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====== Getting Connected ======

Installing your LaCie hard drive is easy for all users thanks to LaCie Setup Assistant. Please follow the setup steps in the order they are given to ensure that your LaCie hard drive's volume mounts correctly on your computer.

<note important>**Important Info for PC users:** If you wish to use the Thunderbolt connection, you must first connect the product to a host computer via USB as described below, then install Thunderbolt drivers. To install drivers, visit [[drivers|]]. Once the Thunderbolt drivers have been installed, you can disconnect the USB cable and connect the Thunderbolt one.</note>

===== STEP 1 - Connect the Interface Cable =====

  - Connect either the Thunderbolt or USB 3.0 cable from the drive to your computer. \\ {{:products:rugged-usb3-thunderbolt:rugged-usb3-thunderbolt-connection-01.png?500|}}
  - The drive will mount in My Computer (Windows XP), Computer (Vista or Windows 7) or on your desktop (Mac).

<note>**Note:** If the drive does not mount on your computer, see troubleshooting topics at [[help|]].</note>

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===== STEP 2 - Launch LaCie Setup Assistant =====

<note important>**Important Info for PC users:** LSA only works through the USB connection. If you wish to use the Thunderbolt interface, first connect via USB in order to run LSA. Then install Thunderbolt drivers (see [[drivers|]].</note>

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===== Unmounting the Drive =====

In order to avoid file system corruption, it's important to unmount your drive before turning it off or disconnecting the interface cable. See [[unmounting|]] for details.
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