A: Disconnect any other USB devices and see if the performance improves.

A: If your USB 2.0 Key is connected to a legacy USB port or hub, this is normal. A Hi-Speed USB 2.0 device can only operate at USB 2.0 performance levels when it is connected directly to a USB 2.0 port or hub. Otherwise, the USB 2.0 device will operate at the slower legacy USB transfer rates. Consider buying a USB 2.0 PCI Express Card (for desktop computers) or an ExpressCard 34 (for laptops) to allow your computer to achieve full USB 2.0 transfer speeds.

A: Check to see that the Hi-Speed USB 2.0 drivers for both your host bus adapter and device have been installed correctly. If in doubt, uninstall the drivers and reinstall them.

A: While your LaCie USB 2.0 Key can be plugged into a USB 3.0 interface, transfer rates will continue to run at USB 2.0 speeds. The key cannot achieve SuperSpeed USB 3.0 transfer rates since it is a USB 2.0 device.

A: If your USB 3.0 Key is connected to a USB 2.0 or legacy USB port or hub, this is normal. A SuperSpeed USB 3.0 device can only operate at USB 3.0 performance levels when it is connected directly to a USB 3.0 port or hub. Otherwise, the USB 3.0 device will operate at USB 2.0 or legacy USB transfer rates. Consider buying a USB 3.0 PCI Express Card (for desktop computers) or an ExpressCard 34 (for laptops) to allow your computer to achieve full USB 3.0 transfer speeds.

A: Check to see that the SuperSpeed USB 3.0 drivers for both your host bus adapter and device have been installed correctly. If in doubt, uninstall the drivers and reinstall them.

A: Certain characters cannot be included in the names of folders and files that are copied to a FAT 32 volume. These characters include but are not limited to:

? < > / \ :

Check your files and folders to ensure that these types of characters are not being used. If you find incompatible characters in file names, please change them before resuming file transfers.

A: Please ignore this message.

A: Check the USB connection between the device and your computer to confirm that it is properly seated. You can also try disconnecting the device, waiting 10 seconds, and then reconnecting it. If the storage device is still not recognized, restart your computer and try again.

A: All LaCie devices appear in at least one place in Device Manager.

To access Device Manager, click on Start and select Run from the menu. For Windows Vista and Windows 7, press [Windows-button] and [R] on your keyboard.

Enter the command: devmgmt.msc

Click OK and the Device Manager program will open. For troubleshooting, look in the Disk Drives section. It might be necessary to click on + on the left side.

If it is unclear where to find the storage device or if it is present, unplug it, then reconnect it. The entry that changes is your LaCie storage device.

A: If not, proceed to the physical troubleshooting topics above.

A: Windows Device Manager can usually provide information about failures in accessories. It does not display the exact cause, or a solution, but it can assist in troubleshooting most problems.

A problematic device can be found by its unusual icon. Instead of the normal icon based on the type of device, it can be an exclamation point, question mark, or an “X”.

Right-click this icon, then choose Properties. The General tab will show why the device is not working.

If problem persists, there may be a hardware defect or other problem. Contact LaCie Support if you have exhausted all efforts at troubleshooting.

A: Check the USB connection between the device and your computer to confirm that it is properly seated. You can also try disconnecting the device, waiting 10 seconds, and then reconnecting it. If the storage device is still not recognized, restart your computer and try again.

A: Go to your Finder and select the pulldown Finder > Preferences > General tab > Show these items on the desktop:. Confirm that External Disks is selected. If not, click on the check box and see if the storage device has mounted on the desktop. If it is already selected, go to the next topic.

A: Open Disk Utility (Pulldown menu Go > Utilities > Disk Utility). If the storage device is listed in the left-hand column, click on it. Check to see if the Mount option on the top row of icons becomes active. If it does, click on it. If the storage device continues to have trouble mounting or the Mount option is not available, you may need to format it. See Formatting Your LaCie USB Key.

A: Please refer to the product packaging or consult the product support web page at LaCie Support to check the minimum system requirements.

A: Review the installation steps in Connecting your LaCie USB Key to a Computer. Confirm that all steps have been followed for your configuration (i.e. USB interface, operating system, etc).

If the problem persists, there may be a hardware defect or other problem. Contact LaCie Support if you have exhausted all efforts at troubleshooting.