Sony Global - MICROVAULT

Support & Contact Us

USB Flash Drive

USM-LX / USM-L / USM-JX / USM-J / USM-H / USM-EX Turbo / USM-D Plus / USM-E Plus / USM-FL / USM-F / USM-D / USM-E / USM-C / USM-B / USM-S(A) / USM-U2 / USM

USD

Trouble Shooting

Before Use

FAQ

Trouble Shooting

About Fingerprint Access software

About Auto sync

About the Virtual Expander

USM-LX / USM-L / USM-JX / USM-J / USM-H / USM-EX Turbo / USM-D Plus / USM-E Plus / USM-FL / USM-F / USM-D / USM-E / USM-C / USM-B / USM-S(A) / USM-U2 / USM

	My computer does not recognize the Micro Vault. You cannot use the Micro Vault with unsupported operating systems. Please check the OS compatibility chart. In addition, the USB switch in the BIOS of older PCs may be turned OFF. Please read the PCs instruction manual and turn the USB functions in the BIOS ON. (We do not recommend that beginning PC users change BIOS settings.) If the host device does not recognize the Micro Vault Tiny, please make sure that the device is plugged in correctly as described in the product package. - When using on Windows Vista - The driver cash file for Windows may be damaged. Please download available software patches from Microsoft Online Support site (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/940199/en-us), and apply it in line with the instructions.
	Windows 98/98SE recognizes the drive, but I am unable to read or write. In Windows 98, please check to make sure that the device driver is fully installed. Please refer to the section on checking device drivers. * USM-LX,USM-L,USM-JX,USM512FL,USM-H,USM-EX Turbo model does not support Windows 98/98SE.
	The Micro Vault does not function properly. If you are using the Micro Vault through a USB hub, depending on the USB hub, you may not be able to properly use the Micro Vault.
	The Micro Vault response is slow. Response times may decrease if the Micro Vault is used at the same time as other USB devices.
	The message "Storage device in use" appears and the Micro Vault cannot be disconnected. An application that is using the Micro Vault is still running. Quit the application software before disconnecting the Micro Vault.
	I disconnected the Micro Vault without performing end processing. A warning from the OS may appear, but the Micro Vault will not be damaged unless the Micro Vault is removed while data transfer is in progress to and from the device (LED indicator is turned on). The Micro Vault may be harmed or damaged in case the removal are made while data are being transferred from PC or from Micro Vault on access.
	When used with a Macintosh, the Micro Vault is recognized but the message "Do you want to format?" appears. The function to read Windows files is not running on the Macintosh. You have either intentionally turned this function OFF or started up the Macintosh from a CD-ROM. If "File Exchange" under Apple Menu - Control Panels -Extensions Manager is disabled, enable "File Exchange". If "File Exchange" is not on the list, copy it from the basic set and use this function. When the message "Do you want to Format?" appears and you proceed to format the Micro Vault in Macintosh format, you will not be able to read data using a Windows machine. When you format the Micro Vault, use a dedicated software to the device in Windows format.
	The Micro Vault is not recognized when using a Macintosh. There may be a conflict between the other USB devices connected to the computer such as a CD-ROM or MO. Under the Apple Menu -Control Panels - Extensions Manager, copy and use the OS basic set or all sets to restore to default. Once this is done, you will not be able to use functions that have been added on later. If using the Micro Vault with conflicting devices, please contact the manufacturer for more information.
	When performing end processes, the message "This device is in use" appears. This indicates that a file or application in the Micro Vault is still open. Close all files or applications and then disconnect the Micro Vault. If the Virtual Expander is running, right click on the Virtual Expander icon in the Toolbar and select “Exit”, then remove the Micro Vault.
	I formatted the Micro Vault with a file open. If this causes the PC to freeze, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and restart your PC.
	The PC does not start up when I try to start up the PC with the Micro Vault connected or when waking up from standby or suspend mode. If the BIOS has been set to have a USB device as a start up disk, the PC will freeze since it tries to start up from the Micro Vault despite the fact that the Micro Vault does not have a startup functionality. Disconnect the Micro Vault before you start up your PC or set the start up disk in the BIOS to something other than a USB device. (We do not recommend that beginning PC users change BIOS settings.)
	The capacity of the Micro Vault seems reduced when displayed in Properties under Windows. The Micro Vault's capacity is calculated as 1GB = 1 billion bytes. Micro Vault media contains a system management area. Actual usable capacity is less than the amount shown on the device.
	If the Micro Vault malfunctions, I'd like to have the data recovered. If the malfunction is one that occurs due to a manufacturing defect, we will exchange the device for a new one. However, we will not be held responsible for any losses stemming from a malfunction including the loss of data. We also cannot recover any data lost. We recommend that you backup any important data.
	When the Micro Vault is connected to a USB port, the device is recognized and the drivers are installed, but the Micro Vault drive does not appear in My Computer. If you are using a network drive, please set the drive letter of the network drive to one that is at least 2 higher than the actual drive letter. For example, if a hard disk is Drive C:, another hard disk is Drive D:, Drive E: is the CD-ROM, Drive F: is a Memory Stick and Drive G: is the network drive, the Micro Vault drive will not appear. In this case, set the network drive as Drive H:. After doing so, plug the Micro Vault back in and the Micro Vault drive will appear in My Computer as Drive G:.

Can I use the Micro Vault with a digital camera?

No, the Micro Vault cannot be used with a digital camera. The use of the device requires a USB port connection and the digital cameras do not have this capability.

Are there any notes when I upgrade Windows XP to Windows XP SP2?

Yes. Quit the application software that is running on your computer, and then restart the
computer before installing Windows XP SP2.

Is USM-H compatible with other flash media?

USM-H is not compatible with the "Memory Stick" or other flash media. Use it as USB media.

Can the Micro Vault record MagicGate compatible music data?

No, the Micro Vault is not compatible with MagicGate.

USM-H has a different connector shape from other USB media. Can it be connected to USB port without any problems?

If the host device does not recognize the Micro Vault Tiny(USM-H) correctly as described in the product package. If you are having difficulty connecting to one USB port, please try the others on your PC or plug it in via the USB hub. If your host device still fails to recognize the USM-H, please contact our customer service center near you.

Can I use the Micro Vault with a non-PC hardware device with another USB interface?

It may depend on the hardware device. Please check the operating instruction carefully before connecting the Micro Vault to any hardware devices other than a PC with a USB interface.

	It cannot remove by “Safety Remove Hardware" on a task tray. [For users of the USM256F] When the Fingerprint access software is running, the "Safety Remove Hardware" option in the task tray is not available. [For users of the USM512FL] When the fingerprint access software is running, the "Safely Remove Hardware" option in the task tray is not available. To remove the Micro Vault, you must first bring up the fingerprint access manager by clicking on the fingerprint access software icon in the task tray, and select "Remove Micro Vault". You can also bring up the fingerprint access manager by clicking on the fingerprint access software icon in the task tray and select "Exit" to shut down the fingerprint access software. The "Safely Remove Hardware" option in the task tray will then be available.
	Can the USM256F and USM512FL be used on the same computer? No, with fingerprint access this is not possible. When using the 256F, the fingerprint access software for the 256F must be installed. Similarly, when using the 512FL, the fingerprint access software for the 512FL must be installed. A combination of both software applications will not work. Only one of these can be installed on a single computer. However, combined use of both products as a conventional USB memory is possible.
	After changing the password, it no longer is possible to open (decrypt) previously encrypted files. Decrypt the files with the same password that was used during encryption.
	A screen saver lock does not operate normally. A screen saver lock may not operate correctly according with some computer and operating system combination. Please set the kind of screen saver to the Windows standard line art etc. (things other than 3D).
	Icons and file names for files encrypted on another computer are not displayed correctly. These will only display correctly on the same computer where the files were encrypted. On other computers, the display will not be correct, but the files can be used.
	Auto log-in does not work properly. In some cases as below, auto log-in may not work properly depending on the environment of PC or the web site. - the user name and password are required to be input into the dialog box - the web site is reloaded periodically - the web site can not be displayed properly due to PC's environment Other cases that the web site is created in unusual ways.

	"Safely Remove Hardware" option in the toolbar is not available. The " Safely Remove Hardware" option in the toolbar will not be available unless the Virtual Expander is terminated. To remove the Micro Vault from the computer, right-click the Virtual Expander icon in the toolbar and select "Exit" from the menu that appears. *The software ver.2.3 or later enables "Safely Remove Hardware" option with right-clicking the Virtual Expander icon in the toolbar to remove the Micro Vault. Download ver.2.3
	Can the Virtual Expander be used for other Micro Vault models? The Virtual Expander is only available in the Micro Vault models that are pre-installed with the software. • The decompression program "Decompression.exe" can also be used in other environments without the Micro Vault. It is compatible with Windows Vista (32 Bit), Windows XP Home Edition/Professional (with Service Pack 1 or later) and Windows 2000 (with Service Pack 3 or later).
	Some files are not compressed. Depending on the file type, some files will not be compressed. For details, see the Readme file.
	How can I prevent the Virtual Expander from starting up automatically? When starting the Virtual Expander for the first time, the prompt "Would you like Virtual Expander to be active each time the computer is started(recommended)? " will appear. If you select "Yes" at this prompt, the Virtual Expander will subsequently start up automatically. To prevent the Virtual Expander from starting up automatically, click the Virtual Expander icon in the toolbar, select "Register to startup", and deselect the check box. The Virtual Expander will then no longer start up automatically. To start the program, double click the "Virtual Expander.exe" icon.

USD

	What PCs can I use? You can use PCs that have Windows XP, Windows 2000 or Windows Me installed. Please apply the latest service packs.
	Do I need to format the MICROVAULT PRO before use? The MICROVAULT PRO hard drive has been pre-formatted in the FAT32 format, which means you can use it just by connecting it to the PC.

	What should I do if the MICROVAULT PRO does not properly connect to the PC? Disconnect the MICROVAULT PRO, restart the PC and try again.
	The MICROVAULT PRO is recognized, but I am unable to read or write. Disconnect the MICROVAULT PRO, restart the PC and try again.
	The MICROVAULT PRO is not recognized when I start up the PC with the MICROVAULT PRO connected or the PC wakes up from standby or suspend mode, or the PC does not start up properly. There is the rare case where the MICROVAULT PRO will not operate properly in certain PC environments. In these cases, disconnect the MICROVAULT PRO and then start up or wake up the PC.
	The read/write speed is slow even when connected using Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 Compliant). Speeds may decrease if there are USB devices connected to a number of other ports or if another application is being used at the same time. In addition, if you are using an interface board/card, the MICROVAULT PRO may be recognized as a standard USB (USB 1.1) device. Please refer to instruction manuals or contact the manufacturer.
	The data that I saved to the MICRO VAULT PRO is not there. I can't find/open the data that I saved to the MICROVAULT PRO. Please check where you saved the data to, and the MICROVAULT PRO's connection.
	I performed the "Safely Remove Hardware" operations but a message appears and I cannot quit. Sometimes another application accesses the data on the MICROVAULT PRO. If there is no other way to perform disconnect operations, make sure that the access light on the MICROVAULTPRO is not flashing and shut down the PC.
	After "Safely Remove Hardware" appears, the indicator light on the MICROVAULT PRO is still on. For Windows Me, the indicator light does not turn off. You can safely remove the hardware when it says that the device can safely be removed from the system.

What is Auto sync?

Auto sync is a software that automatically synchronizes (syncs, or maintains the most up-to date state of) files. The installation software is contained in the MICROVAULT PRO.

What can I do with Auto sync?

You can manage the most up-to-date versions of selected files and the change logs (version) between your PC and the MICROVAULT PRO. For example, you can specify My Documents or other folders and then when changes are made to that folder on the PC or on the MICROVAULT PRO, these changes are synchronized on the PC or MICROVAULT PRO, whichever the changes were not made on. There is no need to search for and copy multiple files, relieving you of the cumbersome task of trying to manage the newest files. In addition, with Version Management, you can retrieve a previous version of a file. However system folders (such as C: ¥windows and C:¥Program Files) cannot be specified for synchronization.

My computer does not recognize the Micro Vault.

Windows 98/98SE recognizes the drive, but I am unable to read or write.

The Micro Vault does not function properly.

The Micro Vault response is slow.

The message "Storage device in use" appears and the Micro Vault cannot be disconnected.

I disconnected the Micro Vault without performing end processing.

When used with a Macintosh, the Micro Vault is recognized but the message "Do you want to format?" appears.

The Micro Vault is not recognized when using a Macintosh.

When performing end processes, the message "This device is in use" appears.

I formatted the Micro Vault with a file open.

The PC does not start up when I try to start up the PC with the Micro Vault connected or when waking up from standby or suspend mode.

The capacity of the Micro Vault seems reduced when displayed in Properties under Windows.

If the Micro Vault malfunctions, I'd like to have the data recovered.

When the Micro Vault is connected to a USB port, the device is recognized and the drivers are installed, but the Micro Vault drive does not appear in My Computer.

Can I use the Micro Vault with a digital camera?

Are there any notes when I upgrade Windows XP to Windows XP SP2?

Is USM-H compatible with other flash media?

Can the Micro Vault record MagicGate compatible music data?

USM-H has a different connector shape from other USB media. Can it be connected to USB port without any problems?

Can I use the Micro Vault with a non-PC hardware device with another USB interface?

It cannot remove by “Safety Remove Hardware" on a task tray. [For users of the USM256F]

[For users of the USM512FL]

Can the USM256F and USM512FL be used on the same computer?

After changing the password, it no longer is possible to open (decrypt) previously encrypted files.

A screen saver lock does not operate normally.

Icons and file names for files encrypted on another computer are not displayed correctly.

Auto log-in does not work properly.

"Safely Remove Hardware" option in the toolbar is not available.

Can the Virtual Expander be used for other Micro Vault models?

Some files are not compressed.

How can I prevent the Virtual Expander from starting up automatically?

What PCs can I use?

Do I need to format the MICROVAULT PRO before use?

What should I do if the MICROVAULT PRO does not properly connect to the PC?

The MICROVAULT PRO is recognized, but I am unable to read or write.

The MICROVAULT PRO is not recognized when I start up the PC with the MICROVAULT PRO connected or the PC wakes up from standby or suspend mode, or the PC does not start up properly.

The read/write speed is slow even when connected using Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 Compliant).

The data that I saved to the MICRO VAULT PRO is not there. I can't find/open the data that I saved to the MICROVAULT PRO.

I performed the "Safely Remove Hardware" operations but a message appears and I cannot quit.

After "Safely Remove Hardware" appears, the indicator light on the MICROVAULT PRO is still on.

What is Auto sync?

What can I do with Auto sync?