| Maxtor BlackArmor 160GB Encrypted Portable Drive
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In Use:
When the drive is first connected an autorun file begins the configuration of the Maxtor Manager software. You enter an identification code found on the bottom of the drive and create a password right off the bat. A box to the right of the password field (shown in blue in the below left image) lets you know how strong your password is. The stronger, the better. You can also create a password hint to help keep you from getting locked out, but don't make this so easy that anyone can bypass your security just by knowing a little about you. Once you complete the configuration you must sign in, as shown in the below right image. This is also the screen you will be presented at each subsequent connection to the drive.
 
When connected but still locked, the drive shows up as a CD in Windows Explorer and will pop up the password screen with any attempt to explore or otherwise access the contents. Extensive efforts never provided as much as a glimpse of the file names for the backed up data, and it wouldn't even confirm how many files or how much disk space might be in use. Once logged in successfully, the drive shows up as a disk drive with an icon to match the physical drive (see below left image). Before you place anything on the drive there is already a handful of files and folders onboard, as shown in the below right image.
 
A reboot is required after initial configuration in order for the Maxtor Manager application to recognize the drive and make it available for backups, restores, and syncs. The screen shown in the below left image (My Drives) is where any compatible drives would be recognized, along with details on their total and free disk space. From the My Drives tab you can also set the amount of time it takes for the drive to power down to save energy, test the drive for functionality, and go online for software updates.
 
The below left image shows the Security screen which is where you would turn to change your password and password hint, or to erase your whole drive and start fresh in case you could not remember your password. While this may be a way for you to regain the disk space even if the data can't be saved, I also see it as being a potential kick in the groin from someone who failed to gain access to your data. All that is needed is for the code from the bottom of the drive to be confirmed, and everything is wiped off of the drive. I suppose they could erase any other portable drive, or just steal it all together, but this seemed like a simple feature that could be used for good or evil. As with all portable enclosures, make sure the files on this drive are not the only copies!
 
The above right screen is from the Backup tab, where you can custom configure backups and restores of your data. As shown, a few subfolders have been selected before proceeding to the next step.
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