1. Product Overview
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim is a compact and portable external hard drive designed for convenient storage and access of your digital files. Featuring a minimalist brushed metal enclosure, it offers quick plug-and-play connectivity for both PC and Mac systems.
Figure 1.1: Front view of the Seagate Backup Plus Slim portable hard drive.
Key Features:
- High Capacity: Store and access up to 2TB of photos and files on the go.
- Portable Design: Compact and lightweight with a durable brushed metal enclosure.
- Universal Compatibility: Works seamlessly with both Mac and Windows operating systems via USB 3.0.
- Easy Backup: Offers one-click backup or scheduled automatic daily, weekly, or monthly backups.
- Included Software: Comes with a one-year complimentary subscription to Mylio Create and a two-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan.
- Reliable Warranty: Includes a two-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
Product Video:
Video 1.1: An official Seagate video showcasing the features and design of the Backup Plus Slim portable hard drive.
2. What's in the Box
Upon opening your Seagate Backup Plus Slim package, you should find the following items:
- Seagate Backup Plus Slim Portable Drive
- 18-Inch USB 3.0 Cable
- Quick Start Guide
- Downloadable Toolkit Backup Software (access details provided in Quick Start Guide)
- 1-year Mylio Create & 2-month membership Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan (access details provided)
Figure 2.1: The Seagate Backup Plus Slim drive and its accompanying USB 3.0 cable.
3. Setup
3.1 Connecting the Drive
- Locate an available USB port on your computer (PC or Mac). For optimal performance, use a USB 3.0 port.
- Connect the small end of the included 18-inch USB 3.0 cable to the port on the Seagate Backup Plus Slim drive.
- Connect the larger end of the USB 3.0 cable to the USB port on your computer.
- The drive will automatically power on and be detected by your operating system.
Figure 3.1: The Seagate Backup Plus Slim connected to a laptop via USB cable, ready for use.
3.2 Initial Setup and Formatting
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim is pre-formatted for Windows. If you are using a Mac, reformatting may be required, especially for use with Apple's Time Machine backup software.
- For Windows Users: The drive is ready to use out of the box. You can access it via "This PC" or "My Computer".
- For Mac Users:
- Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility).
- Select the Seagate drive from the sidebar.
- Click Erase.
- Choose a format (e.g., APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled)) and a scheme (e.g., GUID Partition Map).
- Click Erase again to confirm. Warning: This will erase all data on the drive.
- Installing Toolkit Software: Refer to the Quick Start Guide for instructions on downloading and installing the Seagate Toolkit software, which enables backup features and drive management.
4. Operating the Drive
4.1 Data Transfer
You can transfer files to and from the Seagate Backup Plus Slim just like any other external drive:
- Drag and Drop: Simply drag files or folders from your computer to the Seagate drive icon in your file explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
- Copy and Paste: Right-click on files/folders, select "Copy", then navigate to the Seagate drive, right-click, and select "Paste".
4.2 Using Seagate Toolkit for Backup
The Seagate Toolkit software provides robust backup solutions:
- One-Click Backup: Perform an immediate backup of selected files or folders with a single click.
- Scheduled Backups: Set up automatic daily, weekly, or monthly backups to ensure your data is always protected.
- Mirror Folders: Create mirrored folders that automatically synchronize changes between your computer and the drive.
4.3 Software Bundles
Your purchase includes complimentary access to creative software:
- Mylio Create: A one-year subscription to Mylio Create helps you organize, edit, and share your photos across devices.
- Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan: A two-month membership provides access to powerful photo editing tools like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
- Refer to the Quick Start Guide or the Seagate website for redemption instructions for these software offers.
5. Maintenance
Proper care of your Seagate Backup Plus Slim will ensure its longevity and reliable performance:
- Safe Ejection: Always safely eject the drive from your computer before disconnecting the USB cable. This prevents data corruption.
- Windows: Click the "Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media" icon in the system tray, then select the Seagate drive.
- Mac: Drag the drive icon from your desktop to the Trash, or right-click the drive icon and select "Eject".
- Physical Protection: Avoid dropping or subjecting the drive to physical shock, as this can damage the internal components.
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the drive. Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents.
- Temperature: Store and operate the drive within recommended temperature ranges (typically 5°C to 35°C or 41°F to 95°F).
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Seagate Backup Plus Slim, try the following troubleshooting steps:
6.1 Drive Not Detected
- Check Connections: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the drive and the computer. Try a different USB port.
- Restart Computer: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve detection issues.
- Try Another Computer: Connect the drive to a different computer to determine if the issue is with the drive or your original computer.
- Check Disk Management (Windows) / Disk Utility (Mac):
- Windows: Right-click "This PC" > "Manage" > "Disk Management". Look for the drive. It might need to be initialized or assigned a drive letter.
- Mac: Open "Disk Utility" (Applications > Utilities). See if the drive appears there, even if unmounted.
6.2 Slow Transfer Speeds
- USB Port: Ensure you are connected to a USB 3.0 port on your computer. USB 2.0 ports will result in significantly slower speeds.
- Cable: Use the original Seagate USB 3.0 cable. Damaged or non-compliant cables can affect performance.
- Background Processes: Close any unnecessary applications or background processes that might be consuming system resources.
- Drive Fragmentation: For Windows, consider defragmenting the drive (though less critical for modern file systems).
6.3 Formatting Issues (Mac)
- As noted in the setup section, Mac users may need to reformat the drive. Ensure you follow the steps in Disk Utility carefully. If the drive is not appearing in Disk Utility, refer to "Drive Not Detected" steps.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | STHN2000403 |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 2 TB |
| Hard Drive Type | Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Hardware Platform | Mac, PC |
| Item Weight | 4.5 ounces (approx. 127.57 grams) |
| Product Dimensions (LxWxH) | 4.52 x 3.07 x 0.46 inches (approx. 11.48 x 7.80 x 1.17 cm) |
| Color | Red |
| Manufacturer | Seagate |
| First Available Date | March 20, 2019 |
8. Warranty and Support
8.1 Limited Warranty
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim comes with a two-year limited warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
8.2 Technical Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty inquiries, please contact Seagate customer support:
- Seagate Support Website: Visit the official Seagate support website for FAQs, drivers, software downloads, and contact information.
- Online Resources: Explore Seagate's online knowledge base for detailed articles and guides.
Note: Specific contact methods (phone, chat, email) may vary by region. Please check the Seagate website for the most up-to-date support information.
