Firmware update for the OLDER NST-205C3-SG (NON-TOOLESS ONLY) and NST-206C3-SG (NON-TOOLESS ONLY) [#03062020]
There is a Firmware update for the OLDER NST-205C3-SG (NON-TOOLESS ONLY) OR NST-206C3-SG (NON-TOOLESS ONLY).
This firmware update will not affect the module and can be performed with or without the NVMe module. This firmware is for correcting issues with WD NVMe with 2 lanes, if you are not using 2 lanes module, you do not need this firmware.
This firmware is only for the very early version of the enclosure. If you just purchase a new enclosure, you do not need this firmware.
Just plug the enclosure into the System USB port and run the firmware update software. If your enclosure firmware is current, it will not change. If your enclosure firmware is not current, it will update to the latest.
Here is the link: https://www.vantecusa.com/CKEdit/files/NST-205C3_206C3_FW_UpdateUtility_v133_01_00_02_03_06.zip
For further help, please write to VantecUSA support, you can reach them at support@vantecusa.com
How to use the Write protect switch on NST-203C3-SV, NST-204C3-SV, NST-205C3-SG, NST-206C3-SG and NST-207C3-RBG [#06012020]
The write-protect switch on these enclosures is designed to block any OS-level file access.
The switch needs to be set first before it is connected to the USB port.
To change the storage to read-only, change the switch to lock position and plug the USB to your system like you normally do and you will see the OS view the files as read-only.
To change from lock to unlock or vise-versa, do a USB “safe to remove” first, unplug the device from the USB port, change the switch setting, and plug it back into your system.
It is not designed to change the mode while the storage is connected to the system. Changing mode while connected may produce an undesirable result.
Cannot install DisplayLink drivers after a NEW install Windows 10 [#05132021]
After install a NEW installation of Windows 10 OS, please do all the necesssary windows updates before installing the displaylink drivers. The displaylink drivers requires a minimum Windows 10 Anniversary Update for the drivers to install correctly.
The latest driver can be downloaded from DisplayLink website (www.displaylink.com) or our website (www.vantecusa.com).
How to remove back plate on the NST-520S3-BK [08062021]
How to Setup RGB for NST-210C3-RGB enclosure with RGB motherboards [#10142021]
Link to download software for your RGB motherboard:
To set up RGB for NST-210C3-RGB enclosure with the following manufacturer RGB motherboards, please download the software from your RGB motherboard manufacturer website for the latest update.
These software link is ONLY for RGB motherboard, If your motherboard does not have RGB capability, these software will not work.
ASUS RGB motherboard:
Steps:
1) Download software from the ASUS website link and install the software.
https://www.asus.com/campaign/aura/us/download.php
2) Download this additional software and install this software
NST-210C3-RGB_AacSetup_JMI_1.0.7.0.zip
3) Run the ASUS AURA SYNC apps software and see the NST-210C3-RGB device
ASROCK RGB motherboard:
Steps:
1) Download software from the ASROCK website link and install the software.
https://download.asrock.com/Utility/RGB/PolychromeRGB(v2.0.109).zip
2) Run the AsrPolychromeRGB software and see the NST-210C3-RGB device
MSI RGB motherboard:
Steps:
1) Download software from the Dragon Center website link and install the Dragon Center software.
https://msi.gm/Dragon-Center-UWP-download
2) Run the Dragon Center software and see and manage the NST-210C3-RGB device.
GIGABYTE motherboard:
Steps:
1) Download software from the Gigabyte RGB Fusion website link and install RGB Fusion 2.0 software.
https://www.gigabyte.com/MicroSite/512/download.html
2) Run the GIGABYTE RGB Fusion 2.0 software to see the NST-210C3-RGB device
3) Adjust the setting in the Fusion 2.0 software for color and function.
Note: When you swap USB device to different port, you need to close and restart the software again.
All other NON-RGB motherboards:
This RGB Syncable Enclosure is designed for RGB motherboards.
If you are using NON-RGB motherboards, the RGB color will work but it cannot Sync with the motherboard. You will see rolling RGB color on the enclosure.
To Sync requires the motherboard to have an RGB controller with controlling software compatible with this NST-210C3-RGB enclosure.
Pair a Bluetooth Device in Windows [#10152021]
Pair a Bluetooth device in Windows 11/10/8.1/7
You can pair all kinds of Bluetooth devices with your PC—including keyboards, mice, phones, speakers, and a whole lot more. To do this, your PC needs to have Bluetooth. Some PCs, such as laptops and tablets, have Bluetooth built-in. If your PC doesn’t, you can plug this Vantec B-190 USB Bluetooth adapter into the USB port on your PC to get it started.
Windows 11
Before you start, make sure that the Vantec B-190 USB Bluetooth adapter is plugged into a USB port on your PC.
Turn on Bluetooth
In Settings
Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices, and then turn on Bluetooth.
In quick settings
To find the quick setting for Bluetooth, select the Network icon next to the time and date on the right side of your taskbar. Select Bluetooth to turn it on. If it's turned on without any Bluetooth devices connected, it might appear as Not connected.
To pair a Bluetooth device
Your Bluetooth device and PC will usually automatically connect anytime the two devices are in the range of each other with Bluetooth turned on.
To pair a Bluetooth device using Swift Pair
Swift Pair in Windows 11 lets you quickly pair a supported Bluetooth device with your PC. If the Bluetooth device supports Swift Pair, you’ll receive a notification when it's nearby and you put it into pairing mode to make it discoverable.
Windows 10
Before you start, make sure that the Vantec B-190 USB Bluetooth adapter is plugged into a USB port on your PC.
Turn on Bluetooth
In Settings
Select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, and turn on Bluetooth.
In action center
Action center can be found next to the time and date on your taskbar. On the taskbar, select action center, then select Bluetooth to turn it on. If it's turned off, it might appear as Not connected.
If you don't see Bluetooth in your action center, here's how you can change it:
To pair a Bluetooth headset, speaker, or other audio devices
To pair a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, or other devices
To pair a Bluetooth device using Swift Pair
Swift Pair in Windows 10 lets you quickly pair a supported Bluetooth device with your PC. If the Bluetooth device supports Swift Pair, you’ll receive a notification when it's nearby and you put it into pairing mode to make it discoverable.
Windows 7
Before you start, make sure that your Windows 7 PC supports Bluetooth.
Firmware Update for UGT-PC371AC USB card [#10222021]
Click on this link below to get the latest firmware.
Download and unzip to a folder and follow the install guide to step thru the firmware update. After it is updated, restart your system for the new firmware to take effect to see if it runs any better.
UGT-ST644R UEFI BIOS and utility with instructions [#11302021]
The original BIOS for this PCIe RAID controller card is for legacy mode only. If you are using UEFI BIOS, you may not be able to use CTRL-M to access this Controller card Marvell RAID BIOS.
Here is the UEFI BIOS update for this card. This will allow your system board UEFI BIOS to see and configure this card.
Download this zip file and unzip it to a folder. Click here to download
There are 2 files and 2 folders:
>> Marvell 9230 FW update Procedure
>> Marvell 9230 UEFI Utility guide
>> 9230_UEFI_utility folder
>> 9230_UEFI_2.3.0.1067 folder
1) Follow the instruction in the “Marvell 9230 FW update Procedure” to flash the firmware.
2) Follow the Marvell 9230 UEFI utility guide.
Note: The UEFI setup guide may be different depending on the manufacturer of the motherboard.
Every motherboard manufacturer uses their UEFI shell tool to manage the UEFI BIOS, this guide will serve as a guide and it may not be the same.
Common Question for NST536S3-BK / NST-540S3-BK [#02012002]
Why is my Optical Drive Enclosure not powering up?
This is one of the most common questions, this enclosure is designed to save energy, when it detects no connection to a working system, it will go into a sleep mode and not power ON. The right way to use this enclosure is to make sure all the necessary cables are connected AND your system is powered ON before turning ON the enclosure.
If you just install an Optical Drive into the DX enclosure and try powering ON without connecting to a working computer, it will stay in sleep mode and not wake up.
Will the NST-540S3-BK / NST-536S3-BK works with any 5.25” Optical Drive?
Yes, as long as the measurement fit and the optical do not consume too much power. This enclosure is designed to fit a 5.25” standard optical drive with a depth of 185mm. The power requirement of your optical drive is also important, if your optical drive (power requirement info on your optical drive label) power requirement exceeds the capability of our provided ac adapter, your optical drive may not function correctly.
Do you need any drivers to install?
No, drivers are not required, it is plug_and_play. Once installed and powered ON, the system will see the USB optical drive instantly.
What type of optical drive do I need?
This enclosure is using a SATA interface inside to connect to a SATA optical drive. It will work with any standard SATA optical drive. It will not work with an IDE optical drive.
I have an optical drive that requires more power than what a normal optical drive uses, what can I do to make it work?
You just need to get a bigger ac adapter. Any bigger ac adapter for this enclosure MUST be 12VDC, but the current (Amp) can be from 3A to 5A is fine. Another important thing is the plug size. It is using a single-pin plug. See dimension below with a picture showing the plug size.
Do I need any software for burning CD/DVD/Blu-ray with my optical drive in this enclosure?
No, you do not need any additional software, your OS built-in software will enable you to burn CD/DVD/Blu-ray, but if you prefer, you may use other 3rd parties Optical drive software to do more.
Can I connect this USB 3.0 optical drive to a USB 2.0 or faster USB 3.1/3.2 ports?
Yes, if you are using USB 2.0, it will be slower doing read, but it may not be able to write correctly due to the slow USB 2.0 speed. If you are using a faster USB 3.1/3.2 port, the enclosure will still function at USB 3.0 speed and perform correctly and reading/writing.
My new system does not have a USB Type-A port, it is all USB C, can I still use this enclosure?
Yes, you just need a USB C to USB Type-A adapter. The adapter should have a USB female Type-A on one side and a USB C male on the other end to plug into your system.
Will this enclosure fit an optical drive from my laptop?
Sorry, it will not fit. The laptop optical drive comes in 2 sizes, they are slim in design and it is only 9.5mm or 12.7mm in thickness, the interface is different, they are using a Slim SATA interface that will not fit into a standard SATA interface.
I am trying to play a Blu-ray movie disc on my Blu-ray optical drive mounted in the DX/DX2 enclosure and it is not working, why?
Blu-ray movie may be encoded using special copy protection, follow the instruction that comes with the Blu-ray disk to install the necessary software/player before you can watch the movie. This has nothing to do with our enclosure, it is the requirement of the Blu-ray optical drive and the movie producer.
I lost my USB 3.0 cable that comes with this NST-540S3-BK / NST-536S3-BK, where can I get a replacement cable?
This is using a common USB 3.0 cable with Type A on one side (to plug into your system) and type B on the other to the enclosure. Just search google (search USB 3.0 Type-A to B cable) for them or the local store should have them. This is a standard USB cable. This is how it looks. Generally, it is 3ft or shorter is good.
I lost my ac adapter for this DX / DX2 enclosure, what size of an ac adapter do I need?
The DX enclosure comes with an 12VDC, 2A ac adapter. The DX2 enclosure comes with 12VDC, 3A ac adapter. if you need to purchase a replacement ac adapter, you can just search online (google search) for them or the local store should have them too. Beside the power requirement of the ac adapter, you also need to know the plug size to fit into the DX /DX2 enclosure. Not all ac adapter are made the same, I would suggest a slightly bigger ac adapter. Any bigger ac adapter for this enclosure MUST be 12VDC, but the current (Amp) can be from 3A to 5A is fine. This is using a single pin plug.
Firmware Update for NST-211C3-RGB [#03142022]
Here is the link to firmware files.
Download, unzip to a folder and follow the steps in the provided instruction.
https://www.vantecusa.com/CKEdit/files/NST-211C3-RGB_FirmwareUpdate12912011122_RTL9210B1.zip
Common questions about DX2 Optical Drive Enclosure (NST-540S3-BK) [#03242022]
Here are some common questions about this Optical Drive Enclosure (NST-540S3-BK)
1) After installing my optical drive into the enclosure AND I DID NOT connect to a computer, can I test to see if the unit is working?
You can see your optical drive LED will briefly come ON and then OFF. You can eject the tray to open and close.
2) Once it is connected to my WORKING computer via USB, connect the power and turn ON the enclosure what will happen?
If you are using Windows 10, your system will see your optical drive as a USB storage device. See attached picture.
If you are using Windows 10, AND you have CD media in your optical drive it will show within Windows Explorer under Device and Drives as an optical drive with a media and drive letter assigned to it. On the TaskBar (bottom right) it will list as an Ejectable USB device.
3) What happens when my system goes to sleep mode?
When that happens, the optical enclosure will also put the optical drive to sleep.
4) There is no LED, how can I know if the enclosure is working?
The NST-540S3-BK serves as a USB enclosure for your optical drive, any LED activity on your optical drive will serve as the LED for the whole unit. The LED on your optical drive will function just like when your optical drive is installed inside your desktop computer via the internal SATA port. If your optical drive is working, the enclosure will too.
5) How much power is the enclosure with my optical drive using when it is in sleep mode?
We test using a Watt meter and it shows as less than 2 Watts during sleep mode with the enclosure and a common Optical drive.
6) Can I use a longer USB cable and Is this cable a USB standard cable?
It is not a good idea to use a longer cable, USB 3.0 cables are very susceptible to signal strength loss and interference. The USB cable that we provided is good, Yes, it is a standard USB 3.0 cable with Type A to Type B.
7) Do you have the Specs of the ac adapter, USB cable length, and what depth of my optical drive can I put into the unit.
Fit Optical Drive Max Depth: 7.2 inches / 185 mm; AC Adapter: Universal Switching AC adapter, 12VDC/3A, center pin positive, outer diameter: 5.45mm, inner diameter: 1.75mm, length: 10mm; USB Cable: USB 3.0 Type A to Type B cable, length 100 cm
Sometime problems may occur during first installation or use, we at VantecUSA like to help you get it working to resolve the problem. We have a team of support staff that is here to help you. Please write to us first before you return the product back to the place of purchase. We are committed to help you get the product setup and working correctly. You can reach us via email at support@vantecusa.com. We will reply to you very quickly to assist you.
Why after cloning my SATA boot device, to a new M.2 NVMe drive, it will not boot and error out? [#05272022]
Why after cloning my SATA boot device, to a new M.2 NVMe drive, it will not boot and error out?
This is a common problem with cloning when you clone dissimilar interfaces like SATA to NVMe (PCIe). The SATA drive is managed by the SATA controller and M.2 NVMe is managed by the PCIe controller. These two dissimilar controller uses different OS drivers. After you clone the SATA drive to your M.2 NVMe (PCIe), the OS on your boot drive will try to boot via the SATA on an NVMe controller. This will often give you an error or a blue screen or hang during boot.
As you can see, it is not a problem with the cloning process or the cloning device. It is how the OS interprets the boot process and boots from the right controller.
Here is how to get around this common problem.
The process is simple, all you need to do is to boot your OS into safe mode. Safe mode uses a generic boot device without any reference to SATA or NVMe, it will boot correctly and prepare the OS to boot using the NVMe (PCIe) on your next boot. Once that is done, it will remember to boot correctly for the rest of the time.
Here is the step by step to correct the problem (picture below follow the steps listed here):
1) During the initial boot, the OS will report an error message and enter into the “Automatic Repair” Process.
2) Choose “Advanced Options”
3) Choose “Troubleshoot”
4) Choose “Advanced Options”
5) Choose “Startup Settings”
6) In this Startup Settings, click restart.
7) In the Startup Settings, you will be given a selection to press a number to choose the option. Press “4” to select Enable Safe Mode. The PC will restart into Safe Mode. Your screen will show a normal Desktop with Safe Mode showing on 4 corners.
8) You may notice your system runs slower in safe mode, this is normal. Now restart your computer again. It will restart in normal mode and you are done.
VantecUSA support is available via email or phone (during normal business hours, PST – California, Mon – Fri 9 am - 6 pm).
You can reach them easily via VantecUSA.com website contact form OR email support@vantecusa.com OR phone at 510 668 0368 option 2.
UGT-ST644R latest Marvell MSU RAID tool [#092822022]
Here is the latest Marvell MSU to correct the web browser security issue.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/175kiQ0VVWcPtwBvAyL5oXrqSxb4Iy49V/view?usp=sharing
What is the Maximum Capacity Hard Drive can I install into the enclosure or Dock and Power Requirement of the drive? [#33402]
It can vary depending on the age and type of the Enclosures.
Please READ these Limitation:
1) For 2.5" SATA drive, Maximum Capacity alone is not the only thing you have to check, the other important criteria are the thickness of the drive. If your 2.5" enclosure will only fit a drive with the thickness (or height) of 7mm drive, trying to put a 9.5mm thickness drive into the enclosure will not fit.
2) The power requirement of the drive is also very important. Most drives are designed for installing into the systems with unlimited power. If you purchase a big capacity drive with power requirements that exceed the power your USB port can provide, it will not function. This is the fault of your USB port lack of power and your power hungry drive, not the enclosure issue. The enclosure uses minimum power. Your Drive plus the enclosure MUST not exceed the power capability of your USB port.
3) Support AF or 512e drives only, do not support 4Kn drives.
Please READ these Limitation:
1) The power requirement of the drive is also very important. Most drives are designed to draw less than 13 watts per drive. The enclosure uses minimum power and the ac adapter that comes with the enclosure are designed for most standard power requirement of the drives. If you purchase drives that draw too much power (greater than 13 watts) and exceed the specifications of the enclosure ac adapter, it will not function correctly. Please check the label on the drive for the power specifications. If your drives exceeded the limitation, you may have to purchase a bigger ac adapter for your needs, please contact Vantec Support for sizing the ac adapter for your needs and to purchase optional bigger ac adapter.
2) Support AF or 512e drives only, do not support 4Kn drives.
It can vary depending on the age and type of interface of the Dock.
Docks are designed for 2.5" or 3.5" SATA drives, for current shipping docks, 2.5" SATA HDD/SSD, the capacity ranges from 100GB to 4TB, and for 3.5" SATA drive, it is 500GB to 16TB. For older Docks purchased before 2015, it may only support 2TB or less. Please write to support@vantecusa.com for further help or questions.
Please READ these Limitation:
1) The power requirement of the drive is also very important. Most drives are designed to draw less than 13 watts per drive. The dock uses minimum power and the ac adapter that comes with the dock are designed for most standard power requirement of the drives. If you purchase drives that draw too much power (greater than 13 watts) and exceed the specifications of the dock ac adapter, it will not function correctly. Please check the label on the drive for the power specifications. If your drives exceeded the limitation, you may have to purchase a bigger ac adapter for your needs, please contact Vantec Support for sizing the ac adapter for your needs and to purchase optional bigger ac adapter.
2) Support AF or 512e drives only, do not support 4Kn drives.
Windows or OS X cannot see my connected USB storage device, why? [#33405]
There are many reasons why a USB storage device will not show correctly on your System.
Here are some reason and possible solution:
1) The hard drive that you install into the USB storage is new and was not prepare to use with this System.
Solution: Use system disk tool to prepare the drive for use by initializing, partition and then formatting the drive. Once that is done, the System OS will detect the drive correctly. For help with preparing a new hard drive for use, please refer to the FAQ on "Preparing a New Hard Drive for use".
2) Your system does not have the proper drivers and requires updates.
Solution: Safely eject the USB device and Run Windows Update to ensure all drivers are up to data, before connecting USB device again.
3) The System is not seeing the USB enclosure.
Solution#1 (for self-powered enclosure): Shutdown and power OFF system, power OFF USB enclosure, disconnect the USB enclosure, turn system power back ON, log back into your system, wait for system to fully loaded all drivers, connect back the USB enclosure directly into the USB port on the computer, avoid connecting thru a hub, and finally power ON the USB enclosure.
Soultion#2 (for bus powered enclosure): Power OFF the system, disconnect the USB enclosure, power back ON system, log back into your system, wait for system to fully loaded all drivers, and now connect back the USB enclosure directly into the USB 3.0 port on the computer, avoid connecting thru a hub.
4) Under power condition and the drive is not spinning up.
Solution: If you are connected to a USB 2.0 port and the drive in the USB enclosure is not spinning up, it may be an under-powered condition. This can be cause by the drive in the enclosure drawing too much power and the one USB port is not sufficient to power the drive. Please connect to a USB 3.0 port that can provide more power to the drive in the enclosure.
5) Do not have USB 3.0 port, under power condition and the drive is not spinning.
Solution: Use a USB Y cable. If you are using a USB 2.0 enclosure, we provided a USB cable with an extra power connector (the Y) to supplement the power requirement of the device. By connecting both (Main and Supplement) USB connectors to the system, it should provide enough power for most devices to work correctly with your system. If the power requirement for the device (hard drive + enclosure) is within the specification of just one USB port, you just need to connect only the main connector.
6) System still cannot see the drive.
Solution: If the system cannot see the drive, you may want to try another computer to see if the problem is related to this computer.
7) USB DEVICE CANNOT SEE IN OS X
Solution: Try Force boot into safe mode and it will reset the USB.
Shutdown system, wait 10 seconds and restart. Right away hold down shift and will boot into safe mode.