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I have a Maxtor II serial #60DKQ3H FW Version 02.3.g One

 

Customer Question

I have a Maxtor II serial #60DKQ3H
FW Version 02.3.g
One Touch Software version 3.0.0.5
Retrospect Express HD version 1.0.196

The software comes up but in never gets beyond the point of saying it is "Checking on status..."

I've checked the interal assessment of the drive and it says it checks out OK.

Now what do I do?

 



Already Tried:
I have a Maxtor II serial # XXXXXXX FW Versoion 02.3.g One Touch software version 3.0.0.5 Retrospect Express HD version 1.0.196 The software comes up but in never gets beyond the point of saying that it is "Checking on the status..." I've checked the internal assessment of the drive and it says it checks out OK. Now what do I do?

Submitted: 295 days and 18 hours ago.
Category: Computer Hardware
Value: $38
Status: CLOSED
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Expert:  robmpreston replied295 days and 18 hours ago.

Hello,

Try this:

  1. Close Retrospect Express, including the icon in the system tray.
  2. Create a file called Retrospect.exe.config and using notepad, put this in it:
    <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
    <configuration>
    <startup>
    <supportedRuntime version="v1.1.4322" />
    </startup>
    </configuration>
  3. Save the file in the same directory as the Retrospect.exe file (usually in C:\Program Files\Dantz\Retrospect Express HD\) and try running Retrospect Express again.

Customer replied295 days and 10 hours ago.

I created the file as you suggested paying close attention to the accuracy of the code. I let it run for more than 8 hours without any change in the screen message.

Did I not wait long enough for the "status" to change?
I thought maybe it didn't like the "....txt" extension, so I deleted that part of the filename and am rerunning it.

What are your thoughts?

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Expert:  robmpreston replied295 days and 10 hours ago.

Yes, it cannot have a .txt extension

The filename has to be exactly Retrospect.exe.config

Customer replied295 days and 10 hours ago.

How long should it take for the program to "check status?"

Customer replied295 days and 9 hours ago.

Relist: Other.
Problem solving is a process ..... I've started but I haven't received an answer to my most recent question.

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Expert:  Wes replied295 days and 8 hours ago.

I see that the version of Retrospect HD you are using is not the latest. Try updating the Retrospect HD software by visiting this link: http://www.seagate.com/support/external-hard-drives/desktop-hard-drives/onetouch-ii/retrospect-express-upgrade-master/ The steps to perform the update are listed on this webpage and the download link for the update to 1.1.127 is at the bottom of the page.Wes41124.9163514699

Customer replied295 days and 8 hours ago.

I will try this, but I'm pretty sure I did this several months ago when I tried to fix this. BUT my basic question wasn't answered: if it does work how long do I reasonably wait for the program to "....determine it's status?"

Also, do I have to sign up for a monthly charge for this service? I'm retired and I rarely need this sort of help. Can I purchase "ad hoc" services? What are those prices?

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Expert:  Wes replied295 days and 8 hours ago.

If you have questions regarding subscriptions or your account, please X-XXXXXXX@XXXXXX.XXX.

You shouldn't have to wait more than a few minutes tops. If it's getting hung up any longer than that... there is definitely something amiss.

In your initial message you mentioned that you had version 1.0.196 which is older than the 1.1.127. It's possible they have released a newer version since you downloaded the last update. What is the exact model & part number for the drive?

Customer replied295 days and 7 hours ago.

OK. I've downloaded and installed the update with no effect. I've waited about 1 hour and no change in the program's response.

What next.

Customer replied295 days and 7 hours ago.

Relist: Other.
I continue the process of trying to resolve this software/hardware problem.

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Expert:  DrKlahn replied295 days and 6 hours ago.

I'm XXXXX XXXXX, XXXXXnamed "DrKlahn." I see that you've relisted this question.

Is the desired result to get this specific piece of software running, or simply to install software that will reliably back up the system? If the desired result is simply to be able to back up the system to the hard drive, then there's no point in fighting software that doesn't install right -- try different backup software instead. There are many good ones, and some are free. I'd be glad to offer suggestions.

On the other hand, if this specific piece of software must run, then it will be an uphill grind to get it to work. In that case I'll be glad to pass this question back to the available list so that other experts can have a shot at it.

Please consider the above, and let us know what the desired result is.

Customer replied295 days and 6 hours ago.

The desired goal is: to get the machine (Maxtor II) to backup my entire PC (laptop) so that should some devastating computer event occur .... as has happened to me in the past.....I would have a way to format the laptop hard drive and recopy my old hard drive data to the reformatted hard drive. That's why I bought the Maxtor II and I don't understand why it now suddenly won't work.

My decision is: 1. Do I fix what's broken or 2. Reinvest in a new system without assurance this won't happen in the future again>

Accepted Answer

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Expert:  DrKlahn replied295 days and 6 hours ago.

In this situation, I would first confirm that there is no problem with the Maxtor external drive, and then try another backup product such as the free version of Macrium Reflect. I have had good results with Macrium on recent systems where my previous favorite (Acronis) no longer works.

The free version of Macrium provides all basic functionality needed to safely back up a system to an external drive, viz., full image backups done on a schedule. There is also a bootable CD (which should be created before it's needed) which can be used to restore a backup image if the computer has a catastrophic disk failure.

The only significant feature lacking in the free version is compression of the backup files. This is a nice feature, though not essential. It can be purchased as a later add-on if desired.

Macrium Reflect can be obtained at the following link:

http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

Take a look at Macrium Reflect and see if it may meet your needs. If it does, then install it and see if it runs successfully. After it has run successfully for a few weeks, then it would be prudent to clean off any remnants of previous backups on the Maxtor drive, and uninstall any leftovers from the OneTouch software.

If you'd like to proceed with this, let me know and I'll be glad to assist. If this is unsatisfactory, let me know and I'll be glad to step out so that other experts can bring their knowledge to bear.



Though this may not be a solution, JustAnswer rules require that the information above be posted as an Answer. If anything in this answer is unclear, or you'd like something explained in more detail, don't hesitate to ask. If this answer is satisfactory, please rate it "good" or higher and I'll be paid.


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Expert TypeComputer Engineer
Category: Computer Hardware
Pos. Feedback: 95.9 %
Accepts: 197
Answered: 8/4/2012

Experience: BSci: Electrical Engr., Industrial Engr, and Computer Sci.

Ask this Expert a Question >
Customer replied295 days and 6 hours ago.

I'll try it and get back to you. Now how much will I owe for today's advice?

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Expert:  DrKlahn replied295 days and 6 hours ago.

Your deposit will not be charged unless and until you Accept this answer by giving it a rating of 3 / "good" or higher.

Under the circumstances, since this is an unknown situation and there may still be hidden issues, I think it would be best to try this solution before Accepting this as a proven answer. If there are issues encountered, it is a bit simpler to deal with them in a question which is still open.

Customer replied293 days and 4 hours ago.

I did not reflect my ranking of the advice until I was successful in accomplishing my goal .... get the Maxtor II to work. I finally downloaded the recommended software suggested by Dr. Kahn. I have been able to make the rescue materials that I sought. Thanks to all three of you. I took all three to come to this solution. Thank you.

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Expert:  DrKlahn replied293 days and 4 hours ago.

Always glad to hear a problem was solved successfully.

 
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