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Microdrive® - Frequently Asked Questions
Compact Flash (CF) is a standard for a small form factor device that encompasses CF flash data storage cards including magnetic disk cards, such as the Hitachi Microdrive. The CF card provides high capacity storage and I/O functions that electrically comply with the PCMCIA standard. While only the size of a matchbook, CF cards can be used to store a large amount of data.  Back to top
Are CF and CF+ the same or are they different? While the standards are similar, they do have several differences. First, the CF+ standard supports I/O mode and non-Flash storage (true IDE mode). Additionally, the CF+ standard calls for power levels up to 500ma for both 3.3vdc and 5.0vdc power sources. For more information on the Compact Flash specification, please visit the following URL: http://www.compactflash.org/ Back to top
For best results, we recommend that you format the Hitachi Microdrive using the device that you will be using the most. Most devices will format the Microdrive using that FAT16 file system. 4GB and higher Microdrives require the FAT32 file system to be able to use the full capacity of the drive. Some digital cameras are not able to support FAT32. Check with the device manufacturer for any firmware updates that may be available. Back to top
Are drivers required when using the Hitachi Microdrive in Windows, 95, Windows 98, or Windows ME? To use a Microdrive with Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows ME device drivers may be required. The device drivers and installation instructions can be found at the following URL: http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/mddwnld.htm Note: These drivers are ONLY for Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows ME. Windows 2000 and Windows XP do not require any drivers to use the Microdrive. Back to top
Can a Hitachi Microdrive be used with a Macintosh? Yes, a Hitachi Microdrive can be used with a Macintosh. The Macintosh will require at minimum OS 8.0. We also recommend checking with Apple to verify compatibility with your specific system. Back to top
First, check with your system manufacturer to verify compatibility between the Hitachi Microdrive and your camera or hand-held device. If your device has been tested compatible by the device manufacturer, verify that it is operating properly by checking the following items:
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How do I format my Hitachi Microdrive? The factory format of a 2GB or smaller Hitachi Microdrive is FAT16 while the factory format of a 4GB or larger Microdrive is FAT32. If you are formatting the Hitachi Microdrive in Microsoft Windows (the recommended platform), you can right click on the drive icon and choose Format. If you are formatting the Microdrive in the Mac Operating System, you can use the Disk Utility program. For formatting instructions for your camera, handheld system, or PDA, please see the device’s documentation. Back to top
Are there any limitations as to how many times data can be written to a Hitachi Microdrive? Because the Hitachi Microdrive is actually a hard disk drive, there are no limitations as to how many times data can be written to the drive. Back to top
Can the Hitachi Microdrive be used to copy data from a PC? If you are using a card reader that is compatible with the Hitachi Microdrive it is possible to copy data from the PC to the Microdrive. In case of a notebook PC it is possible by way of the PC Card slot. In this case, a PC Card adapter which corresponds to CF+ Type II is necessary. Back to top
What do I do if I am unable to remove the Hitachi Microdrive from the CF card slot? Please try the following methods to remove the Hitachi Microdrive:
If you still cannot remove the Microdrive, contact the CF device manufacturer. Back to top
Can the Hitachi Microdrive be removed from a CF card slot while the power is still on? It is possible to remove the Hitachi Microdrive while the power is on, but if the drive is performing a write or save, removing it at this point could result in loss or corruption of data or possibly damage to the drive. Please wait until the drive is finished with its current operation before attempting to remove the Microdrive. Back to top
Will the X-ray machine at airport baggage inspection stations damage my Hitachi Microdrive? X-Ray machines at the airport will not have a direct effect on a Hitachi Microdrive. Back to top
Can I carry the Hitachi Microdrive in my pocket without using the carrying case? We highly recommend using the carrying case when transporting the Hitachi Microdrive. The case provides protection from impact and static electricity. Back to top
When I shake the Hitachi Microdrive, it makes a sound. Is this normal? The sound that is heard when you shake a Hitachi Microdrive comes from the headlock mechanism. However, shaking a Microdrive can lead to damage and or failure of the device. Please do not shake it. Back to top
Is it possible to get the Hitachi Microdrive repaired if it is damaged or does not work? If the drive is still in warranty and the conditions of the warranty are met, the warranty stipulation of replacing the drive will be satisfied. There are currently no companies we are aware of that have the proper machinery to physically repair a Hitachi Microdrive. Back to top
Will static electricity damage the drive? Yes, static electricity can and will cause damage to the Hitachi Microdrive. Be sure to follow precautions when handling the Microdrive and when the drive is not in use, store it in the carrying case. Back to top
Yes, because the PC Card adapter conforms to CF+ Type II standards regardless of the capacity. Back to top
Can a PC Card adapter, other than a HITACHI made adapter, be used with the Hitachi Microdrive? You can use a PC Card adapter, provided that the PC Card adapter conforms to the CF Type II standard. Please check with the PC Card adapter manufacturer to verify compatibility. Back to top
If for any reason your drive is no longer being seen at the correct capacity, you have two options:
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Why will my Hitachi Microdrive work in my PC, but not in my camera or PDA? Most likely, the drive is a white label (True IDE) version of the Hitachi Microdrive instead of
the blue label (CFII+) Microdrive.
The majority of white label Microdrives were intended for use as embedded storage in specific systems
and may or may not function correctly in another environment. Back to top
Somehow, the information on the drive became corrupt.
This can occur any numbers of ways ranging from software being written incorrectly to a physical problem
with the Hitachi Microdrive.
If the drive is still being detected by the system, you may still be able to recover the data from the drive.
You would need to use a data recovery program designed to recover data from inaccessible devices.
Below is a link to a Google search on data recovery software. Back to top
Before replacing the Hitachi Microdrive, we recommend visiting the camera manufacturer’s website to obtain the latest firmware for your camera. Many times, a firmware update is able to resolve compatibility issues or certain conflicts that may cause the Microdrive to appear defective. Back to top
Can I install the Hitachi Microdrive even though my system is not the compatibility list? While we make every effort to test the compatibility of the Hitachi Microdrive with a wide variety of systems, it is not possible for us to include all makes and models. This does not mean that the Microdrive will be incompatible with your system. If your system is not listed, it could just mean we have not been able to test that configuration. If your system is not listed in the compatibility list, try contacting the device manufacturer to see if they have performed any compatibility testing with the Microdrive. Back to top
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