Questions & Answers (click + for answers)

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• Q: Can I replace a hard disk in a dual disk external hard drive? I have a Lacie d2 Big Disk Extreme.?
  I've already opened the case and removed the one that was clicking. Can I just replace it?

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• Q: I can't get my computer to recognize my new LaCie 1TB HD?
  I have a Dell Inspiron XPS laptop it is about 3 years old. I am running XP and I can't seem to get my computer to recognize my new LaCie 1TB Big Disk Extreme Hard Drive. I have tried add hardware and it says that the LaCie HD is working properly. But it doesn't show up in my computer. What can I do? I can't seem to get the firewire to recognize it at all.

  A:You need to format it first. Goto control panel, admin tools, computer management, then disk management. See if you see it in there, if so then format it. If not then there is a connectivity issue.
• Q: lacie d2 big drive extreme 500Gb - pcb replacement?
  Hi, I recently managed to confuse two of my external disks and plugged the wrong power supply into my LaCie d2 Big Drive Extreme 500Gb. There was a faint smell of burnt electrics! Disconcerting... The drive wasn't connected to a computer so I think it's just teh pcb that;s burnt out. I think that the drive itself will may be ok, but need to get the information off. If I buy another LaCie of the same type (d2 Big Drive Extreme), but it has a different disk capacity, do you think I'd be able to just transfer my old drive into the new casing? I'd like to avoid sending to a data recovery shop whwre it wil cost £350 and I'd still have to buy another drive. Thanks, Adam.

  A:Adam, In most cases, I'd say yes, you could just pull out the drive and replace it into another enclosure (any enclosure with a compativle interface PATA/SATA). Upon looking at the LaCie d2, and seeing that they use an onboard encryption system, I'm not sure. The manuals and spec sheets <1> don't give away any details as to whether the data on the drive is kept in an encrypted fashion on the hard-drive, or if the scanned fingerprints are kept on the drive or in some non-volatile memory on-board the unit itself. (Question, did you have this enabled?) If the unit was truely designed with security in mind, the encryption key/fingerprints would probably be kept in NVRAM onboard the device itself, and the data on the drive encrypted with that key, in which case it is likely that the authentication data went up, literally, in smoke along with the rest of the PCB; and you've got a relatively well-encrypted volume without the key. I know that this isn't good news. Be sure to call LaCie, and see if there is any way to get the data off (do try not to mention the power adapter mishap - I checked and it will void your warranty). Also, while I'm not cryptoanalyst, I looked about and didn't immediately find anyone claiming a practical approach to cracking AES based encryption. <2> Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Sabot
• Q: my computer isnt detecting my external hard drive?
  a friend gave me an external hard drive ( lacie d2 big disk extreme 1TR) with information but my computer (vista) isnt detecting it at all. its kind of an emergency please send me a good answer.

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• Q: Lacie (500Gb) Hard Drive? Not Extreme!!!?
  I have a Lacie 500GB Big disk external hard drive. not the extreme. I need to know Exactly what is in it. if it is 2 250 GB hard drives , or what. and what kind. if it is 2 250 GB Hard drives, if they are SATA, IDE EIDE, you know. I know what an external and internal hard drives are, and I don't want to take it apart. I just want to know What exactly is inside of it, a hard drive, or other. if it is a hard drive, give me the specs. for those of you who look at this question and say, oh, this is too hard, just look it up. I just don't have enough time. Please.

  A:An external hard drive interfaces via either USB or Firewire depending on which one you have. SATA and IDE busses are internal connections. If you want to know drive construction details, you'll have to contact the manufacturer [or take it apart].