DataTraveler BlackBox - Support

Some of the flash storage device's listed capacity is used for formatting and other functions and thus is not available for data storage, therefore you will not see the full capacity.

When a flash storage device is manufactured, steps are taken to ensure that the device operates reliably and permits the host device (computer, digital camera, PDA, etc.) to access the memory cells; i.e., to store and retrieve data on the flash storage device. These steps, loosely called "formatting," utilize some of the memory cells within the device and thus reduce the capacity available for data storage by the end-user.

Formatting includes the following operations:

1. Testing each memory cell in the flash storage device.
2. Identifying all defective cells and taking steps to ensure that no data will be written to or read from a defective cell.
3. Reserving some cells to serve as "spares." Flash memory cells have a long but finite lifetime. Therefore, some cells are held in reserve to replace any memory cells that may fail over time.
4. Creating a File Allocation Table (FAT) or other directory. To enable flash storage devices to conveniently store and access customer files, a file management system must be created to allow any device or computer to identify the files stored in the flash storage device. The most common type of file management system for flash storage devices is the File Allocation Table (FAT), which is also used on hard drives.
5. Reserving some cells for use by the flash storage device's controller, e.g., for storing firmware updates and other controller-specific information.
6. Where applicable, reserving some cells for special features. For example, the specification for Secure Digital (SD) cards requires reserved areas to support special copy protection and security features.

FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-06

By default, after the predefined max number of unsuccessful password attempts is reached, the drive will format and all data will be lost. Once the format is complete, data recovery is not possible.

FAQ: KDT-111714-PRV-05

If you continue to have DataTraveler start up issues, you may need to disable or upgrade any third party hard disk encryption software. There are known compatibility issues with Guardian Edge Encryption Plus Hard Disk (EPHD) software and Kingston's secure USB drives. Please contact Guardian Edge for additional information.

FAQ: KDT-011411-PRV-01

This DataTraveler requires two consecutive drive letters AFTER the last physical disk that appears before the ‘gap’ in drive letter assignments (see figure below). This does NOT pertain to network shares because they are specific to user-profiles and not the system hardware profile itself, thus appearing available to the OS.

What this means is, Windows may assign the DataTraveler a drive letter that’s already in use by a network share or Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path, causing a drive letter conflict.If this happens, please consult your administrator or help desk department on changing drive letter assignments in Windows Disk Management (administrator privileges required.)

In this example, the DataTraveler uses drive F:, which is the first available drive letter after drive E: (the last physical disk before the drive letter gap.)Because letter G: is a network share and not part of the hardware profile, the DataTraveler may attempt to use it as its second drive letter, causing a conflict.

If there are no network shares on your system and the DataTraveler still won’t load, it is possible that a card reader, removable disk, or other previously-installed device is holding on to a drive-letter assignment and still causing a conflict.

Please note that Drive Letter Management, or DLM, has improved significantly in Windows XP SP3, Vista, and 7, so you may not come across this issue, but if you are unable to resolve the conflict, please contact Kingston’s Technical Support Department for further assistance.

FAQ: KDT-011411-PRV-02

This drive is designed to be 100% encrypted. The security is build into the drive and cannot be removed or disabled.

FAQ: KDT-012914-PRV-04

This is a common Windows XP issue caused by a drive letter conflict. In configurations where the network drive letter(s) follow physical drive letters, Windows XP may assign newly inserted flash drives a drive letter that is already taken by a network share. For this reason, you need two free consecutive drive letters available after physical drive letters (such as system partition, and optical drives).

Administrative Users: The issue can be solved by manually changing the conflicting drive letter(s) of the flash drive in Disk Management, located in Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Computer Management. If the launcher does not auto-run, reinsert the drive or manually run the Launcher from the DTBB Launcher partition.

Non-Administrative Users: By default, non-administrative users cannot change drive letters for flash drives. Contact your IT department for assistance.

FAQ: KBB-012210-1

If you continue to have DTBB startup issues, you may need to disable or upgrade any third party hard disk encryption software. There are known compatibility issues with GuardianEdge Encryption Plus Hard Disk (EPHD) software and Kingston's secure USB drives. Please contact Guardian Edge for additional information.

FAQ: KBB-012210-2

To transfer files larger than 4GB, the DataTraveler must have a NTFS or exFAT file system. Unfortunately, the FAT32 file system is not capable of handling a single file larger than 4GB (to be exact, one byte less than 4GB). Follow the steps below to format the DataTraveler with an NTFS File system:

Warning, all data on the DataTraveler will be lost! Please backup the data on the DataTraveler before proceeding.

1. Locate My Computer (Computer in Vista and 7). Right-click on the Kingston drive and select Format.
2. Select NTFS or exFAT from the file system drop-down list.
3. Select Quick Format as the Format option and click Start.
   Note: If NTFS is not an available option, close the Format window and follow steps 4-9.
4. Right-click My Computer (Computer in Vista) and select Properties.
5. Select the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
6. Expand Disk drives and right-click on the Kingston drive. Select Properties.
7. Click on the Policies tab and select "Optimize for performance."
8. Click OK.
9. Repeat steps 1-3.

Be aware MacOS 10.6.5 will support full read and write access to exFAT formatted drives. MacOS still has read only access to NTFS formatted drives.

Some devices (MP3 players, digital photo frames, etc) will not read NTFS or exFAT file systems.

Also Windows XP and Vista will require an update in order to access exFAT.

FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-05

FAQ: KGF-022811-GEN-02

This may be due to a power limitation. Though some USB devices may work fine in these USB ports, USB High Speed devices and some Encrypted USB may require more power. In order to resolve this issue, we recommend inserting the drive directly into one of the main USB ports. These USB ports are usually located on the back of the tower or on the side of the laptop. If these ports are difficult to access we recommend a USB extension cable.

FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-09

1. The DataTraveler could be conflicting with a pre-assigned drive letter. To resolve, do the following (Do not do this for a "Privacy" drive that assigns two drive letters):

1. Insert the DataTraveler and open "Control Panel". Then open "Administrative Tools".

2. Open Computer Management

3. Select “Disk Management” on the left window pane.

4. Locate the DataTraveler on the right window pane.

5. Right-click on the drive and select “Change Drive Letter and Paths.”

6. Click Change and select a new drive letter from the drop-down box. Then click OK.

2. The DataTraveler may be conflicting with pre-installed software. Disable all applications running in the background prior to installation of the Data Traveler.

3. Make sure Windows, any USB controller drivers and the system BIOS for you computer is up to date.

4. If you have a desktop computer, make sure the DataTraveler is inserted directly into one of the main USB ports on the back of the PC. Front ports, keyboard ports or USB Hubs may not supply sufficient power for the High Speed DataTraveler to function properly.

If none of the above apply, your USB DataTraveler drive may be defective. Please contact Kingston Technical Support for assistance. 

FAQ: KDT-012314-GEN-02

This is a limitation of the file system. In order to transfer more data to this unit, you will need to remove the current data on the drive and create folders on the drive to copy files to. Once this is done, you should be able to transfer more data to the Data Traveler.

FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-12

This usually is caused by a program that re-partitions the drive to a smaller capacity it can use. Windows native format utility is usually not able to restore the capacity. We suggest you search online for a third party format utility.

FAQ: KTD-012711-GEN-26

This may be due to a power setting for your USB ports. Here are the steps to change this setting:

1. Click Start -> Control Panel.
2. Click Performance and Maintenance link.
3. Click System control panel link.
4. Click Hardware tab.
5. Click Device Manager button.
6. Click the + in front of Universal Serial Bus controllers to expand this hardware category.
7. Right-click the USB Root Hub and select Properties.
8. Click the Power Management tab and uncheck the box next to "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power".
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for each additional USB Root Hub listed.
10. Reboot the computer.

FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-13

As Windows is unable to format a drive over 32GB with FAT32, the use of third-party software is required. Although we cannot assist in acquiring or using third-party software to format a drive as FAT32, there are a number of free applications that can be found via Google or Bing search.

FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-14

Windows assigns new drives to the next available physical drive. It will sometimes take the same drive letter as a network drive for this reason. This is a common problem with removable storage devices.

To resolve this go to control panel>administrative tools>computer management. Note the drives on the right window pane. See if the Kingston (x) is recognized. (x) denotes the drive letter that Windows assigned for the Data Traveler.

If the DataTraveler is using the same drive letter as one of the other drives, right click the Kingston Drive letter and click on "Change Drive letter and Paths".

On the next dialog box click on the "Change" button and assign a drive letter that is not currently being used.

Note: Do not manually change drive letters if you have a "Privacy" Data traveler that assigns two drive letters for the device.

FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-03

ReadyBoost is a Windows Vista and Windows 7 feature which has the ability to utilize USB flash drive storage space to improve system performance. The DataTraveler does not support Windows ReadyBoost.

FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-11

Unfortunately none of Kingston Data Travelers are supported in Windows ME.

FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-21

Change Legacy USB support in the BIOS to Disabled (or the opposite of what it is set at currently).

FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-23

In order to resolve you will need to edit the Registry. If you are not careful you could cause serious damage to the computer. Now, go to your Start button and then go to Run. Type in the word, "regedit", and click OK. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\IOS and in the right pane find the word, "noide". Delete this entry, save changes then reboot the system.

FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-24

Windows may not recognize the MacOS Extended or Standard file system. To resolve, format the drive in MacOS DOS so that it can be used in both environments.

WARNING: Formatting will erase all of the data on the DataTraveler. Back up your data before proceeding.

1. Insert the DataTraveler into the Mac OS X machine and wait for it to mount.
2. Click on the "GO" option on the menu bar.
3. Double-click on Utilities (If you do not see Utilities, double-click on Applications and then double-click on the Utilities folder.)
4. Double-click on the Disk Utility icon.
5. On the Disk Utility Dialog box, click once on the Kingston DataTraveler active partition.
   Note: There will be two listings for the DataTraveler, the first one is the active partition and the second is the volume label.
6. Click the erase tab located on the right side of the screen.
7. Using the Volume Format drop-down, select "MS-DOS File System" from the list.
8. Click Erase.

Be aware MacOS 10.6.5 will support full read and write access to exFAT formatted drives. So formatting the drive using exFAT file system may also resolve this problem. MacOS still has read only access to NTFS formatted drives.

Some devices (MP3 players, digital photo frames, etc) will not read NTFS or exFAT file systems.

Also Windows XP and Vista will require an update in order to access exFAT.

FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-18

To resolve, make sure to insert the drive directly into the USB ports located on the computer. The USB ports found on the keyboard and some hubs may not supply sufficient power to properly operate the Kingston DataTraveler. Also, go to Finder>Preferences>Sidebar to ensure CD, DVD and iPod and External Disks are checked. If you have an Encrypted USB drive, please make sure you have the latest firmware. If the drive has the latest firmware and still is not recognized or not accessible on macOS, please contact technical support for assistance. 

FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-18

In Macs you first have to empty out the trash can in order to regain the space back. You may have to re-plug the drive back in after emptying out the trash.

Should this not work then a complete format of the device should be done. Please follow these instructions for formatting your Kingston device.

WARNING: Formatting will erase all your data so please make sure you have a copy before proceeding.

1. Go to Go > Applications > Utilities and Open Disk Utility.
2. Choose your drive from the left panel and then click Erase on the right.
3. Select a Volume Format.Choosing MS-DOS File System will allow the drive to work on the Mac and Windows operating systems. If used only in a Mac then select Mac OS Extended as the Volume Format.
4. Click Erase.

FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-04

This happens if the DataTraveler has been formatted with Microsoft Windows NTFS. To resolve, format the DataTraveler with Mac OS X using MS-DOS File System.

To format the DataTraveler with Mac OS 10.3.X, do the following:

1. Click on the "GO" option on the menu bar.
2. Double-click on "Utilities" (If you do not see Utilities, double-click on Applications and then double-click on the Utilities folder.)
3. Double-click on the "Disk Utility" icon.
4. On the Disk Utility Dialog box, click once on the Kingston DataTraveler active partition.
   Note: There will be two listings for the Data Traveler, the first one is the active partition and the second is the volume label.
5. Click the erase tab located on the right side of the screen.
6. Using the Volume Format drop-down, select "MS-DOS File System" from the list.
7. Click Erase.

Be aware MacOS 10.6.5 will support full read and write access to exFAT formatted drives. So formatting the drive using exFAT file system may also resolve this problem. MacOS still has read only access to NTFS formatted drives.

Some devices (MP3 players, digital photo frames, etc) will not read NTFS or exFAT file systems.

Also Windows XP and Vista will require an update in order to access exFAT.

For additional assistance using the Data Traveler, please visit http://www.kingston.com/support/howtodt/default.asp to view the DataTraveler "How To" videos.

FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-08

After formatting the DataTraveler in Mac OS X, the following symptoms may apply:

• The drive is not readable in Windows XP.
• While trying to format the drive in Windows, only 2GB is formatted. Additionally, two partitions are created.
• After adding data files onto the drive via Mac, Windows cannot see the data.

This is most likely a result of using the GUID partition table, which is the default partition table for Intel-based Macs. The GUID partition table is only supported in Windows Vista. Windows 7 and Windows XP do not support this file system. To resolve, you must erase the drive via Mac OS X with the appropriate options selected. Follow the steps below to erase your drive properly with Mac OS X.

• Access Disk Utility
• Highlight the disk and select the "Partition" tab
• Set the volume scheme to "1 Partition"
• Change the format to "MS-DOS (FAT)"
• Click the "Options" button near the bottom of the screen and select the "Master Boot Record" partition table.
• Click Apply to save the changes and reformat the drive

After the format is complete, verify that the disk is now using MBR by looking at the "partition map scheme" in the lower right corner of the Disk Utility window. It should now display "Master Boot Record."

FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-16

This is a problem related to copying directories (created with Finder) from and then back to a USB storage device configured with an MS-DOS/FAT file system. Until Apple releases an update addressing this issue, the following is a safe solution.

1. Launch Terminal via Applications > Utilities and type the following command, making sure to include a space at the end:
   
   dot_clean
2. Select the folder generating "Error code-36." Drag and drop the folder directly into the Terminal window.
3. The path to the folder in question should appear at the end of the Terminal command. For example, it may look like:
   
   dot_clean /Users/UserName/Desktop/Test_Folder
4. Press Enter/Return to run the command. It may appear as if nothing happened, however, you should now be able to transfer the folder to the USB storage device without error.
5. Repeat the process as needed for additional folders.

FAQ: KDT-010611-GEN-20