Frequently Asked Questions

USB Control Center and USB devices (Available Devices tab)

USB disk drives and other storage devices

Q: I can see a USB device in the USB Control Center, but I can't connect to it. What should I do?

A: Check your firewall settings. During installation, the software configures the Windows firewall to enable connection, but third-party firewalls may require additional settings. For more information about how to configure several specific firewalls, see firewall settings.

Q: Why does the Windows Autoplay screen appear every time I connect to a device?

A: By default, Windows autoplays many types of USB devices. You can turn off autoplay in Windows XP by clicking Start and Run. In the Run field type in "gpedit.msc" (without the quotes). On the Group Policy screen, select Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates. Click System. Double-click Turn off Autoplay. On the Setting tab, select Disabled and click OK.

Q: Why would I want to automatically start a specific piece of software when I connect to a device?

A: Many USB items use specific software to carry out their functions. For example, a Webcam will need software to capture video. The USB Control Center enables you to specify that the software automatically start when a USB device is connected to your router. For more information, see device properties Connection tab.

Q: Do I have to shut down the software completely before installing an update? Do I need to reboot my computer after installing?

A: No, you can install updates while the software is running and devices are connected. You do not need to reboot your computer after installing an update.

Q: What is a NAS (Network Attached Storage)?

A: A NAS device is a server specifically designed for handling files. Network Attached Storage is accessible directly on the local area network (LAN) from multiple users.

What files systems can be used with the router in NAS mode?

A: Your router will automatically mount FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, and NTFS volumes in NAS mode. Disks using other file systems will be available to one user at a time in Network USB mode.

Q: How do I access USB disk drives connected to the router?

A: In Windows, USB Control Center automatically maps a new drive letter for your computer for each supported USB disk drive connected to your router. You can access the drive by going to Computer (or My Computer if you are using Windows XP or older).

You can go to Windows Explorer and type \\router into the address bar. Alternatively, you can browse the Windows network and look for \\router in the list of available network devices.

For Macintosh computers, the software automatically mounts discs connected to your router's desktop. Alternatively, Click Go > Connect to server to connect to the disk.

Q: How are drive letters mapped on Windows?

A: When the software is running, disk volumes will be mapped to drive letters starting with Z to avoid collision with commonly used drive letters.

Q: What is the difference between Network USB mode and NAS mode?

A: In Network USB mode it is as if the USB device is connected directly to your computer by a USB cable. If one person is using a device, no one else will be able to connect to it. Many different kinds of devices can be used. In NAS mode, a USB device can be accessed from multiple computers at the same time; this only works with USB storage devices and file sharing.

Q: Are there any limitations to how much data can be shared?

A: No, the amount of data that can be shared depends on the size of the connected disk.

Q: Can files be shared between Windows and Mac OS?

A: Yes, files can be shared between Windows and Mac OS X computers.

Q: Can filters be applied to prevent certain people from accessing files?

A: Files are made public to all computers on the network.

Q: Can a password be set for a file?

A: Passwords cannot be set. If security is necessary, use file compression software to create a password protected archive.

Q: Can files be encrypted when used with the NAS feature?

A: No, files are all saved as they are. This applies to disks formatted as NTFS, too.

Q: Can compressed disk drives be used?

A: No, compressed drives cannot be shared via the NAS feature.

Q: What protocol is used for sharing?

A: The Windows File Sharing protocol is used. It is commonly referred to as SMB or CIFS.

Q: Is it safe to unplug a connected USB device at any time?

A: The device you are unplugging may be in use by another PC or being accessed by Picture Sharing, etc. Data may be destroyed if unplugged suddenly. Always follow the "Safe Removal" procedure to remove devices.

Q: Can a network domain environment be logged into using the NAS mode?

A: A domain environment cannot be logged into.

Q: When multiple USB Disk drives are connected, can they be set up to use RAID?

A: A RAID cannot be established using multiple disks attached to your router, but these devices can access a USB RAID device that presents itself as a single disk.