-
When turning on the unit, no
activity occurs after displaying the message ''Initializing Image
MASSter, please wait''..
Answer: This indicates that the
initialization process is unable to read the necessary files from
the system startup diskette. Check the following: a. Verify
that the correct diskette is properly installed in the floppy
drive. For the IM2000I and IM550I units use the diskette labeled
"Standalone".
b. Power cycle the unit ON and OFF. Wait a few minutes
before recycling power.
c. Use the originally supplied system diskette if the issue
is occurring with a copy of the original.
d.Verify if the system diskette is bootable and readable
from a PC. If it is non-bootable the PC will display an error
message such as "Non-System Disk". If the system
diskette is not bootable, transfer the system files to the disk
using the DOS SYS command. Type SYS A: from a PC.
e. Verify that the diskette has an AUTOEXEC.BAT file, which
calls the appropriate executable for the unit. For example, the
IM2000I will have an AUTOEXEC.BAT file that runs the 2000i.EXE
program.
TOP ^
-
After starting a copy operation,
the Image MASSter responds with one of the following error
messages: ''Drive failed to respond to reset'' ''Failed to Detect
Drives'' ''Failed to Initialize Drives''
Answer:
This indicates that the unit cannot communicate with the attached
hard disk drive(s).
Check the following:
a. Verify that all HDD power and controller cables are
properly attached. If using standard 2 ½" form factor
Notebook type drives, verify that pin one of the data cable, when
connected, is nearest the two sets of offset pins.
b. Verify that master and target drives are configured for
"single drive" operation. Please refer to the HDD's
manufacturer documentation for proper HDD jumper settings. The
following are common HDD jumper settings required for proper
operation:
1. Most Western Digital Caviar drives
require that all jumpers are removed from the master/slave jumper
block, J8.
2. Most Maxtor drives require a jumper installed on the
master/single pins of the master/slave jumper block, J20 or J50.
3. Quantum drives have a jumper setting for data select
(DS) or cable select (CS). Set the jumper to DS.
4. Most Seagate drives require a master select jumper
installed while the slave select jumper is removed from the
master/slave jumper block.
5. Some standard 2 ½" drives may require a jumper on
the last pair of offset pins to configure the drives for master.
TOP ^
-
Which Notebook 2.5'' HDDs are
supported by the Image MASSter?
Answer: Many notebook
manufacturers use a 2 ½” drive enclosure with a proprietary
connector. These enclosures require proprietary ICS
adapters.
Refer to the accessories section of the ICS web site for an up to
date list of available adapters.
If a proprietary adapter is not available for the drive, the
standard 2 ½” ICS adapter can be used, provided the drive is
removed from the proprietary enclosure.
See a list
of available adapters. ICS is constantly adding new adapters
to our product line, please call for the most updated list of
available adapters.
TOP ^
-
How does the unit partition the
target HDD when the master drive contains multiple partitions and
the target drive is larger than the master drive?
Answer: When using the IQCOPY
mode of operation, the partitions created on the target drives
will be scaled (proportional) to the size of the drive. If the
target drive capacity is twice of the master’s, then the target
partitions created will be twice the capacity. Any remaining space
will be partitioned and formatted. If the master drive has only
one FAT-16 partition and the target drive is larger than 2GB, the
target drive will be partitioned into multiple 2GB partitions, up
to the capacity of the drive.
TOP ^
-
Can the Image MASSter copy to
dissimilar drives.
Answer: The IQCOPY mode allows
copying to dissimilar drives when the master drive has a FAT16 or
FAT32 based software load. This includes operating systems such as
DOS, WIN95, and WIN-NT. IQCOPY will automatically determine the
geometry of the target drives to properly scale partitions and
copy the least number of clusters necessary to copy the entire
file system to any mix of target drives. If the master and target
drives are not using the same cluster size, IQCOPY PLUS will be
used to perform the copy process.
TOP ^
-
Can the Image MASSter be used to
copy Windows NTFS to different size drives.
Answer: An IQCOPY NTFS option
is available, which will allow copying NTFS software loads to
dissimilar drives. This option is available for the IM2000/500
products.
TOP ^
-
What is the transfer rate?
Answer: The transfer rate for
the IM1000/500 units is approximately 120MB per minute with Read
Back Verification disabled. The transfer rate for the IM2000/550
units can exceed 300MB per minute with Read Back Verification
disabled. The transfer rate is reduced when Read Back Verification
is enabled. Speed is dependent on the hardware and software
configurations of the hard drives in use.
TOP ^
-
Can the Image MASSter be used to
copy non-FAT operating systems such as UNIX, and OS/2 (HPFS).
Answer: The % of Disk option
can be used to copy any non-FAT operating system. It is
recommended to use target drives having the same drive geometry as
the master drive. If different geometry target drives are used, it
may produce invalid target drives. If the system detects that the
target drives have a different size then that of the master, then
it will only copy up the capacity of the smallest drive. The
partition table of the master drive will be copied without
modification to the target drive. This will result in loss of
drive space if the target is larger than the master. If the master
drive is a 512MB drive and the target is a 1GB drive, the
target’s drive geometry will match those of the 512MB drive. The
1GB drive will be seen as a 512GB drive by the operating system.
The % setting can be adjusted between 0% and 100%, to reduce the
copy time necessary when using the % of Disk option.
TOP ^
-
Do target drives have to be
partitioned and formatted prior to copying?
Answer: Target drives do not
have to be partitioned prior to copying. The unit will partition
and perform a high level format on the target drives. When a drive
is partitioned, a master boot record is created. This record tells
DOS were each partition begins. When a drive is formatted, a DOS
boot record is created and system files are transfered. This
record contains disk drive information such as sector size, and
number of cylinders. The DOS boot record also contains the root
directory, and the FAT.
TOP ^
-
The target drive fails to boot.
What may cause this?
Answer: This may indicate that
the PC cannot read the drive’s master boot or DOS boot record.
Check the following: a. Verify that the HDD’s power and
controller cable are properly connected. b. Verify that the
drive’s Master/Slave jumper block is properly configured. c.
Verify that the PC’s SETUP is properly configured for the HDD
installed. d. Verify that the master drive functions properly in
the PC and that no corrupted files exist on the master drive. e.
If using the IM1000/500 product, verify that all “Target Drive
Parameters” are cleared in SETUP. f. The Image MASSter CHS
Translation setting may have been improperly set. The default
setting is LBA. This should be the correct setting for all drives
having 16 heads. Also use LBA for all 15 head drives under 4GB.
Use the LARGE setting for 15 head drives larger than 4GB, to be
installed in PCs with a PHOENIX BIOS. Also use the LARGE setting
if drives are to be installed in PCs whose PHOENIX BIOS version is
earlier than 4.05. Note, the use of this setting may vary between
Image MASSter models. g. Verify that % of Disk copy mode is not
being used when copying to dissimilar drives.
TOP ^
-
The Image MASSter displays the
error message "Internal Settings are Invalid" or
"Stored Configuration Data is Corrupted."
Answer: The unit uses an EEPROM
to store configuration information. If this information is
corrupted it will result in the symptom described. This may be
caused if electrical noise occurs during the attempt to read from
or write to the EEPROM. To correct this issue contact ICS
Technical Support. An authorization number will be provided, which
when entered will correct this issue.
TOP ^
-
How are options enabled on the
IM2000/550 products?
Answer: Options can be enabled
in Local or HOST mode. When in Local mode, select "Add
Option" from the Options menu. When in HOST mode, select
"Enable Extensions" from the Tools menu. Enter the last
5 digits of the Authorization Code indicated on the
"Certificate of Authorization". The option will be
enabled after pressing done. Check "Installed Options"
to verify that the option was enabled. If the option is not
displayed, reboot the unit and check again. If an error message is
displayed indicating "Invalid Authorization Code",
verify the following: a. Verify that the correct number was
entered. b. Ignore leading zeroes when entering codes. c. Verify
that the current version of software is in use. The current
version can be downloaded from the ICS Web Site.
TOP ^
-
How does the Image MASSter
handle bad sectors?
Answer: If a bad sector is
encountered during the copy process it will attempt to read or
write from that bad sector at least three times. The copy process
for that drive will abort if unsuccessful after three retries. If
more than 26 retries are attempted throughout the copy process the
process will abort for all drives.
TOP ^
-
What do the "Error Register
Codes" indicate.
Answer: The following is a list
of the most common Register Error codes and descriptions. Error
Register = x1, Data Address Mark Not Found. Error Register = x2,
Unable to find Track 0. Error Register = x4, Aborted Comand. Error
Register = 1x, ID Not Found (Target Sector read/write error).
Error Register = 4x, Unrecoverable Error Detected (Error
Correction Code). Error Register = 8x, Bad Block Detected.
TOP ^
-
How does the Read Verify Option
operate?
Answer: Enabling the Read Back
Verification option causes the unit to read back each byte written
to a target drive, and to verify it against the corresponding byte
in the master drive. Read back verification involving 100% of a
drive may not guarantee that is absolutely fault free even for the
copied bits. This is because the master drive itself might contain
corrupted data. Nor does it guarantee that all targets will end up
identical to the master, since it is possible to have a stuck bit
in the data path, either in the master drive or in the Image
MASSter. Although this situation is very unusual, it results in a
major difference between the data that appears to exist on the
master, and the data that actually exists on the master.
TOP ^
-
Partitions larger than 2GB is
supported by Windows NT FAT16. Can the Image MASSter copy FAT16
partitions larger than 2GB.
Answer: IQCOPY is compatible
with the 2GB partition limitation imposed by MS-DOS, and WIN95
FAT16. It is also compatible and supports WIN95 FAT32 partitions
greater than 2GB. Currently it will not support NT FAT16
partitions larger than 2GB.
TOP ^
-
How does the Image MASSter
handle WINDOWS NT Security Identification ID (SID) duplication
issues.
Answer: Each computer is
assigned a unique SID during setup so that it can be identified on
the network. The duplication process cannot generate a unique SID
on the Target drives. Microsoft supports the use of duplication
equipment to save time and effort and has provided guidelines for
configuring a master drive to avoid SID duplication issues. The
guidelines describe configuring a master drive for Unattended
Windows NT Installation. For a copy of the entire document, go
online to http://www.microsoft.com/ntworkstation/deploy.exe.
Another method is to use one of several 3rd party SID changer
tools. To read more about SID issues refer to the Internet address
www.ntinternals.com.
TOP ^
-
How does the Image MASSter
handle WINDOWS 95 license duplication issues.
Answer: One method to avoid
duplicate Product ID numbers is to configure a master drive as a
PRE-INSTALLED WIN95 so that user information is not recorded on
the master drive. Another recommendation is to purchase license
kits from Microsoft so that the same license can be used for
multiple copied drives.
TOP ^
-
Is there a method to avoid
creating the logical DOS partition (D:) when copying to target
drives larger than 2GB from a master drive with just one partition
(C:).
Answer: The IM1000/500 products
have an option called "Extra Partition", which when
disabled will prevent the logical DOS partition (D:) from being
created. The IM2000/550 products can use a "-P" switch
option on the 2000I or 550I AUTOEXEC.BAT command line to perform
this function.
TOP ^
-
When copying WINDOWS NT FAT16
master drives the transfer rate is reduced to 6MB to 12MB per
minute and the copy process fails to complete.
Answer: This symptom occurs
when attempting to use IQCOPY to copy WINDOWS NT FAT16 partitions
larger than 2GB. IQCOPY is compatible with the 2GB partition
limitation imposed by MS-DOS, and WIN95 FAT16. It is also
compatible and supports WIN95 FAT32 partitions greater than 2GB.
Currently it will not support NT FAT16 partitions larger than 2GB.
TOP ^
-
What is the difference between
IQCOPY and % of Disk?
Answer: IQCOPY is an
intelligent copy method in which only clusters containing active
files are copied to the target drives. Unused clusters are
ignored. This feature reduces the time required to copy a software
load to target drives. IQCOPY can also detect the geometry of
target drives allowing dissimilar drives to be used as target
drives. IQCOPY will also partition and perform a high level format
on target drives. IQCOPY’s intelligent features will only
function when using DOS or FAT based drives. The % of Disk option
is a non-intelligent copy method which copies drives sector by
sector. This method of copying will copy all allocated and
unallocated clusters indicated by the percentage setting. If the %
of Disk is set to copy 100% of the drive, then all used and unused
sectors will be copied. If all target drives have the same
geometry as the master drive, it can be used to copy any operating
system.
TOP ^
-
The copy process now seems to be
slower than on previous copy operations. What could cause this
increase in copy time?
Answer: Incorrect or different
configuration settings could result in slower operation. The
following SETUP options will normally increase the time require to
complete a copy operation: Setting the Copy Mode to use % of Disk.
Enabling Verification reduces the transfer rate. Enabling Safe
Mode reduces the transfer rate. Reducing the Sectors/Transfer
setting. This setting can be set to 64, 128 or 256 sectors.
Enabling “Sequential Power On” will increase the time required
before transferring data. Copying to different size drives will
normally result in an increase in copy time compared to copying to
same size drives. IQCOPY Plus rather than straight IQCOPY will be
use to perform the copy process. This copy mode requires
additional time to adjust for the difference in cluster sizes
between drives. A master drive with fragmented files can increase
the copy time required. It is recommended to defragment the master
drive. The transfer rate is dependent upon the drives in use. The
transfer rate will decrease if using slower drives. Verify that
the current software version is in use. The latest version of
software can be downloaded from the www.ics-iq.com ICS Web Site.
Modifications optimizing copy time for different operating systems
may be incorporated in new releases.
TOP ^
-
What does the error message
"Drive has Error Bit Set in Read Master Write Target Sector
Loop" indicate?
Answer: This indicates that a
read or write error has occurred when the Image MASSter was
attempting to read from the master drive or write to the target
drive. This message is normally encountered when a drive contains
a defect such as a bad sector. Additional information, such as the
location of the bad sector and error register contents, are also
displayed.
TOP ^
-
What does the error message
"Master Does Not Have Not Busy in Read Master Write Target
Read Sector Loop" indicate?
Answer: When attempting to
write to the target drive the software must wait for the drive to
return status indicating that it is ready to receive additional
instructions. This message indicates that the target drive could
not be written to because the drive failed to return a ready
status signal. If the message persists check the following: -
Verify that the data power cables are securely connected to the
drives. - Replace worn and used data cables. - The error could
occur if electrical noise is introduced into the system from an
outside source. This noise could come from the power mains used to
supply power to the unit, or from surrounding equipment. A power
strip with filter capability or UPS would be recommended to reduce
power supply glitches. - Some drives may have difficulty with the
high speed default transfer rate. Reduce the transfer rate by
enabling Safe Mode or reducing the Sectors/Transfer.
TOP ^
-
When attempting to use IQCOPY an
error message is displayed indicating "Master Drive is not a
DOS/WINDOWS drive. Cannot use IQCOPY". What causes this
message?
Answer: IQCOPY has determined
that the master drive is configured with one or more NON-FAT
partitions. Each operating system uses a unique signature recorded
in the partition table. If the signature is recognized as a
NON-FAT operating system such as UNIX or HPFS, the error message
will be displayed. IQCOPY supports only FAT based operating
systems. To create images of NON-FAT partitions, use the % of Disk
copy mode.
TOP ^
-
What would cause a SCSI drive to
fail to spin up when attempting to start a copy operation?
Answer: If a drive fails to
spin up, an error message will be displayed indicating
"Failed to Detect Drive". To correct this check the
following: a. Verify that the power and data cables are properly
connected. b. Verify that the drive properly functions in a PC. c.
Verify that the Motor Start Function jumper is properly set on the
drive. The jumper should be configured to allow the motor to spin
up when DC power is applied. The error may occur if the jumper is
set so that the motor spins up only upon receiving a SCSI Start
command. Some drives may designate this jumper as "Auto
Spin", or "Auto Start", or "Delay Spin".
TOP ^
-
Can the SCSI Image MASSter
support Wide-SCSI HDDs?
Answer: An ICS Wide SCSI
Adapter is available for these drives, part number F.G-0206-001A.
A SCSI Wide 68-conductor high density cable is also required, part
number F.G-0207-101A. The adapter also supports Single-Ended SCA80
type drives.
TOP ^
-
Can SCSI Image MASSter support
Differential SCSI?
Answer: The SCSI Image MASSter
does not directly support Differential Drives, but 3rd party
adapters are available which can be used to convert between
Single-Ended and Differential. One such adapter is the Fast-narrow
(8-bit) model SD10B from Paralan. For further information see
www.paralan.com or call 619-560-7266.
TOP ^
-
What should the master and
target drive’s SCSI ID setting be configured as?
Answer: There is no requirement
for a standard SCSI ID jumper setting. The Image MASSter can auto
detect the presence and location of the SCSI drives.
TOP ^
-
When attempting to copy SCSI
HDDs, the unit displays the message "SCSI bus cannot be
freed" or "No SCSI Board Found". How can this be
corrected?
Answer: a. Verify that the
HDD’s power and controller cable are properly attached. b.
Verify that the drive has termination enabled. c. This may occur
if attempting to upgrade from IMS software version 7.x to 8.x.
Usage of version 8.x requires different SCSI controller cards than
those used for v7.x. Contact ICS Technical Support for hardware
upgrade information.
TOP ^
