1. Introduction and Overview
The Seagate Backup Plus for Mac desktop drive is designed to simplify data backup for users who wish to protect their digital content locally and on social networks. This drive is pre-formatted for Mac systems, ensuring compatibility with Time Machine software for efficient local backups. It also offers features to save user-generated content from popular social media platforms and share multiple files simultaneously.
Key functionalities include:
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0 transfer (backward compatible with USB 2.0).
- Easy backup for digital life on your computer and the cloud.
- Save feature for backing up content from social networks.
- Share feature for uploading multiple files to social networks.
- Interchangeable use between Mac and PC with downloadable HFS+ driver.
- Upgradeable interface to Thunderbolt or FireWire 800 technologies (adapters sold separately).
Figure 1: Seagate Backup Plus 3TB Desktop External Hard Drive. A black rectangular external hard drive with a Seagate logo on the front, standing upright.
2. Setup
2.1 Package Contents
Before you begin, ensure all components are present:
- Seagate Backup Plus for Mac Desktop Drive 3TB USB 3.0
- Seagate Dashboard (pre-loaded on drive)
- USB 3.0 interface adapter with capacity gauge
- 4-Feet (1.2m) USB 3.0 cable
- Power adapter
- Quick Start Guide
2.2 Connecting the Drive
- Connect the power adapter to the drive and plug it into a power outlet.
- Connect the USB 3.0 cable to the drive's USB 3.0 interface adapter.
- Plug the other end of the USB 3.0 cable into an available USB 3.0 port on your Mac or PC. For optimal performance, use a USB 3.0 port. The drive is backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports.
- The drive is pre-formatted for Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and is compatible with Time Machine.
- For Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP SP3 (32-bit and 64-bit) operating systems, download and install the HFS+ driver for PC from the Seagate website to use the drive interchangeably without reformatting.
3. Operating the Drive
3.1 Local Backup with Time Machine (Mac)
Since the drive is formatted for Mac, it integrates seamlessly with Apple's Time Machine. Open Time Machine preferences, select the Seagate Backup Plus drive as your backup disk, and Time Machine will automatically begin backing up your system.
3.2 Seagate Dashboard Software
The Seagate Dashboard software, pre-loaded on your drive, provides additional backup and social media management features. Install the software by opening the drive on your computer and following the on-screen instructions.
- Save Feature: Automatically backs up user-generated content from your favorite social networks like Flickr, Facebook, and YouTube to your drive.
- Share Feature: Allows you to upload multiple files to social networks directly from your computer through the Seagate Dashboard.
3.3 Mobile Device Backup
The Seagate Mobile Backup app allows you to back up photos and videos from your iOS and Android devices. You can back up directly to your Seagate drive via WiFi or to the cloud using services like Dropbox or Google Drive.
To back up via WiFi:
- Ensure your Seagate drive is powered on and connected to your home computer.
- Connect your mobile device to the same WiFi network as your computer.
- Open the Seagate Mobile Backup app on your device and select the content you wish to back up.
Video 1: Demonstrates how to back up photos and videos from mobile devices using the Seagate Mobile Backup app. This video highlights the ease of backing up content directly to your Seagate drive via WiFi or through cloud services.
3.4 Interface Upgrades
The Backup Plus desktop drive features a unique adapter system allowing for future interface upgrades. You can upgrade from the included USB 3.0 interface to Thunderbolt technology or FireWire 800 with additional adapters (sold separately).
4. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Seagate Backup Plus drive, consider the following maintenance tips:
- Safe Ejection: Always safely eject the drive from your computer before disconnecting it to prevent data corruption.
- Physical Protection: Avoid dropping or subjecting the drive to physical shocks. While robust, hard drives are sensitive to impact.
- Ventilation: Ensure the drive is placed in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating.
- Dust and Debris: Keep the drive free from dust and debris, which can accumulate in vents and affect performance.
- Software Updates: Periodically check the Seagate website for firmware updates for your drive and updates for the Seagate Dashboard software.
5. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Seagate Backup Plus drive, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
- Drive Not Detected/Unmounting:
- Ensure the power adapter is securely connected and the drive is powered on.
- Check the USB cable connections at both the drive and the computer. Try a different USB port or cable if available.
- Restart your computer.
- For Mac, check Disk Utility to see if the drive is recognized but not mounted. You may need to manually mount it or run First Aid.
- Slow Performance:
- Ensure you are connected to a USB 3.0 port for optimal speeds.
- If the drive goes to sleep and is slow to wake up, this is normal behavior to conserve power.
- Disable Spotlight indexing for the drive on Mac if it's causing excessive activity, though this may affect search functionality.
- Reformatting Issues:
- If Disk Utility (Mac) or Disk Management (PC) cannot reformat the drive, ensure no files are in use on the drive.
- Try reformatting using a different file system.
- If issues persist, the drive may have a hardware fault.
- Missing FireWire Cable/Adapter:
- The FireWire 800 and Thunderbolt adapters are sold separately and are not included with the standard package. The included cable is USB 3.0.
For further assistance, visit the official Seagate support website or consult the comprehensive user manual available online.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Seagate |
| Series | Seagate Backup Plus |
| Model Number | STCB3000900 |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 3 TB |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 1.1 (compatible with USB 3.0) |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Hardware Platform | Mac, PC |
| Item Weight | 2.38 pounds |
| Product Dimensions (LxWxH) | 6.22 x 4.88 x 1.73 inches |
| Color | BLACK |
| Language | English |
| First Available Date | October 15, 2012 |
7. Warranty and Support
This product is typically covered by a manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official Seagate support website. In general, new products may have a return policy of 30 days from the date of purchase for refunds or replacements.
For technical support, driver downloads, FAQs, and further assistance, please visit the Seagate Support Website.
