the details are highly technical, but may prove useful.  Here you can:

•	get information on the type of drive that is connected, the driver that is being used, the version of the software that is installed, etc.

•	set the Drive Sleep time

•	use the Diagnostics tool to see if the drive is functioning properly

Click here [image] for instructions on accessing the “Drive” section of the Iomega property sheet.


Iomega Property Sheet

The Iomega property sheet contains both drive and disk information.  You can set the drive sleep time, run a diagnostic program, or set disk protection from within the Iomega property sheet.

Click here [image] for instructions on accessing the Iomega Property Sheet.


Why the Protect tool?

This software tool increases your disk protection options beyond the old write-protect tab.  From simple write protection (with or without a password) to the read/write protect option, this tool allows you to protect your Iomega disk data according to its sensitivity.

Click here [image] for instructions on accessing the Iomega Tools Protect function.


What is the difference between the Protect tool and the Make Disk?
What is the difference between Protect and Make Nonremovable?

Protect lets you safeguard sensitive data on your Iomega disk, while Make Nonremovable is generally used to make a removable disk appear like a hard disk to your computer system.  Nonremovability is required to load and/or run some software.


What is the difference between a short and long format?

A short format formats just the header information on a disk, allowing the rest of the data on the disk to be overwritten with new data as you work.  A long format formats the entire disk and verifies the integrity of the disk surface.

Click here [image] for instructions on accessing the Iomega Tools Format function.


What happens if I forget my password?

If the Iomega disk is write-protected with a forgotten password, use the Iomega program Copy Machine to copy the data on that disk to another disk, and reformat the original disk for reuse.  If the Iomega disk is read/write-protected, the data cannot be recovered and the disk must be reformatd to be used again.

To format the disk:

1.	Insert the disk you want to format.

2.	RIGHT mouse click on the appropriate drive icon in My Computer.

3.	Select Unprotect from the drive shortcut menu.

4.	Select the I Forgot option and close the Unprotect window.

5.	Select Format from the menu.

6.	Select the Long Format option and format the disk.


What is Diagnostics?

Diagnostics is a drive-specific command that runs drive-function tests and reports pass or fail.

Click here [image] for instructions on accessing the drive Diagnostics function in the Iomega property sheet.


What if Diagnostics fails?

First, try another disk.  If Diagnostics passes with the second disk, replace the disk you used on the first test.  If Diagnostics fails again, contact Iomega.


Why so much detail in Property Sheets?

Many situations can arise that require knowing certain details about your computer hardware.  It’s a good idea to write this information down somewhere for future reference in case you need it when your system is unavailable.

Click here [image] for instructions on accessing the Iomega Tools Property Sheets.


Slow Performance
Slow Performance after installing Iomega Tools

If your system seems slow after installing Iomega Tools, it is probably due to the way some plug and play devices handle system refreshes.  To solve this problem, simply restart your system.


My Iomega Drive Has Taken Over My CD-ROM's Drive Letter (Windows 95/98)

If you find that after installing software for your new Iomega drive that your drive letters have shifted and this is unexceptable, you can manually assign specific drive letters to specific drives using the Guest98.exe application included in the IomegaWare folder.

When you run Guest, a list of available drive letters are displayed (including network drives).  Guest allows you to select which drive letter you want assigned to each drive attached to your system by selecting a new drive letter in the pull-down menu box just below the drive icon.

NOTE:  In order for Guest to function properly it is necessary to reboot your system after running Guest. You do have the option to reboot immediately or to wait, but the reassigned drive letters will only change after rebooting.


Multiple Drive Letters for Iomega Drives (Windows 95/98)

If you see more than one drive letter for a removable drive in My Computer or Windows Explorer, try the following problem solving suggestions immediately.  Using your drives when multiple drive letters are present may result in data loss.

•	Make sure that each device in the SCSI chain has a unique SCSI ID number (no duplicates).  If you need to change a SCSI ID setting, shut down Windows, turn off power to the computer and all devices in the chain, change the conflicting SCSI ID, and power up again.

•	Remove all real mode SCSI drivers (such as Adaptec's ASPIDISK.SYS or Corel SCSI's UNI_ASPI.SYS) from your CONFIG.SYS file and restart the computer.  After the system restarts, open the Windows Device Manager and make sure the list of SCSI controllers includes all non-bootable SCSI adapters.  (A bootable SCSI adapter will not be listed if it is being controlled by the adapter BIOS rather than a SCSI driver.)  If a non-bootable adapter does not have a SCSI controller listed in the Device Manager, use "Add New Hardware" in the Windows Control Panel to correctly install driver support for the adapter.  Use the Help included with Windows if you need additional instructions.


Iomega Tools Software Does Not Work (Windows 95/98)

Iomega Tools software only works with Windows 32-bit miniport drivers (Protected mode); it does not work with adapters that are using MS-DOS device drivers (Real mode).  If you are having problems make sure all adapters used by your Iomega drives are correctly installed under Windows.  You can install Windows support for Iomega drives by running the Guest98 program included with your Iomega Tools package.  If you have Iomega drives connected to a non-Iomega SCSI adapter, contact the adapter manufacturer or Microsoft for information on installing 32-bit driver support for the adapter under Windows.


Accessing Iomega Tools

You can access any of the Iomega Tools utilities or applications from the drive shortcut menus for your Iomega drives.  Here's how:

1.	RIGHT mouse click on any Iomega drive icon in either My Computer or Windows Explorer.

2.	Choose the tool you want to use from the drive-shortcut menu.


Accessing the Format Function

1.	Insert the disk you want to format.

2.	RIGHT mouse click on the appropriate drive icon in My Computer.

3.	Select Format from the drive-shortcut menu.


Accessing the Protect/Unprotect Functions

1.	Insert the disk you want to protect.

2.	RIGHT mouse click on the appropriate drive icon in My Computer.

3.	Select Protect or Unprotect from the drive shortcut menu.

4.	Choose the protection option you want to use.


Accessing Property Sheets

1.	RIGHT mouse click on the appropriate Iomega drive icon in My Computer or Windows Explorer.

2.	Select Properties from the drive shortcut menu.


Accessing the Disk Section

1.	RIGHT mouse click on the appropriate Iomega drive icon in My Computer or Windows Explorer.

2.	Choose Properties from the drive-shortcut menu.

3.	Click on the Iomega tab.


Accessing the Drive Section

1.	RIGHT mouse click on the appropriate Iomega drive icon in My Computer or Windows Explorer.

2.	Choose Properties from the drive-shortcut menu.

3.	Click on the Iomega tab.


Using the Eject Function

1.	RIGHT mouse click on the appropriate Iomega drive icon in My Computer or Windows Explorer.

2.	Click Eject.


Accessing the Iomega Property Sheet

1.	RIGHT mouse click on the appropriate Iomega drive icon in My Computer or Windows Explorer.

2.	Choose Properties from the drive-shortcut menu.

3.	Click on the Iomega tab.


illustration
This button is only an illustration!


Disabling Iomega Watch

1.	Click the Start button and point to Programs, then Iomega Tools.

2.	Select Iomega Watch.

3.	Select No to tell Watch not to check for read/write protected disks.


Real Mode

Real Mode, also called MSDOS compatibility mode, is an operating mode used by Windows with hardware that is supported by MS-DOS device drivers.  Real mode is slower than Protected mode, which is the preferred operating mode under Windows 95/98.


CONFIG.SYS File
CONFIG.SYS ...

CONFIG.SYS is a file used on DOS-based systems to specify which devices to install and which installable device drivers to use.  The CONFIG.SYS file also contains commands that determine how DOS uses memory and controls files.

When a DOS-based system is upgraded to Windows 95/98 or NT, the MS-DOS device drivers should be removed from CONFIG.SYS so that they do not conflict with the 32-bit mini-port drivers used by Windows 95/98 and NT.


Mini-Port Driver (MPD)
Miniport Driver (MPD)

A 32-bit driver designed to support a specific hardware device (such as a SCSI host adapter) under Windows 95/98 and NT.


Protect Mode
Protected mode

Protected Mode is the fastest mode of operation available under Windows 95/98 and NT; it is also the preferred mode of operation.  Protected mode uses 32-bit miniport drivers designed specifically for Windows 95/98 and NT to support devices, including hard drive controllers, video controllers, SCSI controllers, etc.


Make Fixed:
Prevents ejection of the disk.


Disk Type:
Shows the disk size in megabytes (MB) and the size of each sector on the disk in bytes.


Protect Status:
Displays the protection status of the disk: unprotected, write-protected, read/write protected, or unprotected until eject.  To change the protection status, right mouse click on the drive icon in My Computer and select either Protect or Unprotect from the drive shortcut menu.


Make Nonremovable Status:
Shows whether or not the disk can currently be removed from drive.  To change the removable status, right mouse click on the drive icon in My Computer and select Make removable or Make non-removable from the drive shortcut menu.


Disk Life Status:
Shows whether or not disk life is currently OK.  If Disk Life Status indicates "Marginal," the disk is approaching the end of its prime.  In this case, move the data to a new disk and use the old one for less active service, such as archiving.


Format Type:
Shows whether or not the disk is DOS-formatted.  DOS FAT format is used by Windows 95/98, DOS and Windows 3.1.


Field Formatted:
Shows whether the disk retains factory formatting or has been reformatted.


Serial Number:
Provides the serial number of the current disk.


Julian Date:
Displays the date the current disk was manufactured.


Format Life Status:


Drive Type:
Displays the drive type and capacity.


Interface Type:
Specifies what interface the drive is using.


SCSI ID:
Displays the SCSI ID number assigned to the drive.  (SCSI is the acronym for Small Computer System Interface.)


Logical Unit Number:
Displays the logical unit number assigned to the drive.


ROM Version:
Shows the version number for the drive firmware.  ROM version information may be needed when contacting customer service.


ROM Date:
Shows the release date for the drive firmware.


Driver:
Displays the vendor for the VSD.


Miniport Driver:
Displays the current version of the low-level software controlling the drive.


Drive Sleep in ___ minutes:
Sets the amount of time the drive must be inactive before it will spin down to conserve energy.  (A drive that has spun down will automatically spin back up when needed.)  You can change the drive sleep time by clicking on the up and down buttons.  Changes in this setting take effect immediately − you do not have to restart your computer.


Make disk nonremovable:
Makes a removable disk look like a hard disk to your computer.  When this option is selected, the disk in the currently selected drive will be set as non-removable until the setting is changed back or Windows is restarted. Making a disk non-removable is sometimes required either by software installations to the disk, or by software running from the disk.


Remove Protection Temporarily
Select this to remove protection from the disk temporarily.  When the disk is ejected or the system is shut down, protection is reapplied automatically.


Diagnostics:
Clicking the drive icon next to “Diagnostics” starts drive function tests and reports "Passed" or "Failed."  If diagnostics reports "Failed," you should insert another disk and retry diagnostics.  If diagnostics reports "Passed" with the second disk, the first disk is suspect.  If diagnostics again reports "Failed," contact Iomega.


Short Format:
Short Format allows you to quickly format or prepare a disk for new data.


Long Format:
Long Format performs a complete surface verify on the disk as it is formatted.  This option should be used for all disks that have developed read/write errors.


Make disk bootable:
Copies the files needed to boot your computer onto the disk after it is formatted.  Select this option if you plan to use the disk to start your system.


Volume Label:
Provides a space for you to enter a label, or name, for the disk.  If you type a name in this box, it will be placed on the formatted disk to help you identify it later.


Present Disk Status:
Displays the current protection status of the disk.


Write Protect:
Prevents anyone from overwriting critical data.  For stronger Write protection, use a password.  If you forget the password, the data can be recovered by simply copying the disk to another disk (using Copy Machine), and reformatting the original disk for reuse.


Read/Write Protect:
Read/Write Protection is like putting your disk in a safe, and should be reserved for highly sensitive data.  This feature requires a password and carries a strong caution:  If you forget the password, the data is unrecoverable and the disk must be reformatted to be used again.


Unprotecting until Eject:
Gives temporary access to a protected disk.  Protection is automatically reapplied when the disk is ejected.


Remove Protection:
Eliminates all protection-coding on the disk.


Change Password
Allows you to update or vary the password assigned to the disk.  You must know the old password in order to change it.


Write with Verify
Activates an additional data protection feature.  When this option is set to “Yes,” the drive will take extra steps to make certain that everything it writes to any disk used in the drive is written correctly.  Note:  Some users may elect to select “No” to potentially increase performance of the drive.


I Forgot
Select this option if you have forgotten the password for a protected disk.  You will be prompted to perform a long format.  If the disk is write-protected only, copy the data to another disk before formatting the original disk for reuse.  If the disk is read/write-protected, the data cannot be recovered.  A long format must be done before you can use the disk again.