Problems with Zalman

[Encrypted Existence]

I have been getting a "bad or n/s HDD" message when I plug it (Zalman) into a machine. I have encountered this before and I contacted Zalman support and they told me that the particular message that I was seeing was likely a result of the hard drive loosening within the enclosure and not having a good connection. I took it apart, reconnected the HDD and it worked like a charm. This has been happening more and more lately. Last night I got the "bad or n/s HDD" message again so I figured I'd take it apart again and reconnect the HDD to the controller board and it would work fine again. No dice. I absolutely love my Zalman when it works. Problem is, it doesn't work right now. Anyone else having or experienced these issues?

 

[stevenamills]

I've had those issues since day 1. Finally threw it in the garbage. Their tech support is less tan worthless.

I should say IMHO, I guess.

 

[Encrypted Existence]

I've had those issues since day 1. Finally threw it in the garbage. Their tech support is less tan worthless.

I should say IMHO, I guess.

Yeah it is beginning to frustrate me. Such an awesome piece of tool but worthless if I can't use it! I must say that their tech support did respond when I emailed them the first time. I think I will email them again to see what they have to say. Thanks for the reply.

 

[strollin]

Wow, sorry to hear you guys are having problems. I've had zero problems with my Zalman.

Have you tried a different hdd to see if that worked any differently?

 

[ComputerRepairTech]

That error can be cable related too. I tried to buy a longer cable for it and I get that msg when I try to use it.

 

[Encrypted Existence]

That error can be cable related too. I tried to buy a longer cable for it and I get that msg when I try to use it.

I tried a different cable the first time I had this issue and it didn't help. I'll try it again just to be sure. Thanks.

 

[Encrypted Existence]

Have you tried a different hdd to see if that worked any differently?

No I haven't. I am going to run tests on it later today though. If I can't get them to allow me to return the Zalman (purchased from amazon and I do not have the original packaging) I may just buy another one. I would REALLY like to have a working Zalman in my toolkit. This is disappointing to be honest.

 

[phaZed]

I'm sorry to hear that you guys are having problems too. I have had no issues with my Zalman VE-200.

Which model are we talking about? The VE-200 or the VE-300? Perhaps there is a flaw between the old and the new, QC issues?

I definitely second trying a different HDD, maybe the ZALMAN is telling the truth.

When you open the Zalman do you notice if the connector is slid party off? If so, maybe a piece of foam or other material could be used to take up the "extra space" in the bottom of the enclosure and "push" the HDD to the connector?

 

[Encrypted Existence]

When you open the Zalman do you notice if the connector is slid party off? If so, maybe a piece of foam or other material could be used to take up the "extra space" in the bottom of the enclosure and "push" the HDD to the connector?

Zalman VE-300 is the model that I am currently having issues with. I thought about putting something in the enclosure the keep the HDD connection tight. That's a good idea and thanks for the suggestion, however, I am not sure that will help because I currently have the HDD out of the enclosure connected to the display/controller and it still doesn't work even though I am absolutely sure that the HDD is connected as tightly to the controller as possible. I will see if I am allowed to return it for a new exchange.

 

[tim fitzgerald]

I have two Zalman 300's both work just as advertised they are a great tool when tey work!! I did have trouble in the beginning, however after contacting the service dept. and reading all the blog posts on Technibble It was straightened out. Updating their software really helped. My hard drives fit very snugly and have never moved.
TFPCR&R

 

[Encrypted Existence]

update

I submitted an RMA request directly to ZALMAN and they are allowing me to send the unit directly to them for replacement. I find that interesting being that I told them that I purchased the item from Amazon. So far I have had a great experience with their support in general. Hope all goes well and I get a brand new unit that works right!

 

[tek9]

I had an issue with my Zalman VE-200 when I first got it and had to RMA it. I dealt with Zalman directly via email and they didn't give me any heartache to RMA it. It took about a week for it to ship to them via UPS, a week for them to process the RMA, and a third week for return shipping. The replacement unit was good.

 

[scovilletech]

I have a ve-300 and had issues with mine, too. The usb connection kept dropping due to bad connection at the drive connector. If you have a good email for zalman, please share. I emailed several times and got no response. It was within a month so Newegg handled it and got me a new one.

The new one is better, but now on some ISO's, I get a message saying "DEFRAG". What the crap does this mean? I tried defragging the drive, but that didn't help.

I wish there was good info out on their error messages!

 

[tim fitzgerald]

The "DEFRAG" problem was discussed before on Technibble , I can't remember when so I can't give you a link. If you Google it they will direct you. Good luck!! TF

 

[Encrypted Existence]

If you have a good email for zalman, please share.

rma.usa@zalmanusa.com is the email address that they just responded to me from. Their contact info is on their website. The contact email for the U.S. is support.usa@zalmanusa.com. Their contact email for regions outside of the U.S. is techsupport@zalman.co.kr

Thanks for all of the replies. I am sending the unit off next week and will hopefully receive a new replacement.

 

[OzzyGeek]

Yeah I have experienced this problem, it is a design problem with the case. Most of the good external cases have the logic board attached to a plate that allows a 2.5 inch hard drive to be screwed to it, meaning the drive will not become detactched from the sata and power connectors when you push to drive into the Zalman case.

 

[Scales]

I just got the ZE-300 and I cannot get any iso's to boot a little puzzled.

 

[OzzyGeek]

I just got the ZE-300 and I cannot get any iso's to boot a little puzzled.

You must create a folder on your drive called " _ISO" without the quotations and place all the bootable images in that folder or you can create other sub folders under _ISO and place them in those folder but they must all be under the _ISO folder. When the Zalman powers up you will see the menu list with the ISO images, then just press the toggle button to select the image you want. Selection will be highlighted by a CD icon and if you select the image while logged into Windows you will see the virtual drive window popup as a cdrom drive and it will appear in your drive menu.

 

[SoloCon]

First time connecting my Zalman 300 via USB3 and it just seems to hang. when connecting via USB3, the display will show Zalman ZE-300 but will not go any further.

When connecting it via USB 2, it does the same, but then proceeds to give me the menu to load the ISO's or what not.

Connecting another device to the same USB 3 connector, that device works.

Anyone have any ideas? (I have updated the firmware w/o any difference)

 

[Scales]

You must create a folder on your drive called " _ISO" without the quotations and place all the bootable images in that folder or you can create other sub folders under _ISO and place them in those folder but they must all be under the _ISO folder. When the Zalman powers up you will see the menu list with the ISO images, then just press the toggle button to select the image you want. Selection will be highlighted by a CD icon and if you select the image while logged into Windows you will see the virtual drive window popup as a cdrom drive and it will appear in your drive menu.

That's what I do. However when trying to boot from the Zalman it appears to be doing something but after about 2 minutes it goes to the next boot device.