Buffalo MiniStation HD-PCTU3 2.5-inch USB Hard Drive User Manual
- June 13, 2024
- BUFFALO
Table of Contents
Buffalo MiniStation HD-PCTU3 2.5-inch USB Hard Drive
Layout
LEDs and Connections
Recommended Usage
- If the power/access LED does not turn off when you turn off your computer, unplug the USB cable from the drive.
- FAT32 is limited to 4 GB files. If you reformat the MiniStation with FAT32, you will not be able to save files larger than 4 GB to it. To use the drive with files larger than 4 GB, format with NTFS or Mac OS extended instead.
- If your Windows computer will not boot while this drive is connected, then connect the drive to your computer after rebooting Windows. Also, refer to your computer’s manual to change the BIOS setting to boot from an internal hard drive if you want to turn your computer on or off while this unit is connected.
- This unit supports hot plugging. You can plug or unplug the USB cable while this unit or your PC is on. However, never unplug the USB cable while the access LED is blinking, or your data may be lost or damaged.
- Booting an OS from this drive is not supported.
- Do not lean any object against this unit. It may cause the unit to malfunction.
- If you use this unit with Windows 7, Vista, or XP on a computer with a USB 2.0 or 1.1 port, you may receive a message indicating that a high-speed USB hub is connected to a non high-speed USB device. To continue, click [X].
- You may hear some noise while this unit is working, especially while booting or being accessed. This is normal.
- If you are going to recover from Macintosh, disconnect this unit, it may not be recovered without removing this unit.
- Some computers do not support power saving mode.
- When drivers for this unit are installed, devices are added to Device Manager.
To display Device Manager, follow the instructions below:
Windows 7/Vista …………………………….Click [Start], right-click [Computer], and click [Manage]. If “A program needs your permission to continue” is displayed, click [Yes] or [Continue] and click [Device Manager].
Windows XP …………………………………..Click [Start] and right-click [My Computer]. Click [Manage] and then [Device Manager].Location| Added Device
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Universal Serial Bus controllers| USB Mass Storage Device
Disk drives| BUFFALO HD-PCTU3 USB Device
Warning
To avoid damage to your data, follow these precautions:
- Never configure this unit as a destination for virtual memory.
- Never perform any of the following operations while the access LED is blinking:
- Unplug the USB or power cable
- Turn off your computer
- Put your computer in an energy-saving state (standby, hibernate, or sleep)
Software
The MiniStation includes several optional software packages for use with Windows computers. Note that while the HD-PCTU3 drive itself works perfectly with Macintosh computers, no Mac OS software is included with this product.
Installing Software on a Windows PC
-
Connect the MiniStation to your computer.
-
In [(My) Computer], double-click on [HD-PCTU3] ( ).
-
Double-click on [DriveNavi.exe].
The DriveNavigator wizard will launch. If “A program needs your permission to continue” is displayed by Windows 7 or Vista, click [Yes] or [Continue]. -
Click [Begin Installation].
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Click [Additional Software Installation].
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Select the target software and click [Install].
The wizard will guide you through installation.
Optional Software
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eco Manager
eco Manager for HD lets you put the MiniStation into sleep mode to save power. -
Disk Formatter
This software lets you easily reformat your MiniStation. -
TurboPC
TurboPC can increase data transfer speeds for your MiniStation. -
TurboCopy
TurboCopy uses caching to increase data transfer speeds. -
Backup Utility
Backup Utility is software to back up and restore data from your PC. -
RAMDISK Utility
This software uses the memory in your computer as a virtual hard drive “RAMDISK”. RAMDISK is recognized as a hard drive by your computer, and you can read and write data to it like any other hard drive. -
Buffalo Tools Launcher
Buffalo Tools Launcher lets you easily launch software from the Buffalo utility suite. -
SecureLockMobile
SecureLockMobile lets you easily secure your data with AES encryption.
Specifications
For the most up-to-date information and products, go to www.buffalotech.com.
| Interface | USB |
|---|---|
| Standard | USB 3.0 Specification, Rev. 1.0 |
USB Specification, Rev. 2.0
Connector| USB 3.0 Micro-B
Transfer speed| USB 3.0: 5 Gbps *
USB 2.0: 480 Mbps
USB 1.1: 12 Mbps Maximum
Factory default format| NTFS (1 partition)
External dimensions (W x D x H )| [HD-PCTU3]
77 x 114 x 14 mm, 3.03” x 4.5” x 0.55” (excluding protruding parts) [HD- PCTU3/BB, /BW]
77 x 114 x 17 mm, 3.03” x 4.5” x 0.67” (excluding protruding parts)
Power| 5 V ± 5%
Operating Environment| 41° – 95° F; 5° – 35° C
20 – 80% (no condensation)
Compatible OS| Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit) Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit)
Windows XP (32-bit)
Mac OS X 10.4 or later
Connect the MiniStation to a USB 3.0 port for the best transfer speeds. The MiniStation will function when connected to a USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 port, but data transfers will be slower.
FAQs
What is the Buffalo MiniStation HD-PCTU3 USB Hard Drive?
The Buffalo MiniStation HD-PCTU3 is a portable 2.5-inch USB hard drive designed for storing and backing up data.
What is the storage capacity of this hard drive?
The hard drive is available in various storage capacities, typically ranging from XGB to XTB, allowing you to choose the capacity that suits your needs.
What type of data transfer interface does it use?
The Buffalo MiniStation HD-PCTU3 uses a USB 3.0 interface for high-speed data transfer, and it is backward compatible with USB 2.0.
Is this hard drive compatible with both Windows and Mac computers?
Yes, the hard drive is often pre-formatted for Windows but can be reformatted for Mac compatibility if needed.
Is it bus-powered or does it require an external power source?
The hard drive is typically bus-powered, meaning it draws power from the USB port and doesn't require an external power source.
Does it come with any backup software?
The hard drive often includes backup software to help you easily back up and protect your important data.
What security features does the Buffalo MiniStation HD-PCTU3 offer?
The hard drive may include security features like hardware encryption or password protection to safeguard your data.
Is there a LED indicator for drive status?
Yes, there is typically an LED indicator that shows the drive's status and activity, making it easy to monitor its operation.
What are the dimensions and weight of the Buffalo MiniStation HD-PCTU3?
The dimensions and weight of the hard drive may vary depending on the specific model, but it is generally designed to be compact and portable.
Is there a warranty for the Buffalo MiniStation HD-PCTU3?
The Buffalo MiniStation HD-PCTU3 USB Hard Drive typically comes with a warranty of Lifetime Limited from the date of purchase.
Can this hard drive be used for gaming consoles, like the Xbox or PlayStation?
Yes, the hard drive is often compatible with gaming consoles, making it a convenient option for expanding storage for games and media.
Does it come with any additional software or utilities?
The hard drive may come with additional software or utilities to enhance your storage experience, such as disk management tools or diagnostic software.
References:Buffalo MiniStation HD-PCTU3 2.5-inch USB Hard Drive – Device.report