🤖All-in-One Documentation
📚 Table of Contents
1. 😃 Welcome to IODD Guide
🔔 Latest News
ST400, ST300 & LK100 Major Firmware Update Released We have introduced significant improvements to performance and security.
📘 Introduction
This documentation provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to effectively using your IODD device. While the instructions are primarily tailored for the ST/LK series, most information is applicable to the MINI series as well.
⚠️ Pre-use Checklist
To ensure stable performance and data integrity, please review these requirements:
Power Supply: Connect the IODD to a rear USB port on your PC. Laptop users should use a powered USB hub for consistent voltage.
Encryption Conflict: Hardware encryption cannot be used simultaneously with OS-level encryption (e.g., BitLocker).
Cable Length: Use a USB cable shorter than 50cm to prevent signal degradation.
Disk Compatibility:
ST300 / ST400 / LK100:
2.5-inch 7mm HDD/SSD.2531 /2541 (Legacy):2.5-inch HDD/SSD up to 9.5mm.MINI: M.2 SATA
2242SSD.MINI PRO: M.2 SATA
2280 SSD.
[!IMPORTANT] Safe Removal (Mandatory) To prevent data corruption, always use the "Safely Remove Hardware" option in your PC's operating system. The hardware button ejection on the IODD may not be sufficient depending on your OS configuration.
🚀 Getting Started
First Time Using IODD?
If you haven't assembled your device yet, start here:
If your hardware is ready, follow these core functions:
1. Virtual Drive Feature
Learn how to mount ISO, VHD, and RMD files.
2. Encryption Function
Secure your data with AES-256 hardware encryption.
3. Simultaneous Use (Encryption + Virtual Drive)
For maximum security and utility, follow this specific order:
Configure Encryption: Set up your password first.
Setup Virtual Drive: Once encrypted, partition and copy your files.
[!CAUTION] Encryption Compatibility Notice
Due to an upgrade in the encryption algorithm, disks encrypted with 2541 / SecureDock are NOT compatible with the ST400 / LK100 / MINI PRO.
To migrate your disk to a newer model:
Back up all data to a safe location.
Initialize the disk on the new IODD device.
Set a new password and restore your data.
Compatibility Map:
ST400 ↔ LK100 ↔ MINI PRO (Fully Compatible)
[NOT COMPATIBLE]
2541 ↔ Securedock (Legacy Compatibility Only)
🛠️ Need Help?
If you encounter issues, please refer to these troubleshooting resources:
Terminal Verification
You can check if your IODD is correctly recognized by the OS:
2. 🧰 Disk Assembly (ST/LK)
2. 🧰 Disk Assembly (ST/LK)Disk Assembly Guide
Please refer to the images below and follow these steps carefully. This guide applies to ST300, ST400, and LK100 models, which share the same exterior design and use 2.5-inch 7mm HDD or SSDs.
1. Position the Device
Hold the IODD main body and the back cover as shown in the picture.
White: Back cover
Black: Main body
2. Remove the Rear Cover
2. Remove the Rear CoverWhile holding the main body firmly in place, slide the rear cover in the direction of the arrow.
Push it all the way to remove it completely.
⚠️ Warning: Do not apply excessive inward pressure, as this may cause damage. Be sure to push strictly in the direction of the guide.
3. Install the Disk Drive
Install the disk in the following order:
Connect the SATA port side first. Ensure it is aligned correctly.
Seat the disk into the IODD main body securely.
4. Reattach the Cover
Slide the cover back on until you hear a "click" sound.
[!IMPORTANT] Check the Latch Verify that the rear latch is properly engaged and the cover is flush with the body.
What do you want to do now?
If your hardware is ready, you must initialize the disk first: Disk Initialization Guide
Use Encryption: Learn how to secure your data with the Encryption Guide. (Note: ST300 does not support encryption).
Use Virtual Drive: Learn how to use the Bootable Virtual Drive feature. Drive Setup
Use Both Simultaneously: To use encryption and virtual drives together, follow this order:
Complete the Encryption settings first.
Then, set up your Bootable Virtual Drive.
Verification Tool
After assembly, you can check if the drive is physically detected:
3. ⌨️ Disk Initialization
Disk Initialization & Power Setup
Setting up your IODD correctly from the start prevents filesystem errors and "ASSERT" failures. Follow these steps carefully.
1. Connection & Power Stability
Connect the IODD to your PC.
Desktop: Always use the rear USB ports (directly connected to the motherboard) for stable power.
Laptop: Use the port with the highest voltage output (often marked with a lightning bolt or SS icon).
[!CAUTION] Power Shortage Depending on the port's power output, a separate powered USB hub or a USB Y-cable may be required for stable operation, especially with high-capacity SSDs.
2. Initializing a New Disk
2. Initializing a New DiskIf you are installing a new disk for the first time, follow this specific order:
Detection: Once the IODD is recognized, an initialization message will appear in your OS disk management tool.
Encryption First (Optional): * If you intend to use hardware encryption, you must set the password on the IODD hardware first before initializing the drive in Windows/Mac.
ST400, LK100 & MINI PRO: Set the 2nd Password first, followed by the 1st Password.
Disk Initialization: * Initialize the drive using MBR or GPT partition styles. *
Partitioning & Formatting:
Format using NTFS, exFAT, or FAT32.
Note: FAT32 has a 4GB file size limit. NTFS/exFAT is recommended for ISO/VHD files.
ST/MINI PRO: The IODD data partition does not have to be the first partition on the disk.
Safe Removal (Crucial): Always use "Safely Remove Hardware" before disconnecting. Failure to do so with NTFS can lead to the "ASSERT" error.
Reconnect & Verify: Reconnect the IODD. If files are not visible, hold the [4] key for 3 seconds to manually select the correct partition.
🛠️ OS Specific Guides
Windows: Microsoft Disk Management Guide.
macOS: Disk Utility User Guide.
3. Using an Existing Disk
Connect the device and press the [3] key to check the current voltage.
Test stability by transferring a few files larger than 4GB.
4. Model-Specific Disk Support
IODD MINI
M.2 SATA 2242 SSD
IODD MINI PRO
M.2 SATA 2280 SSD
ST300, ST400, LK100
2.5-inch 7mm HDD/SSD
Other Legacy Models
Standard 2.5-inch HDD/SSD (up to 9.5mm)
⚡ Voltage Check
Monitoring voltage is crucial for data integrity. Press [3] on the keypad to view the current V-voltage.
[!CAUTION] Low Voltage Warning (< 4.65V) This is critical. Large file transfers may fail, or the disk may disconnect randomly. You must move to a rear PC port or use a powered USB hub immediately to prevent data loss.
[!NOTE] Normal Voltage (> 4.65V) The device should function normally. However, high-performance SSDs may have instantaneous power spikes. If instability occurs, switch to a more stable power source.
🔗 Next Steps
Basic Operations: Basic Control & Function Keys
Virtual Drive: Drive Setup & ISO Mounting
Security: AES-256 Encryption Guide
Terminal Diagnostics
You can monitor live power-related events on Linux systems during initialization:
4. 📁 Basic Control / Function Keys
IODD ST300/400, MINI PRO
The physical keypad on your IODD allows for quick navigation and advanced power-user shortcuts. Understanding these keys will significantly improve your workflow.
1. Basic Control (Press Key Once)
[1]
Rescan
Rescans the root folder for new files.
[2]
Up
Moves up in the file or item list.
[3]
Voltage
Displays the VBUS minimum voltage (Crucial for stability).
[4]
Back
Goes to the parent folder.
[5]
Info
View detailed file information (size, fragmentation, etc.).
[6]
Select
Selects a file to mount or enters a folder.
[7]
Eject
Ejects the most recently mounted virtual drive.
[8]
Down
Moves down in the file or item list.
[9]
Save
Saves the current mount state (Auto-mounts on next boot).
[M]
Menu
Accesses the built-in Help menu.
[0]
Help
Enters or exits the system settings menu.
[Enter]
Select
Same function as Key [6].
⚡ HotKeys: Long Press Functions (Hold for 3s)
[1]
Reconnect
Software-based reconnection (refresh USB bus).
[3]
WP Reconnect
Reconnects with Write-Protection enabled.
[4]
Partition List
Displays all partitions and lets you select the Default Partition.
[7]
Detach All
Reconnects with all virtual drives unmounted.
[9]
Sleep Mode
Safely parks the drive and enters a low-power state.
[0]
Temp WP Disable
Reconnects with Write-Protection temporarily disabled.
🚀 Startup Keys (Hold while connecting USB)
[1]
Factory Reset
Resets the device to factory defaults.
[3]
Write Protection
Forces Write Protection on boot-up.
[5]
Standalone Mode
Powers on the IODD without connecting to the PC OS.
[7]
Unmounted Start
Starts with all ISO/VHD drives unmounted.
[M]
Standalone Menu
Access the menu without a PC data connection.
[0]
Startup Info
Shows info about available startup keys.
[!TIP] Correct Startup Sequence
Hold the desired key firmly.
Plug in the USB cable.
Release the key once the IODD logo appears.
Terminal Verification
5. 🌳 Menu Tree (MINI PRO/ST/LK)
This page outlines the hierarchical menu structure of the IODD ST/LK and MINI PRO series.
⌨️ Menu Control
2: Moves cursor Up.8: Moves cursor Down.6or⏎: Execution / Select key.
1. Mode Setting
Configure the device's operational mode. Learn more
5- Toggles Write Protection (On/Off). Icon changes accordingly.6- Toggles Fixed / Removable drive type. Icon changes accordingly.3- Moves selection Up.9- Moves selection Down.
Enabled/Disabled Devices: Toggle the following virtual drives:
ODD: Virtual CD Drive (*.iso)
HDD: Physical Internal Drive
VHD: Virtual Drive (*.vhd, *.ima)
2. AES256 Encryption (Administrator Mode)
Manage hardware encryption settings. Encryption Guide
[!CAUTION] When setting or deleting the Admin password, all disk data will be permanently deleted. Please back up your data before proceeding.
Admin Menu:
Set 2nd P.W.: Setup the secondary password (4-38 digits). This must be done before setting the 1st password.
Set Password: Set the primary administrator password. (Data is deleted, but can be restored if released immediately after setting).
Del Password: Deletes the password and wipes all data.
Chg Password: Changes the existing password.
General User Management:
User1 - User4: Individual user slots.
Set Password / Del Password: Set or remove user-specific passwords.
☑Read-only: Enables Write-protection for the specific user.
☑User Change: Allows the user to change their own password.
☑User Delete: Allows the user to delete their own password.
Save Users: Saves the configured user settings.
3. AES256 Encryption (User Mode)
Settings available for standard users. User Guide
Chg Password: Change the current user password.
Del Password: Delete the current user password.
4. USB Control
Manage connection and safety settings.
Keep P.W. 2min: Maintains the password for
2minutes after power-off for quick reconnection. DetailsWrite Protect: Enables Write-protection for all drives. Details
Refresh: Software-based reconnection of the device.
Safe Removal (HDD only):
Stops the spindle motor and enters power-saving mode.
Note for SSD Users: Hardware-side safe removal may not work depending on the PC. Always use "Safely Remove Hardware" within your PC's OS.
5. Information
View disk health and product details. S.M.A.R.T. Info
S.M.A.R.T.: Internal Drive status.
HDD Health: Shows Good, Warning, or Bad.
HDD Model / Serial: Displays drive identification info.
Product Info:
Firmware Ver: Current IODD firmware version.
USB Speed: Currently connected speed (Full/Hi/Super Speed).
6. Setting
Customize device behavior.
LCD Bright: Adjusts the LCD backlight brightness.
Screen Saver: Dims the screen after
2minutes of inactivity. For encrypted drives, the screen will lock for security.Load Default: Restores all settings to factory defaults.
7. Language
Select the display language:
English / 한글 / 简体中文 / 日本語 / Русский
6. 🖥️ Display/Status Bar
Status Bar
The status bar at the top of the screen shows the current operational state of the device.
Physical drive Write-Protect status (Enable/Disable).
Global Write-Protect (Protects all disks, including virtual drives).
Mount / Unmount status of the ISO file.
Mode Status (CD-ROM / Dual / HDD).
Power Status (Timer / Sleep mode).
AES256 Encryption is active (On).
USB Connection Speed (3.0 / 2.0 / 1.1).
Virtual Drive Indicators
This section displays information about the currently mounted virtual media.
Name of the mounted file (ISO / VHD / RMD).
Type of the virtual drive (Removable or Fixed).
Write-Protect status for virtual drives (VHD / RMD).
File/Drive List
Displays folders and compatible files in the currently selected directory.
To use a different partition:
Unmount all active virtual drives.
Press and hold the
4key for 3 seconds.Select the desired partition from the [Partition Selection] menu.
Help Menu
Users can access context-sensitive help at any time by pressing the
0key on most screens or items.
7. Bootable Virtual Drive
7.1 💽 Drive Setup
Choose your configuration
Virtual Drive Only: If you only plan to use the virtual drive functions, follow the instructions below.
AES Encryption Only: If you will only use hardware encryption, you can skip this section and go directly to the Encryption Guide.
Using Both (Encryption + Virtual Drive): You must complete the encryption setup first. Please refer to the Encryption Guide before proceeding here.
Drive Structure & Requirements
To ensure the IODD virtual drive functions correctly, your internal disk must meet the following partition and format requirements:
Partition Style: Must be either GPT or MBR.
Partition Type: Must be a Normal/Primary partition.
File System: Supported formats include NTFS, exFAT, or FAT32.
Partition Selection: The location of the partition does not matter. If you have multiple partitions, you can select the one containing your ISO files by pressing and holding the
4key for 3 seconds.
📂 File Management & Limitations
[!WARNING] Important: 32-Item Limit per Folder To ensure the IODD can index your files correctly, the number of files or subfolders within any single directory (that contains ISO/VHD/IMA files) must not exceed 32 items.
Recommended File Tree Structure
You can bypass the 32-item limit by organizing your files into subfolders. The limit only applies to the number of items within a single folder, not the total number of files on the entire drive.
7.2 ⚙️ Mode Configuration
[!IMPORTANT] Ensure that your disk drive is properly initialized before proceeding. Drive Setup Guide
🛠️ How to Enter Mode Setting
Press the
Menu(or*) button.Navigate to and select [Mode setting].
📑 Item Descriptions
HDD
The internal physical drive of the ST400/LK100/MINI PRO.
ODD
Virtual Optical Disc Drive (CD/DVD/Blu-ray) used for mounting ISO files. Note: ODD is always write-protected; manual toggle does not apply.
VHD
Virtual drive used for mounting VHD/IMA/RMD files. It can act as a removable/fixed drive or a USB memory stick.
⌨️ Mode Setting Controls
2 / 8
Move Cursor
Moves the cursor (▶) Up and Down to select a drive.
3 / 9
Change Order
Moves the selected item's priority order (▶) Up and Down.
5
Write Protect
Toggles Write Protection (On/Off) for the selected drive.
6
Drive Type
Toggles the selected drive's property between Fixed and Removable.
[!IMPORTANT] Disabling Items: Items placed below the [----------Disable-----] line will be deactivated. Use the
3or9keys to move unwanted items below this line.
💻 Configuration Example
If configured as shown in the image above, the PC will recognize the following devices:
Physical HDD
Virtual ODD Drive
Removable Writable USB Drive
[!WARNING] Error: [No Extra Devices] If you attempt to mount an ISO or VHD file and receive this message, it means no virtual drive (ODD/VHD) is currently active. At least one virtual drive must be enabled in the Mode Setting menu.
✅ Saving and Next Steps
Once you have finished your configuration, press the Menu (*) key to save. The IODD will automatically reconnect, and your new settings will be applied.
To mount an ISO file: Proceed to Virtual ODD (ISO) Guide.
To use Virtual USB/HDD: Learn how to Create VHD files with VHD Tools.
7.3 💿 Virtual ODD (ISO)
Step 1: Pre-check before use (Important)
Are virtual drives enabled? Mode Configuration
Are you going to use encryption at the same time? If so, proceed with encryption first. Encryption Guide
The ISO file must be a bootable file.
Since IODD works the same as physical ODD, an ISO file that does not boot from an actual ODD will not boot from IODD.
If your PC only supports UEFI boot, you must boot using the Virtual Drive function. Some motherboards do not support ODD boot.
Even in special cases (when installing an older OS on the latest generation board), the installation operation may fail due to a driver conflict. In this case, VHD files are mostly bootable and installable.
For macOS Users
IODD cannot directly mount DMG/BIN/IMG files or disk images for MAC. Must convert to ISO file.
You can change it directly in Terminal as shown below:
ISO file mount
Prepare the ISO file.
Copy the ISO file to the IODD disk.
Safe removal and Reconnect, or Long Press the
1key for 3 seconds.Select the ISO file from the IODD screen and Press
6orEnter.If it is mounted normally, you can see that the virtual drive is recognized on the desktop or in the Finder.
Save current state: Reconnecting will bring up the virtual drive in its current saved state by Pressing the
9key.No Booting Required: If the installation does not require booting, double-click the virtual drive or autorun as it is to execute the operation.
Booting Required: If you need to boot from a virtual drive, continue with the BIOS settings below.
[!WARNING] File not visible? Try selecting another partition by Long Pressing the
4key (partition selection).
[!CAUTION] If Virtual Drive is not enabled Please refer to the Mode Configuration to enable Virtual ODD.
CMOS/BIOS Boot Order Setting
[!NOTE] Boot setup menus may differ depending on the board manufacturer/chipset configuration.
Enter the PC's CMOS/BIOS screen (typically using F2 or DEL keys during booting).
Select the BOOT section: This may be in a submenu like "Advanced" depending on the manufacturer.
Set Boot Mode: Set the boot mode to Legacy if required.
Set Order: Select IODD Virtual ODD Drive as the first priority in Boot Order.
[!TIP] Multi-Lun Support: Some boards do not support Multi-Lun. In that case, enable only IODD Virtual Drive as the bootable drive (disable other drives in the Boot order).
[!IMPORTANT] Legacy/UEFI: If you are unable to select Legacy/UEFI, please contact the manufacturer or use VHD boot methods.
[!CAUTION] Important: To prevent accidental formatting of the IODD during OS installation, Long Press the
3key for 3 seconds to enable Write Protection.
Save & Exit (usually F10)
If you have set the correct ISO at the top of the boot order, the PC will boot via the virtual ODD.
Windows: You will be prompted to press a specific key on the boot screen (e.g., F6).
Mac: For Intel or Silicon Macs, refer to Apple's official guide for booting from an external disk.
7.4 💻 Virtual Drive (VHD)
Guide for creating and using Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) files for OS installation and portable environments.
7.4.1 ⚒️ Create VHD file with VHD Tools
Overview of Virtual Drive Creation
The VHD Tool is a Windows-exclusive application designed to create fixed-size VHD files, allowing your IODD device to function as a virtual drive.
[!NOTE] Supported File Systems The VHD Tool supports both NTFS and ExFAT partitions for VHD creation. However, if you are using an older firmware version, creating the file on an NTFS partition is recommended for maximum stability.
Download VHD Tools
Step-by-Step VHD Creation
Launch the VHD Tool application.
Navigate to the top menu and select the [Create] tab.
Initiate new virtual drive setup via the Create menu. In the [File name] field, designate the save path (an NTFS or ExFAT partition on the IODD) and enter the desired filename.
Select the internal IODD directory where the file will be stored. Enter the required capacity for the VHD file in the [Size] field.
[!IMPORTANT] The allocated size must be less than or equal to the [Biggest linear Space] (maximum contiguous free space) available on the disk.
Assign the appropriate capacity after verifying the available disk space. Click the [Create] button at the bottom to begin generating the VHD file in the specified path.
[!WARNING] UEFI Installation Requirements When creating a VHD for UEFI booting and installation purposes, the VHD file size must be larger than the size of the original ISO file.
[!TIP] Disk Optimization Recommended Creating a VHD requires contiguous disk space. If creation fails due to insufficient contiguous space, please perform a disk defragmentation and try again.
Mounting and Persisting the VHD State
Once the creation process is complete, follow these steps to mount the VHD and ensure it remains loaded after a reboot.
Reconnect the IODD device to your PC.
Use the LCD screen on the IODD to locate and select the newly created VHD file.
Press the [6] button or the [Enter] key to mount the file.
Important (Save State): To maintain the mount status even after a reboot or reconnection, you must press the [9] key (or [Enter] for certain models) to save the current state before restarting your PC.
[!IMPORTANT] Persisting Mount Status If you do not save the state using the [9] key, the VHD will be unmounted when the device loses power or the PC reboots. Ensure you save the state before proceeding to the boot sequence.
[!CAUTION] Troubleshooting Mount Failures The VHD will not mount if the Virtual Drive mode is disabled in the device settings. Please refer to the Mode Configuration Guide to verify your configuration.
[!NOTE] For detailed instructions on converting an ISO file into a UEFI-bootable virtual drive, refer to: Converting ISO to UEFI Bootable Drive
7.4.2 🗜️ Convert ISO file to UEFI bootable Drive
[!NOTE] This process converts an ISO file into a bootable virtual drive, functioning similarly to a USB flash drive or a Windows-To-Go (WTG) drive.
Prerequisites
ISO File: The source OS installation image.
Mounted VHD (Empty): A VHD file created and mounted via IODD.
Refer to: Creating VHD Files
Rufus Application: Download from https://rufus.ie/
Step-by-Step Conversion
1. Mount the VHD File
Mount the prepared empty VHD file on your IODD device. It will appear as a "Virtual Drive" on your PC.
2. Configure Rufus
Run the Rufus application with Administrator privileges.
[Device]: Select the mounted VHD drive (Ensure it is the virtual drive, not a physical disk).
[Boot selection]: Click SELECT and choose your original ISO file.
[Image Option]: Select Standard Windows installation (or Windows To Go if you wish to run the OS directly from the drive).
[Partition scheme]: Set to GPT.
[Target system]: Set to UEFI (non CSM).
[!TIP] For better compatibility with certain Win-To-Go installations on older systems, using MBR / BIOS (or UEFI-CSM) may be required.
[File system] & [Cluster size]: It is highly recommended to use the default values.
Click the [START] button to begin the bootable file creation.
[!CAUTION] Verify Target Drive Selection Always double-check that the target drive is the VHD-mounted "Virtual Drive." Never select the physical IODD drive itself, as this will lead to data loss. Enabling Write-Protection on the physical drive before starting is a recommended safety measure.
3. Booting from the Virtual Drive
Once the process in Rufus is complete, you must configure your PC to boot from this virtual drive.
Save the current state of the IODD by pressing the [9] key.
Follow the instructions in the CMOS/BIOS Boot Order Setting section:
[!IMPORTANT] To ensure the virtual drive is recognized during the boot sequence, some motherboards may require the IODD to be set to VHD-only mode or have the specific VHD file pre-selected and saved as the primary boot state.
7.4.3 🍎 WTG/Boot Camp (Mac OSX)
[!CAUTION] Compatibility Warning Boot Camp installation via this method is not supported on Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, etc.). This guide applies only to Intel-based Mac models.
The combination of IODD's WTG (Windows To Go) capability and encryption features allows for a secure, portable booting solution on both standard PCs and Intel-based Macs. For the full setup process, please also refer to the UEFI Booting guide.
[!NOTE] Prerequisites Since the VHD Tool and Rufus are Windows-only applications, you must have access to a Windows environment for the initial setup.
VHD Tool: Download and Guide
Rufus: Download
Windows ISO: Windows 8.1, 10, or 11 (Professional / Enterprise recommended)
Preparations
Boot Camp Support Software (Drivers):
Download the necessary drivers via the Boot Camp Assistant (Control Panel) on your Mac.
Store these drivers on an external USB drive or a separate VHD file.
VHD File for Installation:
A Fixed-size VHD is highly recommended for optimal performance.
Refer to: Creating VHD Files
Rufus Configuration
The basic configuration follows the standard UEFI boot settings. Refer to the ISO to UEFI Conversion Guide for details.
Enable Advanced Options: In Rufus, navigate to [Advanced Drive Properties] and check [List USB Hard Drives].
Select Target: Choose the mounted VHD drive (the fixed-size virtual disk) as the target device.
Partition & System: Set the partition scheme to GPT and the target system to UEFI (non CSM).
[!CAUTION] Critical Selection Check Ensure the target drive is the VHD-mounted "Virtual Drive." Never attempt installation directly onto the physical IODD disk, as this will result in total data loss. It is strongly recommended to enable Write-Protection on the physical IODD device as a safeguard.
Booting into Boot Camp
Ensure your Mac is completely turned off.
Connect the IODD to the Mac.
Press the Power button while holding down the [Option] (Alt) key.
When the boot manager appears, select the Yellow EFI Boot icon.
[!TIP] During the first-time installation, hold the [Control] key while selecting the disk to set it as the default boot device.
After the Windows setup completes, install the Boot Camp Support Software (drivers) prepared earlier.
Additional Resources
For official information regarding Apple Boot Camp, please visit: Apple Support: Install Windows on your Mac with Boot Camp
7.4.4 💽 Make Virtual Drive for Silicon Mac
Since the Windows-based VHD Tool cannot be used directly on Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, etc.), you can create a compatible virtual drive file using the macOS Terminal.
Recommended Resources
For more details on dummy file creation, refer to the following technical guides:
Step-by-Step Creation Guide
You can create a dummy file using the mkfile command. The file extension must be set to .DSK to be recognized by the IODD as a virtual drive.
[!NOTE] Command Syntax Open the Terminal and use the following command structure:
$ mkfile [Size] [Path/Filename.DSK]
Usage Examples:
Create a 10GB Virtual Drive:
Create a 100GB Virtual Drive:
How to Prevent File Fragmentation (Critical for IODD)
The IODD hardware requires virtual drive files (DSK, ISO, VHD) to be stored in physically contiguous space (unfragmented). macOS does not have a built-in defrag utility, so follow these methods to ensure compatibility:
[!TIP] Method 1: Create Directly on the IODD Drive (Recommended) To prevent fragmentation from the start, execute the
mkfilecommand directly onto the IODD drive's path.
[!IMPORTANT] Method 2: Ensure Sufficient Free Space Before creating a file, ensure the IODD has much more free space than the file size you intend to create. This allows the file system to allocate a single contiguous block of data more easily.
[!CAUTION] How to Fix "Defrag!" Errors on macOS If the IODD displays a "Defrag!" error, macOS does not provide a tool to fix this in place. You must:
Copy the fragmented
.DSKfile to your Mac's desktop.Delete the file from the IODD and Empty the Trash.
Copy the file back to the IODD.
If the error persists, the most effective solution is to backup all data, format the IODD, and copy all files back at once.
[!WARNING] Avoid Sparse Files Do not use the
ddcommand withseekto create files, as this creates "sparse files" that are highly likely to be fragmented and unrecognizable by the IODD hardware. Always usemkfile.
8. AES256 Encryption (MINI PRO/ST/LK)
8.1 🔑 Encryption Guide
Hardware Model Comparison
The IODD provides robust hardware-based encryption. The following table summarizes the encryption capabilities by model:
[!NOTE] ST300 Notice The ST300 model does not support hardware encryption features. For encryption support, please use the ST400, LK100, or MINI/MINI PRO series.
Core Encryption Features
IODD employs Full Disk Encryption (FDE) on a hardware basis. This ensures that the entire disk is protected, and no data can be accessed or recovered without the correct password.
[!NOTE] Random Keypad Security For enhanced security, all encryption-related inputs utilize a Random Keypad system where the number positions change every time. Always verify the keypad layout on the screen carefully before entering or setting your password.
[!CAUTION] Data Initialization Warning Enabling or disabling the encryption feature will completely initialize (erase) all data on the disk. You must back up all critical data to a separate storage device before making any changes to encryption settings.
[!WARNING] Incompatibility & Conflicts
Encryption formats between IODD 2541 and ST400/LK100 are not compatible.
Do not use IODD hardware encryption simultaneously with third-party software encryption solutions (e.g., BitLocker, VeraCrypt). Doing so may cause system instability or data corruption.
Getting Started
To use the encryption features safely, set up the 2nd Password first. It is the administrator key used during encryption initialization and when moving an encrypted disk to another ST400/LK100/MINI PRO enclosure.
Terminal Tips for Advanced Users
If you are managing drive paths or checking mount points on a Mac, you can use the following command:
8.2 Admin
The administrator has all the rights of the device and can create or delete users 1~4 and grant rights.
8.2.1 🔑 2nd Password
The 2nd Password is a critical security layer required when initializing encryption on a drive or when migrating an encrypted drive to a different IODD ST/LK or MINI PRO device.
This password can be up to 38 digits long and is strictly managed by the administrator.
[!CAUTION] Irrecoverable Password If the 2nd password is lost, it cannot be retrieved, reset, or recovered through any means. Ensure this password is stored in a secure location.
Why the 2nd Password is Essential
[!NOTE] Enhanced Security Benefits
Anti Brute-Force: Prevents unauthorized access via mass-cloning or brute-force attacks by adding a secondary hardware-level validation.
Hardware Portability: If your IODD enclosure is physically damaged, the 2nd password allows you to safely migrate your encrypted drive to a new IODD ST/LK or MINI PRO device.
Key Usage Guidelines
[!IMPORTANT] Storage of the 2nd Password The 2nd password is encrypted and stored within the ST400/LK100/MINI PRO hardware. You typically only need to set it once during the initial encryption setup unless you choose to change it later.
[!WARNING] Drive Migration Requirement When connecting an encrypted drive to a new IODD device, you must provide the existing 2nd password to gain access. Without it, the drive remains inaccessible. Refer to: Encrypted Disk Migration Guide
Setting the 2nd Password
Press the Menu button and navigate to: [Encryption] - [Admin].
Access the Administrative encryption settings. Select the [Set 2nd P.W] option.
Input your desired 2nd password twice to confirm and set. Once the 2nd password is successfully configured, proceed to set the Admin Password. Refer to: Setting the Admin Password
[!IMPORTANT] Encryption Activation Hardware encryption functionality cannot be activated or utilized without first configuring a 2nd password.
8.2.2 🔑 Set admin Password
When multiple users share an IODD ST/LK device, the Administrator Mode allows for the management of individual user passwords and specific drive permissions. Administrators have the authority to reset user passwords and are the only ones capable of removing encryption from the entire device.
Prerequisites
[!IMPORTANT] 2nd Password Requirement You must configure the
2nd Password before you can set the Admin Password. Refer to: 2nd Password Setup Guide
Step-by-Step Setup
Press the Menu button and navigate to: [Encryption] - [Admin].
Accessing the Administrative encryption settings. Select the [Set Encryption] option and review the caution message.
[!CAUTION] Data Loss Warning Enabling or deleting the Admin password will initialize (erase) all data on the disk. Ensure all important files are backed up before proceeding.
Read the warning carefully before initiating encryption. Enter your desired Admin Password twice for confirmation.
Input the administrator password using the keypad. Wait for the process to complete. Once finished, the disk is initialized, and the screen may display [No appropriate partition] because the drive is now unformatted.
Disk initialization successful; formatting is required for use. Reconnect the IODD. You will now be prompted for the password. To log in as the administrator, you must enter the prefix "0" followed by your password.
Log in using the 0 + [Admin Password] format.
Understanding the Password Structure
The IODD login system uses a prefix to distinguish between the administrator and general users.
[!NOTE] Login Format: [User ID] + [Set Password]
0: Administrator Identification Digit
1–4: User Identification Digits
Example: If you set the administrator password to
55447788, the final login code is 055447788.
[!WARNING] Authentication Errors If you receive a "Wrong Password" error despite entering the correct numbers, check if you omitted the "0" prefix. The system does not add the administrator ID automatically during the login prompt.
Next Steps
After setting the password, you may need to format the drive or set up virtual drives.
8.2.3 👥 User Management
Administrators have the authority to create multiple user profiles, each with distinct access rights to the encrypted drive.
Administrator Authentication
Access the menu and navigate to: [Encryption] - [User].
Navigate to the User settings under the Encryption menu. Enter 0 followed by the Admin Password.
[!NOTE] The prefix
0identifies the input as an administrative login.
Example: 0 + [Admin Password] Select the specific user index (1-
4) you wish to manage.
Choose one of the four available user slots.
User Permissions and Password Setup
Configure the following options and set a password for the selected user:
[!TIP] Understanding User Options
Read Only: The user can access files but cannot write, modify, or delete data on the drive.
User Change: Permits the user to change their own password without administrative intervention.
User Delete: Allows the user to delete their own account/password from the device.
Saving Changes
After configuring the user profile, you must confirm the settings.
[!IMPORTANT] Persistence of Settings You must select [Save users] to commit the changes. If you exit the menu without saving, all modifications will be discarded.
Password Structure for Users (1-4)
4)To log in as a specific user, the password must be prefixed with the corresponding User Identification Digit.
[!NOTE] Login Format [User ID (1~4)] + [User Password (Up to 37 digits)]
If User 1 sets the password to
55447788, the login code is 155447788.If User 4 sets the password to
55447788, the login code is 455447788.
Advanced User Operations
For more details on specific encryption menus available to Users 1–4, please refer to: User Encryption Menu
8.2.4 🔑 Remove Encryption/Change Admin Password
Modifying the fundamental encryption settings of your IODD device has different impacts on your data depending on the command. Please review the following impact table carefully before proceeding.
[!NOTE] Password Change & Data Safety Changing your Admin password does not delete the files stored on the internal drive. It only resets the secondary User (1-
4) profiles and administrative access credentials.
Impact Table by Command
Set Encryption
Initialized
Initialized
❌ All Data Lost
Change Password
Updated
Removed
✅ Remains Intact
Remove Encryption
Removed
Removed
❌ All Data Lost
Step-by-Step Instructions
Press the Menu button and navigate to: [Encryption] - [Admin].
Accessing the administrative security settings. Select either [Remove Encryption] or [Chg Password] based on your objective.
Review the Caution Message on the screen before confirming:
Change Password: This will reset the administrative password and delete all User 1–4 profiles. The files on the drive will remain safe and accessible to the administrator.
Notice: User 1-4 data will be reset, but drive files are preserved. Remove Encryption:
[!CAUTION] This will permanently delete all passwords, user profiles, and all files stored on the internal drive. This action is irreversible.
Warning: All data and settings will be permanently erased.
[!IMPORTANT] Verification After Action
After Removing Encryption: The device returns to a standard (non-encrypted) state. You must format the drive again to use it.
After Changing Password: You must log in with the new password using the 0 + [New Password] format upon reconnection. Your existing files will be available immediately.
[!WARNING] Unrecoverable Actions For "Set Encryption" or "Remove Encryption," the deleted data cannot be recovered by any software or hardware tools once confirmed. Always maintain a backup of critical files.
9. User
9.1 👤 User Menu (Encryption)
Standard users (User 1~4) can manage their own security settings, such as changing or deleting their passwords, provided the Administrator has granted the necessary permissions.
[!TIP] Menu Visibility If you cannot see the Encryption menu after pressing the Menu button, it means the Administrator has disabled your permission to change or delete your password.
Accessing the Menu
Press the [Menu] button on your IODD device.
Navigate to and select the [Encryption] menu.
Available User Functions
Depending on the Permissions assigned to you by the Administrator, the following options will be activated:
[!NOTE] User Menu Options
Chg Password: Allows User 1~4 to independently change their own login password.
Del Password: Allows User 1~4 to delete their own account and password from the device.
[!IMPORTANT] Administrative Authority Even if a user has the rights to manage their own password, the Administrator retains full control and can change or delete any user's password at any time via the Admin Mode.
Security Recommendations
[!WARNING] Password Deletion If you use the Del Password function, you will lose access to the encrypted drive immediately. You will need to contact the Administrator to have a new user profile and password assigned to you.
[!TIP] Changing Passwords It is recommended to change your password periodically. When changing your password, ensure you remember your User Identification Digit (1-
4), as it must be entered as a prefix every time you log in.
10. 🔄 Encrypted Disk Migration (MINI PRO / ST / LK)
[!NOTE] Drive Compatibility An encrypted HDD/SSD can be moved to another ST400/LK100 device while maintaining the existing encrypted data, provided you synchronize the security settings correctly.
Preparation
To migrate your encrypted data to a new device, you will need:
Existing Drive: The original HDD/SSD containing your encrypted data.
Temp Drive: A secondary or temporary drive used only for the initial setup of the new IODD.
New IODD: The replacement ST400/LK100 enclosure.
[!CAUTION] Safety First Do not install your Existing Drive into the New IODD until you have completed the 2nd password configuration. This prevents any accidental data initialization during the setup phase.
Migration Procedure
Follow these steps to synchronize your new hardware with the existing encryption:
1. Initial Setup with the Temp Drive
Install the Temp Drive into your New IODD enclosure. This drive acts as a placeholder to safely initialize the encryption settings on the new hardware.
2. Synchronize the 2nd Password
Navigate to the menu and set the 2nd Password on the New IODD. Refer to: 2nd Password Setup Guide
[!IMPORTANT] Password Consistency You must set the exact same 2nd password that was used on the original device. If the drive is not recognized after the migration, you can simply re-run this process with the correct 2nd password to regain access.
3. Hardware Swap
After successfully setting the 2nd password, power off the device and remove the Temp Drive from the enclosure.
4. Final Migration
Install your Existing Drive into the New IODD. The device will now recognize the encryption, and you can unlock your data using your original administrator or user passwords.
[!TIP] Troubleshooting Access Issues If your Existing Drive is not recognized after migration, it is likely that the 2nd password was entered incorrectly. In this case, re-insert the Temp Drive, use the [Chg Password] menu in Admin mode to set the correct 2nd password, and then try the Existing Drive again.
[!WARNING] Encryption Prefix Remember to enter the identification digit when prompted for a password:
0 + [Admin Password]
1~4 + [User Password]
11. 🖥️ Admin Manager Application
The Admin Manager is a specialized Windows application that allows administrators to manage encryption settings, user permissions, and device locking/unlocking directly from a PC.
[!IMPORTANT] Supported Models Only: ST400 / LK100 / MINI PRO. This application does not support: 2531, 2541, IODD MINI, ST300.
Download Link
You can download the latest version of the Admin Manager from the official IODD Download Center.
[!NOTE] IODD Download Center: http://dir.iodd.kr
Application Layout
The application is divided into several functional zones to facilitate efficient device management.
🛡️ Admin Panel Area
This section allows the administrator to control the primary security state of the connected IODD.
[Admin Password] Field: All administrative actions require this password. Without it, changes will not be saved to the IODD hardware.
[Secondary Password (2nd Password)] Field: Used for initial encryption setup or when migrating the drive to new hardware.
[Set] Button: Commits the entered 2nd password (up to 38 digits) to the machine.
[Unlock] Button: Unlocks the connected IODD from the PC.
[Lock] Button: Manually engages the password lock on the device.
[Password Configuration] Tab: Allows saving current user settings as a file.
[!TIP] Master Password: Saving or loading configuration files requires a "Master Password." This is independent of the Admin Password and is used solely for protecting the configuration files.
👥 User Management Area
Administrators can configure up to four individual user profiles with specific access rights.
User Selection [1]: Check the box for the user (1-
4) you wish to manage.Password [2] & Authority [3]: Set the individual password and check the desired permissions.
Read Only: User cannot write data.
User Change: User can modify their own password.
User Delete: User can remove their own credentials.
Execution Buttons:
[Set Password]: Applies the settings to the IODD.
[Do not reconnect]: If checked, settings apply immediately without needing to physically reconnect the device.
[Empty]: Clears all input fields in the user area for a fresh start.
[!IMPORTANT] User Password Structure User passwords must start with their designated User ID (1-
4). The total length can be up to 38 digits (1 digit ID + 37 digit password).
📊 Status & Utility Areas
Current Status Area
Provides a real-time overview of the encryption lock status and active user permissions.
Log Area
Displays a chronological log of all actions and progress. Use the [Clear] button to reset the view.
Main Menu & Settings
Located under [Settings] - [Preferences], you can close the program or change the interface language.
Supported Languages: Korean, English, German, French, Chinese, Japanese, Russian.
[!NOTE] Feature Availability All encryption functions can be performed directly on the IODD device hardware. The Admin Manager application is required only for managing Password Configuration Files (.cfg) or for more convenient batch management via PC.
Related Documentation
12. AES256 Encryption (MINI)
12.1 🔑 IODD MINI Encryption
The IODD MINI features hardware-based AES256 encryption, ensuring that your data is protected and inaccessible without the correct authorization.
Hardware Model Comparison
While the IODD MINI provides powerful encryption, its feature set differs from the ST/LK and MINI PRO series. Please refer to the table below:
Max Password Length
76 Digits
16 Digits
2nd Password Support
O
X
Admin Mode
O
X
Random Keypad
O
O
Core Security Information
[!NOTE] ST300 Notice The ST300 model does not support hardware encryption features.
[!NOTE] Random Keypad Entry All password inputs utilize a Random Keypad system. The position of each number changes every time the screen is activated. Carefully verify the keypad layout on the IODD MINI screen before entering or setting your password.
[!CAUTION] Data Initialization Enabling or disabling the encryption feature will completely erase (initialize) all data on the internal drive. It is mandatory to back up your important files before making changes to the encryption state.
[!WARNING] Encryption Incompatibility Encryption formats are not compatible between different IODD generations. Drives encrypted on IODD 2541 or ST400/LK100/MINI PRO cannot be read by an IODD MINI, and vice-versa.
[!WARNING] Third-Party Software Conflicts Do not use IODD hardware encryption in conjunction with software-based Full Disk Encryption (FDE) solutions such as BitLocker or VeraCrypt. Simultaneous use may lead to critical system errors or data corruption.
Configuration Guide
Since the IODD MINI does not utilize a 2nd password system, you can proceed directly to the encryption setup and removal guide:
12.2 🔐 Set/Remove Encryption(MINI)
Set Password
1.Press the Menu button to select the [Encryption] [SetEncryption] menu.
2. Check Caution Message
[!CAUTION] Data Deletion Warning When setting or removing the password, all disk data will be deleted. Please back up all necessary data before proceeding.
3.enter the password twice.
4. Enter the setup password twice and wait for a while to finish. The disk was initialized when setting the password, Displayed [no appropriate partition]
5.When IODD is reconnected, Require a password
Remove Encryption
1.Press the Menu button to select the [Encryption] [RemoveEncrypt] menu.
2. Check Caution Message
[!CAUTION] Data Deletion Warning When setting or removing the password, all disk data will be deleted. Please back up all necessary data before proceeding.
3.enter the password twice.
4. Enter the setup password twice and wait for a while to finish. The disk was initialized when Remove the password, Displayed [no appropriate partition]
and Using a virtual drive with encryptionDrive Setup
13. Various Functions
13.1 🛡️ Write Protection
IODD provides robust write protection that can be applied globally to the entire device or individually to specific virtual drives. This ensures your data remains untampered when connected to external systems.
[!CAUTION] Emergency Security Connection When connecting the IODD to an unverified or insecure system, always press and hold the [3] key while plugging it in. This forces the device into Write-Protect mode immediately, preventing any malware or unauthorized system from modifying your data.
Quick Hotkeys
Hold [3] for 3s
Triggers a reconnection with Write-Protection enabled.
Hold [0] for 3s
Triggers a reconnection with Write-Protection temporarily disabled.
Boot with [3] pressed
Starts the device in Write-Protection mode from the moment of connection.
Global Write Protection Setup
To apply write protection to the entire IODD device, follow these steps:
Press the [Menu] button and navigate to: [USB Control].
Access the hardware control settings. Locate [Write Protect] and toggle it using the [6] key or [Enter].
Activating the global write protection lock. Press the [Menu] key to save the current configuration.
Confirming and saving your changes.
[!NOTE] Status Indicator Once Global Write Protection is active, the padlock icon at the top of the IODD display will be highlighted in red, indicating the drive is in a read-only state.
Individual Drive Configuration
If you need to set write protection for a specific virtual drive (VHD/DSK) rather than the whole device, please refer to the Mode Configuration guide:
Terminal Verification (macOS/Linux)
You can verify the read-only status of your IODD via terminal:
13.2 📄 TXT Viewer
The TXT Viewer is a highly convenient tool that allows you to read text files directly on the IODD's built-in display without needing to connect to a operating system.
Supported Formats
To ensure proper rendering of text on the small display, please check the encoding of your files:
Supported Encodings: UTF-16 (UCS-2) and ASCII.
Incompatibility: Certain Asian character codes and complex encodings may not be supported.
[!TIP] Encoding Tip If a text file appears garbled or shows broken characters, try re-saving the file on your PC using UTF-16 Little Endian encoding for the best compatibility.
How to Use
Navigate through your IODD's file list to find the desired
.txtfile.Highlight the file and press the [Enter] (or [5]) key to open it.
Navigation Controls
Use the hardware keypad to scroll through and read your documents:
Line Up
Scroll up by a single line.
Line Down
Scroll down by a single line.
Page Up
Jump to the previous page.
Page Down
Jump to the next page.
Exit
Close the viewer and return to the file list.
Open
Open the selected TXT file.
[!NOTE] Practical Use Case This feature is particularly useful for storing Windows Serial Keys, IP addresses, or step-by-step installation instructions that you need to reference while the host computer is being formatted or offline.
Advanced Maintenance
If you need to manage many text files, you can verify their presence and encoding via your terminal before disconnecting the IODD:
13.3 🕒 Keep 2min.PW
The Keep 2min.PW feature is designed to streamline the operating system installation process. When enabled, the IODD remains in an unlocked state for 2 minutes after a power cycle or system reboot, eliminating the need to re-enter your password repeatedly.
[!NOTE] How it Works Once you unlock the device with your password, the IODD stores the "unlocked" state in its temporary memory. If the computer reboots and the IODD regains power within 120 seconds, it will bypass the password prompt automatically.
[!TIP] Recommended Use Case This feature is highly effective during Windows or Linux installations, where the system may need to restart several times to complete the setup or driver updates.
How to Enable the Feature
Press the [Menu] button on the IODD and navigate to: [USB Control].
Navigate to the hardware control settings. Locate [Keep P.W. 2min] and toggle it using the [6] or [Enter] key.
Activating the 2-minute password retention. Press the [Menu] button again to save your settings.
Operational Safety
[!CAUTION] Security Reminder While this feature is active, anyone who reboots your computer or reconnects the IODD within the 2-minute window can access your data without a password. Disable this feature once your installation work is complete to maintain maximum security.
[!WARNING] Power Loss Limitation If the IODD remains without power (unplugged) for more than 2 minutes, the temporary unlock state will expire, and you must enter your password again to gain access.
Related Troubleshooting
If the device is not being recognized quickly enough during reboot to trigger this function, you can check the USB initialization speed in your PC's BIOS:
13.4 📊 S.M.A.R.T / Information
Maintaining the health of your internal drive and staying updated with the latest firmware is crucial for data integrity. The IODD provides built-in tools to monitor these statuses directly on its display.
S.M.A.R.T. Disk Information
S.M.A.R.T (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) allows you to check the diagnostic health of your internal HDD or SSD.
Press the [Menu] button and navigate to: [Information] - [S.M.A.R.T].
Accessing the disk diagnostic tool.
[!NOTE] Understanding Health Status
HDD Health:
<< Good >>: The drive is healthy and operating normally.
<< Warning >>: Potential issues detected. Back up your data and consider replacement.
<< Bad >>: Critical failure imminent. Replace the drive immediately.HDD Model: Displays the manufacturer's model name.
HDD Serial: Displays the unique serial number of the drive.
[!CAUTION] Power Stability Warning If the USB voltage is insufficient or unstable, S.M.A.R.T. information may be displayed incorrectly or fail to load. Always ensure a stable connection. For more details, refer to: #Voltage Check
IODD Information
You can check the specific details of your IODD hardware, including the current firmware version and hardware revision.
Press the [Menu] button and navigate to: [Information] - [IODD Information].
Checking the device hardware and firmware version.
[!TIP] Firmware Management Knowing your current firmware version is essential before performing an update. If your device is behaving unexpectedly, check if a newer version is available.
Advanced Hardware Check (Linux/macOS)
If you need a more detailed diagnostic log while the IODD is connected to a computer, you can use terminal commands:
14. Troubleshooting
14.1 🛠️ Booting Error
If your computer fails to boot from the IODD, please follow this troubleshooting checklist to identify and resolve the issue.
📋 Troubleshooting Checklist
[!NOTE] ISO & Media Validation
Verify Bootability: Ensure that the ISO file you are using is a bootable image. Non-bootable data ISOs will not trigger a boot sequence.
Hardware Comparison: If a bootable ISO fails, try testing it with a physical USB DVD-ROM to confirm if the issue is with the ISO file itself or the system's compatibility.
[!IMPORTANT] Drive & System Configuration
Multi-LUN Support: Some older PCs do not support multiple Logical Unit Numbers (LUN). If the IODD is not recognized, configure it as a single drive in the Mode Configuration settings.
Internal DVD Conflict: If your laptop has an internal DVD-ROM, it may conflict with the IODD. Disable the internal drive in the BIOS settings or physically remove it if necessary.
[!CAUTION] Power Supply Issues The IODD is a high-performance, bus-powered USB device. If your computer's USB port provides unstable power, the boot process may fail.
Solution: Use a USB Y-Cable to draw additional power from a second USB port.
[!WARNING] OS & Platform Compatibility Newer hardware platforms may lack the necessary drivers for older operating systems.
Example: You cannot install a genuine Windows 7 on the Skylake (or newer) platform using a USB DVD-ROM device without injecting proper USB 3.0/XHCI drivers into the ISO.
Advanced Hardware Check (Linux/macOS)
You can check if the IODD is correctly being recognized as a bootable optical or mass storage device via the terminal:
14.2 💾 IODD Drive Initialization
Before using your IODD, the internal drive must be initialized and formatted correctly. Selecting the right file system ensures that your virtual drives and ISO files work perfectly across different platforms.
1. Initialize the Disk
Connect the IODD to your PC and initialize the drive using your operating system's disk management tool.
MBR (Master Boot Record): Best for maximum compatibility with legacy BIOS systems.
GPT (GUID Partition Table): Recommended for modern UEFI-based systems and drives larger than 2TB.
[!CAUTION] For Encryption Users If you plan to use AES256 encryption, you must first [Set a New 2nd Password] via the Admin menu. After setting the password, you must repeat the initialization process, as the hardware encryption changes the disk structure.
Refer to: 2nd Password Setup Guide
2. Formatting Partitions (Recommended File Systems)
For the best experience with IODD, we highly recommend using either NTFS or exFAT. Both support large files (over 4GB) and are fully compatible with IODD tools.
NTFS
Windows-centric environments
Highly stable, supports journaling (error recovery), and is the native Windows format.
exFAT
Cross-platform use (Mac/Win)
Excellent compatibility between macOS and Windows without file size restrictions.
FAT32
❌ Not Recommended
4GB file size limit and Incompatible with VHD Tool++.
[!IMPORTANT] Comparison: NTFS vs. exFAT
Both file systems are fully supported by VHD Tool++ and IODD's virtual drive functions.
Choose NTFS if you primarily work on Windows and need robust data recovery features.
Choose exFAT if you frequently move the IODD between Windows and Mac computers.
3. File Transfer and Safe Removal
Copy Files: Transfer your ISO, VHD, or document files to the IODD drive.
Safely Remove: This is essential for both NTFS and exFAT to prevent filesystem corruption.
Use the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon in your system tray before physical disconnection.
4. Reconnection and Refreshing
After reconnecting the IODD, the screen should display your updated file list.
[!TIP] Manual Refresh (Force Scan) If the file list on the IODD screen does not match what you copied:
Hold the [4] key for 3 seconds. This forces the IODD to re-scan the partition and refresh the library.
This action also allows you to select the default partition if multiple partitions are present.
Technical Verification
You can check the partition status and file system type using the following command:
14.3 📑 Error Messages Reference
💾 Partition & File System Errors
"1st Partition: XX"
For 2541 / 2531 Models: Check your firmware version (ending in N or F).
N version: Supports NTFS only.
F version: Supports exFAT / FAT32 only.
For ST400 / ST300 / MINI: Unified firmware supporting both MBR and GPT.
[!TIP] Multi-Partition Support ST/MINI models can mount ISOs from any primary partition. Hold the [4] key for 3 seconds to manually select a different partition.
"ASSERT Fails ArreyOffset"
Primary Cause: This error typically occurs when the IODD is unplugged without using "Safely Remove Hardware" (Safe Ejection). Failure to eject safely can lead to corrupted filesystem metadata or unwritten cached data.
First Action (Data Preservation): Connect the IODD to a PC and perform a Disk Check (chkdsk) to repair the metadata errors caused by improper disconnection.
Second Action: If the error persists, you must re-initialize the drive. Refer to Drive Initialization.
[!CAUTION] Importance of Safe Removal To prevent the "ASSERT" error, always use your operating system's Safely Remove Hardware or Eject function before physically disconnecting the USB cable. This is especially critical when using the NTFS file system.
🛡️ Security & Access Errors
"Not Match..."
The entered password does not match.
Solution: Ensure you are using the correct admin/user prefix.
Admin:
0+[Password](e.g.,01234)User:
1~4+[Password]
"No Extra Devices"
No virtual drives are active.
Solution: Use the Mode Configuration to enable VHD/ISO drives.
⚙️ Hardware & Performance Errors
"Check HDD" / "Drive Error"
Communication failure with the internal drive.
Causes: Physical disk error or Low Voltage (unstable power).
Solution: Try a different USB port or a Y-cable for stable power.
"DEFRAG"
The ISO/VHD file is too fragmented to load (Max 24 fragments for ISO; 0 for VHD).
Solution: Use defragmentation utilities like MyDefrag or Defraggler.
Terminal Diagnostics (Windows)
If you encounter the "ASSERT" error, run the following command in Command Prompt (Admin) to repair the filesystem:
14.4 ❓ FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
🔐 Password & Security
I entered the correct password, but it says "Incorrect."
You must enter the user identification prefix before your password.
Admin: Enter 0 + [Your Password]. (e.g., if your password is '1234', enter '01234')
Users: Enter 1~4 + [Your Password]. Refer to: Encryption Guide
I forgot my password. Can I recover my data?
No. It is absolutely impossible for anyone, including the manufacturer, to recover or find a forgotten password. The data is hardware-encrypted.
I forgot my password. How can I reuse the IODD?
The only way to reuse the device is to Reset Password. All existing data will be permanently lost during this process.
2541 : 2541 Reset Password
MINI : MINI Reset Password
ST400, LK100 : ST400 Reset Password
📂 Drive & File Management
Data intermittently disappears or partitions are initialized.
This is almost always caused by insufficient voltage.
Connect the IODD directly to the USB ports on the back of the PC.
Use a USB Y-cable for additional power.
Ensure your USB cable is shorter than 50cm.
Large-capacity SSDs (2TB+) require significantly more power.
The error "ASSERT Fails ArreyOffset" appeared.
This is usually caused by improperly disconnecting the IODD (not using "Safely Remove Hardware").
Connect to a PC and run a Disk Check (chkdsk).
If the error persists, you must re-initialize the drive. Refer to: Drive Initialization
How do I unmount virtual drives (VHD, ISO, RMD)?
Unmount All: Hold the [7] key for 3 seconds.
Individual Unmount: Move the cursor to the mounted drive and press [Enter].
Quick Unmount: Press the [7] key briefly to unmount the most recently selected drive.
VHD Tool++ cannot create a VHD.
The tool only works on the internal drive of the IODD.
The partition must be in NTFS, EXFAT format during the creation process.
💻 Booting & Hardware
The IODD will not boot or the PC can't see the ISO.
A) Verify your BIOS/UEFI boot order and settings. B) Ensure the ISO is bootable. C) Refer to the Booting Error Guide or use the UEFI Boot Method.
The LCD only displays the IODD Product Number.
This indicates a firmware-related state. Please perform a Firmware Update.
Unable to write files to the IODD drive.
Check if Write Protection is enabled.
Menu: [USB Control] -> Uncheck [Write Protect].
Hotkey: Hold the [0] key for 3 seconds to reconnect with Write Protection temporarily disabled.
Is there a capacity limit for the drive?
ST400 / 300 / LK100 / MINI: No limit. (Note: 2TB+ SSDs require stable/external power).
2541 / 2531: 2TB limit when using virtual drive functions. (No limit if using encryption only).
⚠️ Important Warnings
[!CAUTION] OS Installation Safety During OS installation, users sometimes accidentally select the IODD's internal drive as the "Target Drive," causing an "Unsupported Partition" error. Always enable Write Protection on your IODD before starting an OS installation to prevent accidental data overwrites.
[!WARNING] Voltage Check If your IODD is behaving erratically, use the following command (on Linux) to check if the USB device is resetting due to power drops:
14.5 🆙 Firmware Update
Keeping your IODD firmware up to date ensures the best compatibility with the latest hardware and fixes known bugs. Please read the version-specific warnings carefully before proceeding.
📢 Release Notes
[!TIP] Version 0.8.1 Highlights
ST300: Fixed slow reboot issues after mode changes and resolved Write Protect toggle bugs.
ST400 / LK100: Added a dedicated password reset feature.
[!NOTE] Version 0.8.0.1 Update Log
SECURE 2.0 ➡ 2.5: Improved encryption hardware logic.
LUN Fix: Resolved an issue where setup could proceed without a Single LUN in mode settings.
4TB Support: Fixed errors for 4TB drives (NTFS/exFAT).
NTFS Clusters: Supports up to 62KB clusters.
Code optimization and general compatibility improvements.
[!CAUTION] Critical Warning for Encryption Users Passwords created in Version 0.7 or earlier are NOT compatible with Version 0.8 or later due to the encryption logic upgrade (Secure 2.5). You MUST back up all data and disable encryption before updating. Failure to do so will result in total data loss.
🛠️ How to Update
Requirements: Windows PC, USB Port, and a high-quality USB cable.
[!IMPORTANT] Pre-Update Checklist
Single Connection: Connect only one IODD device to your PC at a time.
Model Match: Ensure you have downloaded the exact firmware matching your IODD model. If you flash the wrong firmware, simply retry with the correct version.
Download the latest firmware file from the Official Directory.
Uncompress the ZIP file to a local folder. Do not run the updater directly inside the ZIP file.
Run the EXE file as Administrator.
If the message "Device is Detected" appears, click the Update button.
If the device is not detected:
Try a different USB port or cable.
Manual Recovery Mode: Hold [9] + [Enter] while connecting the IODD to your PC. Release the buttons once connected and run the updater again.
Finalizing the Update: Once the transfer is complete, click Exit. Reconnect the IODD and wait for 2–3 minutes for the internal processing to finish.
[!WARNING] Do NOT disconnect the IODD while the LCD is blinking. This indicates the internal firmware is being written to flash memory. Interrupting this can leave the device unable to boot normally and may require a recovery/force-update procedure.
🔄 Troubleshooting: Version Not Changing (ST300 / LK100)
If your version number remains the same even after a successful PC transfer, follow this mandatory "Force Update" procedure:
Run the firmware update on your PC.
After the transmission is finished, the IODD will reconnect and show a white screen.
Force Mode: Disconnect the IODD. Press and hold [9] + [Enter] for at least 6 seconds while reconnecting it to the PC.
The firmware update will continue internally.
Reconnect once more and verify the version in the Information menu.
14.6 🔓 ST400 / LK100 / MINI PRO: Password Reset
These models share the same keypad interface and menu structure. If you have forgotten your password, use one of the three methods below.
[!WARNING] Total Data Erasure All methods listed below will permanently delete all data on the drive. Recovery is impossible. Proceed only if you have a backup or do not need the existing data.
Method 1: Using IODD Admin Manager (Recommended)
This is the simplest method and does not require disassembling the device or manual keypad cycles.
Connect your IODD to a Windows PC.
Launch the IODD Admin Manager application.
Navigate to the Emergency tab.
Follow the prompts to complete the Confirmation Procedure (Click counting).
Execute Erase All Data.
This will wipe the password, encryption keys, and all stored data, returning the device to its factory state.
Method 2: Keypad Sequence (The "1 to 0" Cycle)
Supported Models: ST400 / LK100
If you don't have access to a PC with Admin Manager, you can force a hardware reset via the keypad.
Power on the device to the Password Input Screen.
Enter the sequence:
1→2→3→4→5→6→7→8→9→0.Repeat this entire 10-digit cycle 15 times.
If you make a single mistake during the 15 cycles, you must restart from the very beginning.
Success: When the screen displays "1st Partition" or "No Supported Partition", the encryption has been successfully wiped.
Method 3: Physical Wipe (Requires Disassembly)
This method bypasses the keypad cycles by connecting the internal drive directly to a PC.
Disassemble: Open the case and remove the internal HDD/SSD.
Connect: Plug the drive into a PC via a SATA-to-USB adapter or internal SATA port.
The "GPT-First" Principle:
Encryption metadata is stored in the GPT area. You must initialize the disk as GPT first to clear the lock.
After the GPT wipe, you can re-initialize it to your preferred style (MBR or GPT).
Format: Create at least one partition and format it as NTFS or exFAT.
Terminal Command (Windows Diskpart)
📝 Summary of Methods
Tools Needed
PC + Software
None
Tools + SATA Adapter
Effort
Very Low
High (150+ presses)
Medium (Disassembly)
Best For
Most Users
No PC Access
Advanced Users
[!IMPORTANT] Post-Reset Setup After the wipe, the device is in a factory-new state. You must set a new password and perform Drive Initialization before use.
[!CAUTION] Safe Removal To prevent filesystem corruption (ASSERT errors) in the future, always use the OS Safely Remove Hardware function.
14.7 🔓 iodd MINI: Password Reset Procedures
If you have forgotten your password for the iodd MINI, you must initialize the drive to reuse the device. There are two primary ways to achieve this.
[!WARNING] Total Data Loss Both methods will permanently erase all data on the internal SSD. Data recovery is impossible once the process begins.
Method 1: Password Reset via Firmware (No Disassembly)
This method allows you to reset the password using specialized firmware and hardware button inputs without opening the device.
Step 1: Install Reset Firmware
Download the Reset Firmware: iodd MINI Password Reset Firmware
Run
iodd_firm_upd-0.1.0.11-Del-Password.exeand complete the update.
Step 2: Execute Deletion
Reconnect the iodd MINI to your PC.
On the password input screen, press the [Menu] button repeatedly (at least 300 times).
Wait for the "Password is deleted" message.
Step 3: Restore Standard Firmware (Mandatory)
Download the Standard Firmware: iodd MINI Standard Firmware
Run
iodd_firm_upd-0.1.0.13.exeto return the device to its normal state.
Method 2: Manual Initialization (Requires Disassembly)
This method involves connecting the internal SSD directly to a PC to wipe the encryption metadata. This is a "Two-Step Wipe" process.
Step 1: Disassemble and Connect
Open the MINI case and remove the internal SSD.
Connect the SSD directly to a Windows PC via a SATA/M.2 adapter.
Step 2: Initialize via GPT → MBR (Diskpart Recommended)
The encryption data is stored in the GPT area. You must initialize as GPT first to ensure the lock is cleared.
📝 Comparison & Summary
Effort
Low (No tools needed)
High (Requires disassembly)
Complexity
300+ button clicks
Command line (Diskpart)
Success Rate
Very High
Absolute (Hardware reset)
Admin Manager
Not Supported
Not Supported
[!IMPORTANT] Post-Reset Setup After either method is complete, reassemble the device (if needed) and reconnect it. You will be prompted to perform the Initial Setup and set a new password as if it were a brand-new device.
[!CAUTION] Always use "Safely Remove Hardware" after copying files to prevent the "ASSERT Fails ArreyOffset" error in the future.
14.8 🔓 IODD 2541: Password Reset (Cross-Platform)
If the password is lost, you must bypass the IODD controller and connect the internal drive directly to a computer to wipe it. This will erase all data.
[!CAUTION] Hardware Support Notice IODD Admin Manager does not support the 2541 model. Manual initialization is the only solution to reset a forgotten password.
1. Hardware Preparation
Disconnect the IODD 2541.
Remove the internal 2.5" HDD/SSD from the 2541 case.
Connect the drive to your computer using a SATA-to-USB adapter or an internal SATA port.
2. Initialization by Operating System
Option A: Windows (GUI)
Open Disk Management (
diskmgmt.msc).Delete all existing volumes on the target disk.
Right-click the Disk Name (left panel) and select Initialize Disk as GPT.
Right-click again and select Convert to MBR Disk. (2541 requires MBR).
Create a New Simple Volume formatted as NTFS or exFAT.
Option B: macOS (Terminal)
On macOS, perform a two-step wipe to ensure all encrypted security metadata is removed:
Option C: Linux (Terminal)
3. Reassembly & Verification
Place the drive back into the IODD 2541 case.
Connect it to your PC. The IODD will now act as a "New" device, prompting you to set a fresh password.
[!IMPORTANT] Final Checklist for 2541
Partition Style: The final state must be MBR.
File System: NTFS or exFAT is highly recommended.
Safe Removal: Always use "Safe Eject" to prevent the "ASSERT Fails ArreyOffset" error.
Generated by IODD All-in-One Documentation System.
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