FAQs and Troubleshooting Tips

Frequently Asked Questions - SimpleShare™


  1. Does the SimpleShare work with Vista or Mac OS 10.4.X?
  2. Why does the outside of the SimpleShare seem so hot?
  3. Is it okay to set the SimpleShare machine name the same as my computer?
  4. Why does NasFinder report "No Servers Found" during the scan process?
  5. Why do I receive error code 53 or 1203 when trying to map a drive on the SimpleShare through NasFinder?
  6. Why do I receive error code 86 when trying to map a drive on the SimpleShare through NasFinder?
  7. Why do I receive error code 1326 when trying to map a drive on the SimpleShare through NasFinder?
  8. Why do I receive error code 1202 when trying to map a drive on the SimpleShare through NasFinder?
  9. How do I mount the SimpleShare on a Mac?
  10. Why can't I make domain security setting changes on the SimpleShare?
  11. How do I turn on the Print Server in the SimpleShare?
  12. How do I setup my printer on the SimpleShare?
  13. Why won't my printer work through my SimpleShare?
  14. Why does the time/date stamp on my files change when I transfer them to the SimpleShare?
  15. How do I install the new firmware on the SimpleShare?
  16. How do I create a mirror pool (raid 1) on the SimpleShare?
  17. How do I create a striped pool (raid 0) on the SimpleShare?
  1. Does the SimpleShare work with Vista or Mac OS 10.4.X?
    A: There is currently limited compatibility between the SimpleShare and Windows Vista. Microsoft added new security features that have caused issues with the Linux base of the SimpleShare. While most users have been able to get basic data access, the advanced features of the SimpleShare are not working in Vista. This applies most specifically to the password protection options in the SimpleShare. This feature cannot be enabled if you would like to access the SimpleShare from Vista.

    With the release of Mac OS 10.4.9 new security features have been added to the OS that limit compatibility with the SimpleShare. While some users have been able to continue accessing the SimpleShare, most new setups fail. We are investigating these issues, but do not currently have a work around available.
  2. Why does the outside of the SimpleShare seem so hot?
    A: SimpleTech's design of the external enclosure eliminates the fan. To ensure the hard drive operates within its temperature specifications, the metal case acts as a heatsink, pulling heat away from the hard drive inside. Due to this, the outside of the case will be warm to the touch. Normal temperature for the case ranges from 95-110F depending on room temperature and current drive use. It is also best to use the drive in the black plastic stands to allow maximum airflow, rather than lying on its side. Do not stack anything on the SimpleShare if you choose to use it in a horizontal position.
  3. Is it okay to set the SimpleShare machine name the same as my computer?
    A: No, every system on a network must have a unique name. You would also need to give unique names to any additional SimpleShare drives should you install more than one.
  4. Why does NasFinder report "No Servers Found" during the scan process?

    A: There are two main causes of this problem. The first would be that the SimpleShare has not completely booted up. Check the front to see if the Blue Ready LED is on. If it is not, do the following.

    1. Check to make sure that the power cord is plugged in. When the power cord is connected the drive should start automatically. You should see the Amber Power LED from the moment of connection to power and the Blue Ready LED should appear within 2min.
    2. If the Amber Power LED is showing, but not the Blue Ready LED, then you may need to wait longer for the drive to boot up. If it has been more than 5min since you connected power to the drive, then the drive needs to be rebooted.
    3. First push the power button on the rear of the SimpleShare. Make sure to depress it completely and the unit will shutdown within 1min. You will know it is completely shutdown when the Amber Power LED goes off. Then depress the power button again to restart the SimpleShare.
    4. If the SimpleShare will not power down by the power button you will need to use the reset button. This will require a paper clip or similar, as this is the pinhole button beneath the power button.
    5. Insert the paper clip into the pinhole and hold the button for 2sec. This will then reboot the device. Wait approximately 2min and the Blue Ready LED should appear. Run NasFinder again to detect the SimpleShare.

    The other possible cause of this problem is if the network cable is not connected. Check to make sure that the cable is firmly connected to the SimpleShare's Ethernet port and to the port on your Computer or Router. Disconnect and reconnect the cable then run NasFinder again.

    If the problem continues, reboot the system you are using as well as the SimpleShare. This will clear any information that Windows may be holding from running the NasFinder previously.

    If all this fails you will need to reset the SimpleShare. This is done using the pinhole button beneath the power button on the rear of the drive.

    1. Insert the paperclip to depress the reset button and hold for 10sec. Upon release the drive will reboot and all settings will return to default. Any changes made to the SimpleShare name or password will return to default settings.
    2.  Run NasFinder again and use the default user – admin and password – simple
  5. Why do I receive error code 53 or 1203 when trying to map a drive on the SimpleShare through NasFinder?
    A: Sometimes this error can be corrected by resetting your SimpleShare. To reset, make sure the blue light is showing on your SimpleShare and use a paperclip to press the reset button for 10sec. Reset is the pinhole beneath the power button. If the problem continues, this error is generally caused by the firewall that you are running on your system. This should not be caused by the hardware firewall that may be in your router, but a software firewall that is running on the system. You should be able to disable the firewall and then run NasFinder again to map a drive. For instructions on disabling or making changes to your firewall software, please refer to the software manufacturer's documentation.
  6. Why do I receive error code 86 when trying to map a drive on the SimpleShare through NasFinder?

    A: This error will appear if you have previously configured the SimpleShare on a different computer and turned on Share Authentication. NasFinder does not allow you to enter a password when mapping and so it will fail to map the drive. You will need to disable Share Authentication to proceed.

    1. Continue through NasFinder and click on Advanced Setup
    2. Under Share Management choose Share Access
    3. Uncheck the box for Enable Share Authentication
    4. Click on Apply
    5. Run NasFinder again to map drive. You can enable Share Authentication after setting up SimpleShare on all systems.
  7. Why do I receive error code 1326 when trying to map a drive on the SimpleShare through NasFinder?
    This error means that there is a problem with the login/password on the SimpleShare. Generally this error can be corrected by resetting the drive. This is done using the pinhole button beneath the power button on the rear of the drive. Insert the paperclip to depress the reset button and hold for 10sec. No data is effected by resetting the drive. Upon release the drive will reboot. At this point you should be able to map successfully.
  8. Why do I receive error code 1202 when trying to map a drive on the SimpleShare through NasFinder?
    A: This error relates to previous network mappings on your system. Make sure any mapping related to the SimpleShare is removed (right click on the mapped letter under my computer and choose disconnect). You should then be able to run NasFinder again and map successfully.
  9. How do I mount the SimpleShare on a Mac?

    A: SimpleShare can only be mounted in OSX and up. There is no support for OS9.

    1. On the FINDER bar click on GO and then select CONNECT TO SERVER
    2. In the Server Address Bar type smb://simpleshare "simpleshare may vary if you have changed the name of the drive during a previous setup"
    3. If requested type in your username and password
    4. You will be given a drop box with shares to choose from.
    5. Select Config if you would like to access the advanced configuration options of the SimpleShare.
    6. Select Netfolder, or other share, if you want to mount a share for data
    7. Once you have selected this the folder will appear on your desktop

    If you receive an error during this process, such as 36, then you may need to try mounting differently.

    1. After choosing CONNECT TO SERVER type smb://simpleshare/netfolder
    2. This should allow you to properly mount the folder and use the drive.
  10. Why can't I make domain security setting changes on the SimpleShare?
    Domain Options are not available on the 500 & 750GB models of the SimpleShare

    A: Currently this feature is not supported. SimpleShare uses Samba for communication with windows systems. Samba has very limited support for Active Directory and domain security is a feature that is not supported. If you would like security on your shares we recommend using the password based share access.
  11. How do I turn on the Print Server in the SimpleShare?

    A: This is done through the advanced configuration of the SimpleShare.

    1. Go to the Advanced Configuration and Choose printers
    2. Click on the drop box and select a pool to contain printer data
    3. Click Apply
  12. How do I setup my printer on the SimpleShare?

    A: Once you have enabled the print server on the SimpleShare, everything else is handled through the system itself. Instructions are listed below for Mac and Windows.

    Mac:

    1. If at any point during this process you asked for the password, make sure to choose to add the password to keychain.
    2. Select System Preferences under Apple
    3. Click Printer/Fax
    4. Click the +
    5. Click More Printers
    6. In the Top Drop Down select Windows Printing
    7. In the Second Drop Down select Workgroup
    8. Double click the Simpleshare (called simpleshare or whatever name you chose)
    9. Highlight the Printer
    10. Choose the correct model in the Printer Model Drop Down
    11. Select Add
    12. The printer should now be ready for use

    Windows:

    1. In your address bar type \\simpleshare or the name you used for the drive*
    2. Double click on the printer and you should be asked to select the correct driver
    3. Select the driver from the list if available
    4. If it is not available on the list, then you will need to supply the correct driver, either from your driver disk or it can be downloaded from the website of your printer manufacturer
    5. After the correct driver is loaded the printer should be ready for use.

    *By default the workgroup name of the SimpleShare is Workgroup. You may want to go into the advanced setup and change this to match your own workgroup name. You can change this under administration/windows setup. If the SimpleShare is not setup in the correct workgroup the \\simpleshare command may not work.

  13. Why won't my printer work through my SimpleShare?
    A: The SimpleShare is intended to work with a standard usb printer. The SimpleShare does not generally accept multi-function printers, such as a printer/copier/scanner unit. Most laser printers experience limited compatibility/capability when used through a print server. The SimpleShare does not support bi-directional communication. The SimpleShare will also not accept a standard parallel printer that is using a usb conversion adapter. These are limitations of print servers in general and do not apply to the SimpleShare alone. Last, even though the SimpleShare may recognize your printer on the printer page, the printer still needs to be network capable. Many of the less expensive USB printers do not have network capability built in. Check with your printer manufacturer to find out whether your printer is network capable or not.
  14. Why does the time/date stamp on my files change when I transfer them to the SimpleShare?
    A: This is an issue in the drive that is corrected in firmware update 1.04 or higher for Windows. If you are experiencing this issue, update to the latest firmware and it should be corrected. On a Mac system this is an issue with the way that Mac addresses Samba. There is no current fix for this issue, as all Linux based systems exhibit this same problem.
  15. How do I install the new firmware on the SimpleShare?

    The 500 & 750GB SimpleShare models are only supported using the 1.10 firmware that is preloaded. Please do not load previous versions (1.09 or older) to these models.

    A: After downloading the latest firmware you need to go to the firmware page under Administration on the SimpleShare config screen.

    1. Click browse and select the new firmware from where it was saved.
    2. Click update and the process will begin.
    3. When the process is complete make sure to reboot the SimpleShare.
    4.  To reboot the SimpleShare, just completely depress the power button and release. The Blue Ready LED should go off promptly.
    5. When the Amber Power LED goes off press the power button again.
  16. How do I create a mirror pool (raid 1) on the SimpleShare?

    Raid Features are not available in the 500 & 750GB models of the SimpleShare

    A: Mirrors can only be created on Pools of Equivalent size. This means that the USB drive you are attaching needs to be the same size or larger than the pool on your SimpleShare. It is recommended to turn off the print server before attempting to create a mirror.

    1. Plug the USB drive into your SimpleShare and power it up.
    2. After plugging in the USB drive go into the SimpleShare Advance Config
    3. Go to the Disk Management Basic screen
    4. The drive should be listed near the bottom of the page under Foreign Disks with a red claim button
    5. Choose to claim and you will be taken to the next screen
    6. Now select a name for the drive and type the line in the instructions
    7. Make sure you do not check the Claim as Fat32 box
    8. Click on Claim and the reformatting process will begin
    9. When the process completes you will receive a message telling you it was successful
    10. Click okay and you will be returned to the disk management basic screen
    11. Go to disk management and choose add mirrors/spares
    12. In the box for number of mirrors select 1
    13. Check the box next to the name of the USB drive
    14. Click the Add Mirrors/Spares button at the bottom of the page and click OK on the dialog box that pops up

    The mirroring process is now underway. Depending on how much data is on the drive that you are mirroring it can take up to 10 hours for the process to complete. You can check status on the disk management basic screen. Do not use the drive while in mirroring is in progress.

  17. How do I create a striped pool (raid 0) on the SimpleShare?

    Raid Features are not available in the 500 & 750GB models of the SimpleShare

    A: Creating this type of pool will require you to delete the current pool on the drive, so all data will be lost. Do not attempt to do this if you have important data on the drive. You will need to backup any data, as it will be erased. Also only drives of equivalent size can be used for striping. If one drive is larger than the other, any space beyond the size of the smaller of the two drives will be unuseable.

    1. After plugging in the USB drive go into the SimpleShare Advance Config
    2. Go to the Disk Management Basic screen
    3. The drive should be listed near the bottom of the page under Foreign Disks with a red claim button
    4. Choose to claim and you will be taken to the next screen
    5. Now select a name for the drive and type the line in the instructions
    6. Make sure you do not check the Claim as Fat32 box
    7. Click on Claim and the reformatting process will begin
    8. When the process completes you will receive a message telling you it was successful
    9. Click okay and you will be returned to the disk management basic screen
    10. Go to Share Management Basic
    11. ********ANY DATA ON DRIVE WILL BE LOST IF SHARES ARE DELETED**********
    12. Delete any shares listed there
    13. You will also need to turn off the printer server if you have turned it on previously, you can do this on the printers page
    14. Just switch the pool back to no printer pool
    15. At this point you need to return to disk management basic
    16. Choose to delete the pool and do a quick erase
    17. Once the pool is deleted you can now choose to create pool
    18. On this page check the box for striping
    19. Everything else should be default
    20. Name the pool and choose to create pool
    21. This will create a pool that is striped between the two drives

    The process should take between 2-10 min to complete and you will be ready to go.