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How Do I Use My Own Hard Drive for a RoundTrip

Jaden Robideau
Last Updated:
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Question

How do I use my own hard drive for a RoundTrip?

Environment

  • Datto RondTrip

Overview

This article describes the requirements and process for using your own hard drive to perform a RoundTrip. For more background on the RoundTrip process, see the RoundTrip Overview article.

Requirements

  • The hard disk drive must be large enough to store the amount of data that resides locally on the Datto device.
  • The local device's dataset size is displayed on the Partner Portal under the home page.
  • Any hard drive manufacturer or total size (as long as it meets the first prerequisite) is suitable.
  • You must use a bare hard drive, without any kind of enclosure.
Datto suggests using Western Digital Caviar Black or Blue drives. They have an excellent track record for durability. Specific use of Western Digital drives is not a requirement.
  • For hard drives that use an external enclosure, connect to the Datto with a standard USB 2.0 cable.
  • The RoundTrip wizard formats the hard drive.

File System and Formatting

To initiate the RoundTrip synchronization, do the following:

Figure 1: Synchronize tab prior to connecting external HDD

  1. Connect the hard drive to the Datto appliance via USB 2.0.
  2. Open the Web interface for the Datto appliance.
  3. Click on the Synchronize link at the top of the page.
  4. If the drive meets the requirements, you will see a button to start the RoundTrip synchronization.
  5. Click Perform USB RoundTrip Sync.
  6. While the synchronization is in process, you will see its status on this page.
  7. When it is finished, you will see Last Roundtrip Sync as well as Sync completed at time and date.

Shipping Instructions

You are responsible for inbound shipping. Datto does not provide shipping labels for this purpose. Datto will ship the drive back to you via UPS ground at no charge.

Please include the following information with each drive that you send:

  • Company name
  • Contact name
  • Phone number
  • Email
  • Serial number of the Datto appliance
  • Device name
  • Return address
Label the drive itself with your ticket number or the serial number of your Datto appliance.

When packing the drive, be sure to use proper packaging. If the drive arrives damaged, Datto will not be able to use the drive. When applicable, Datto will use specially made packaging and boxes to ship the drive back to you. Feel free to reuse this packaging for future shipments of personal RoundTrips.

Shipping Addresses

US

Datto RoundTrip Team
TierPoint - Shipping and Receiving
9999 Hamilton Boulevard
Building #4, Dock 7
Breinigsville, PA 18031

Canada

ATTN: Datto
RoundTrip Dept.
Datto Inc.
5900 Finch Ave.
East
Toronto, ON M1B5X7

United Kingdom

RoundTrip Team
Unit 28, Robert Cort Industrial Estate,
Britten Rd, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0AU

EMEA/Germany

Datto RoundTrip Team
E-Shelter, Eschborner
Landstraße 100, 60489
Frankfurt am Main
Germany

Australia

Equinix SY4
ATTN: Datto RoundTrip Dept
200 Bourke Rd
Sydney NSW 2015 AU

Singapore

Datto Singapore
PTE LTD
#09-38, Paya Lebar Square
Singapore 409051

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