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Vantec NexStar LX NST-375LX-BK NAS Hard Drive Enclosure NST-375LX-BK Drive Cabinets
This review is from : NexStar LX NST-375LX-BK NAS Hard Drive Enclosure
EASY install/set up GOOD docs works right out of the box . The system where I store backups and archives failed. I needed SOME way to access the data on the 300GB drive that was there. Did not have time or inclination to troubleshoot the system, so elected to try Nexstar LX external enclosure. In use for about a week now.
Installation - could not have been easier. Manual is comprehensive and includes photos that could be better, but are adequate. Includes screenshots of software setup with explanation of each screen. Step-by-step was good and complete. Nothing missed, nothing left to question. Space inside the enclosure is TIGHT. But, there is enough room to install the drive and route the cables. One photo illustrates exactly how to fold the data ribbon so it fits snugly and neatly.
Functionality - GOOD thing: Includes a USB 2.0 port so you can use it like a normal USB external drive. Plugged it in, powered it up (ext power supply) using the (another good thing) power switch. Stood right up under WinXP Pro SP2 WITH NTFS formatting. So I was able to grab critical backups and data and temporarily move them to a drive on my system. Beyond Compare (http://www.scootersoftware.com/)was great here. When that was complete, used the tray icon to remove the drive and power down. Removed USB cable and installed network cable. NOTE: While powered down, I made a point of entering the NexStar LX MAC address in my router MAC Address Filter table. This IS NOT covered in the docs. So if you have any peculiar network settings, like this, the docs do not address them.
When I turned on the drive, I followed the instructions to open a web browser page and enter \\storage on the url address line. Opened up the login dialog box for the configuration pages. Not really much to do here. I DID try exiting after I completed to see if it would recognize the NTFS formatting. It would not. So I had to re-enter the NexStar config utility and format the drive. Took a couple of SECONDS for a 300GB drive so guessing it was a "quick" reformat. I used the included SMB Server screen to create folders. Again, could not have been easier. Just to experiment, I password protected one. Still VERY easy.
USE - With folders created I was ready to start using the network to copy/move files to the NexStar LX drive. I set up shares on the systems on my network to use the folders on the NexStar. Easy, worked very well. I used Beyond Compare to copy files from folders on my internal drive over to the Nexstar and to check that everything is the "same".
I'm pretty much ready to settle down to normal use. In fact I manually did weekly backups on a work notebook last night and it was like using a shared drive in my desktop for the backups. The folders were recognized, backups moved along swiftly and everything worked as advertised.
NOTES - When I was using the USB connection, the fan was so loud, I was sure I would need hearing protection to be in the same rooom with it. I'd read about this in other reviews. I removed the cover to see if that would help. It did not. Of course, I had to move the case around to change from USB to Network cables connection. After I did that, it's been whisper quiet. The case is plastic. I was a little leary of this. But it's sturdy and not really "chintsy". VERY nice finish (I have a black case). I wonder if I did not shift something around when I moved the case to unplug USB and connect CatV that may have been rubbing the fan. Now it is no louder than the SimpleTech USB drive next to it.
If it continues to perform as it is now, I'll be very happy with the solution.
Addendum: 03 Nov 06 - I originally wrote this on 26 Aug 06. Since then, the NexStar LX has performed FLAWLESSLY. AND, it's very quiet. I left the default setting to let the drive sleep when not in use. So when I first access the drive there is a momentary delay while it spins up. Once it does, it runs just fine. I am backing up several different categories of files (my shareware library, MP3s, images, etc) almost every night of the week with Cobian. This is the combination I dreamt about. I could not be more pleased. I could not recommend it higher.
EASY install/set up GOOD docs works right out of the box . The system where I store backups and archives failed. I needed SOME way to access the data on the 300GB drive that was there. Did not have time or inclination to troubleshoot the system, so elected to try Nexstar LX external enclosure. In use for about a week now.
Installation - could not have been easier. Manual is comprehensive and includes photos that could be better, but are adequate. Includes screenshots of software setup with explanation of each screen. Step-by-step was good and complete. Nothing missed, nothing left to question. Space inside the enclosure is TIGHT. But, there is enough room to install the drive and route the cables. One photo illustrates exactly how to fold the data ribbon so it fits snugly and neatly.
Functionality - GOOD thing: Includes a USB 2.0 port so you can use it like a normal USB external drive. Plugged it in, powered it up (ext power supply) using the (another good thing) power switch. Stood right up under WinXP Pro SP2 WITH NTFS formatting. So I was able to grab critical backups and data and temporarily move them to a drive on my system. Beyond Compare (http://www.scootersoftware.com/)was great here. When that was complete, used the tray icon to remove the drive and power down. Removed USB cable and installed network cable. NOTE: While powered down, I made a point of entering the NexStar LX MAC address in my router MAC Address Filter table. This IS NOT covered in the docs. So if you have any peculiar network settings, like this, the docs do not address them.
When I turned on the drive, I followed the instructions to open a web browser page and enter \\storage on the url address line. Opened up the login dialog box for the configuration pages. Not really much to do here. I DID try exiting after I completed to see if it would recognize the NTFS formatting. It would not. So I had to re-enter the NexStar config utility and format the drive. Took a couple of SECONDS for a 300GB drive so guessing it was a "quick" reformat. I used the included SMB Server screen to create folders. Again, could not have been easier. Just to experiment, I password protected one. Still VERY easy.
USE - With folders created I was ready to start using the network to copy/move files to the NexStar LX drive. I set up shares on the systems on my network to use the folders on the NexStar. Easy, worked very well. I used Beyond Compare to copy files from folders on my internal drive over to the Nexstar and to check that everything is the "same".
I'm pretty much ready to settle down to normal use. In fact I manually did weekly backups on a work notebook last night and it was like using a shared drive in my desktop for the backups. The folders were recognized, backups moved along swiftly and everything worked as advertised.
NOTES - When I was using the USB connection, the fan was so loud, I was sure I would need hearing protection to be in the same rooom with it. I'd read about this in other reviews. I removed the cover to see if that would help. It did not. Of course, I had to move the case around to change from USB to Network cables connection. After I did that, it's been whisper quiet. The case is plastic. I was a little leary of this. But it's sturdy and not really "chintsy". VERY nice finish (I have a black case). I wonder if I did not shift something around when I moved the case to unplug USB and connect CatV that may have been rubbing the fan. Now it is no louder than the SimpleTech USB drive next to it.
If it continues to perform as it is now, I'll be very happy with the solution.
Addendum: 03 Nov 06 - I originally wrote this on 26 Aug 06. Since then, the NexStar LX has performed FLAWLESSLY. AND, it's very quiet. I left the default setting to let the drive sleep when not in use. So when I first access the drive there is a momentary delay while it spins up. Once it does, it runs just fine. I am backing up several different categories of files (my shareware library, MP3s, images, etc) almost every night of the week with Cobian. This is the combination I dreamt about. I could not be more pleased. I could not recommend it higher.
NexStar LX NST-375LX-BK NAS Hard Drive Enclosure Reviews
Good network drive and it DOES work with Vista . Ok so I have only had this device a couple of days but there are some things that I have noticed.
First a couple people have said it does not work with Windows Vista very well on a local/private network. This is NOT true it is however tricky to get set up, after that it works fine. See directions below.
Second it is important to understand the the USB 2.0 (or higher) connection will transfer data four times faster than the Network connection, and the Network connection will transfer data ten times faster than USB 1.1 (or lower). So if you are trying to tansfer over 5GB using the USB 2.0 is better to use and less time consuming. The Network connection is fine for files of average size.
Third the FTP option works well for accessing data while away from home. To set this up it will require playing around with your router or modem settings to allow the device to be used for FTPing through port 21. You will also need to record the WAN address used. To access it while away just type "ftp://" and the WAN address then ":21" in your Internet Explorer browser.
Directions for Vista:
Set up for Vista is a little different because the default Windows Vista set up uses a different nameing system than Windows XP (Not Nexstars fault). You will need to know the IP address that you Nexstar is using while connected to your local/private network. You can find it by logging into your modem or router that it is connected to and viewing the device details. After you know the IP addess you can log into your Nexstar's set up menu by following the directions in the manual, except where it say to type storage you type the IP address. Once your settings are done you can access the drive. Just follow the directions in the manual for "File Access on PC", use the second method listed. All you are doing is typing "\\" and the IP address in Windows Eplorer or Internet Explorer, once the drive has shown you can right click on it and select "Map Network Drive..." and it will show up now in your "My Computer".
Good network drive and it DOES work with Vista . Ok so I have only had this device a couple of days but there are some things that I have noticed.
First a couple people have said it does not work with Windows Vista very well on a local/private network. This is NOT true it is however tricky to get set up, after that it works fine. See directions below.
Second it is important to understand the the USB 2.0 (or higher) connection will transfer data four times faster than the Network connection, and the Network connection will transfer data ten times faster than USB 1.1 (or lower). So if you are trying to tansfer over 5GB using the USB 2.0 is better to use and less time consuming. The Network connection is fine for files of average size.
Third the FTP option works well for accessing data while away from home. To set this up it will require playing around with your router or modem settings to allow the device to be used for FTPing through port 21. You will also need to record the WAN address used. To access it while away just type "ftp://" and the WAN address then ":21" in your Internet Explorer browser.
Directions for Vista:
Set up for Vista is a little different because the default Windows Vista set up uses a different nameing system than Windows XP (Not Nexstars fault). You will need to know the IP address that you Nexstar is using while connected to your local/private network. You can find it by logging into your modem or router that it is connected to and viewing the device details. After you know the IP addess you can log into your Nexstar's set up menu by following the directions in the manual, except where it say to type storage you type the IP address. Once your settings are done you can access the drive. Just follow the directions in the manual for "File Access on PC", use the second method listed. All you are doing is typing "\\" and the IP address in Windows Eplorer or Internet Explorer, once the drive has shown you can right click on it and select "Map Network Drive..." and it will show up now in your "My Computer".
NexStar LX NST-375LX-BK NAS Hard Drive Enclosure Opinions
Format FAT32 Partition on a 500GB Hard Disk . For those of you wish to use a hard disk lager than 137 GB as NAS on your network with this product, the following steps work for me.
1. Download a freeware by CompApps "SwissKnife V3" from c/net's download.com on the computer that you can attach this enclosure through its USB connection. The link to the site is www.download.com/CompuApps-SwissKnife-V3/3000-2248-10070864.html
2. Install SwissKnife V3 then connect the enclosure (with hard disk in it) with the USB connection to the computer. When you star the SwissKnife program, the USB external hard disk should be recognized by the program.
3.Follow SwissKnife's instruction to format the whole disk (if you want the whole disk to be used only as a network storage), or the size you want (if you want to use it as both NAS and USB disk). Format the disk as Primary partition and FAT32 file system. For Network Storage only, DO NOT format the disk into more than one partitions because this enclosure only recognize the first FAT32 partition not the other partitions on the Network. It took only few seconds for my 500GB disk to be formatted. Windows only allows 32GB of your hard disk space to be formatted as FAT32 but this program will allow you to format more than 32GB of FAT32 partition on a larger disk (for my case a whole 500GB).
4. After the hard disk is formatted, Turn off the power of the enclosure and disconnect the USB connection from the computer then attach the Network cable to the enclosure and your Network Router.
5. Turn on the power, and follow the manual's instruction to setup your newly added Network Attached Storage Hard Disk in the Internet Explorer from a network connected computer (with direct network cable connection to the router, not a wireless connected one.
6. One suggestion here, while setting up the SMB Server, Create a folder for each user of your network, or for the purpose of the folder (e.g. Video, Music, or Photo etc.) and move it to Sharing List. Later on all the users from your network can store their files to their own folder, or you can store and retrieve your various files easier.
7. Once the NAS disk is recognized with this computer under My Network Places, all the other connected computers (whether wired or wireless) should see it as well.
According to Microsoft the FAT32 file system has a limitation of 4GB for a single file, however, I have transmitted a 4.36GB file to the NAS disk from a wirelessly connected laptop without any problem....
I believe this is a good product but lack of documentation and software support, for its price as a NAS enclosure, I will recommend it.
I am not affiliated with any of the products mentioned above. Good Luck!
Format FAT32 Partition on a 500GB Hard Disk . For those of you wish to use a hard disk lager than 137 GB as NAS on your network with this product, the following steps work for me.
1. Download a freeware by CompApps "SwissKnife V3" from c/net's download.com on the computer that you can attach this enclosure through its USB connection. The link to the site is www.download.com/CompuApps-SwissKnife-V3/3000-2248-10070864.html
2. Install SwissKnife V3 then connect the enclosure (with hard disk in it) with the USB connection to the computer. When you star the SwissKnife program, the USB external hard disk should be recognized by the program.
3.Follow SwissKnife's instruction to format the whole disk (if you want the whole disk to be used only as a network storage), or the size you want (if you want to use it as both NAS and USB disk). Format the disk as Primary partition and FAT32 file system. For Network Storage only, DO NOT format the disk into more than one partitions because this enclosure only recognize the first FAT32 partition not the other partitions on the Network. It took only few seconds for my 500GB disk to be formatted. Windows only allows 32GB of your hard disk space to be formatted as FAT32 but this program will allow you to format more than 32GB of FAT32 partition on a larger disk (for my case a whole 500GB).
4. After the hard disk is formatted, Turn off the power of the enclosure and disconnect the USB connection from the computer then attach the Network cable to the enclosure and your Network Router.
5. Turn on the power, and follow the manual's instruction to setup your newly added Network Attached Storage Hard Disk in the Internet Explorer from a network connected computer (with direct network cable connection to the router, not a wireless connected one.
6. One suggestion here, while setting up the SMB Server, Create a folder for each user of your network, or for the purpose of the folder (e.g. Video, Music, or Photo etc.) and move it to Sharing List. Later on all the users from your network can store their files to their own folder, or you can store and retrieve your various files easier.
7. Once the NAS disk is recognized with this computer under My Network Places, all the other connected computers (whether wired or wireless) should see it as well.
According to Microsoft the FAT32 file system has a limitation of 4GB for a single file, however, I have transmitted a 4.36GB file to the NAS disk from a wirelessly connected laptop without any problem....
I believe this is a good product but lack of documentation and software support, for its price as a NAS enclosure, I will recommend it.
I am not affiliated with any of the products mentioned above. Good Luck!
Working well so far . This NAS was very easy to set up and install. One feature I didn't see mentioned in any reviews was that, with Windows XP at least, if you set up a folder on the NAS with the same password that you use when signing in to your XP account, then you don't have enter the password when accessing that folder. On our computer, we have three different password protected accounts. Each also has a folder mapped as a drive on the NAS, and accessing it is as easy as accessing a folder on the computer itself. But, each person cannot access the other's folder. Very handy with multiple computers on the network, if you set them all up with the same passwords on the accounts.
Setting up the FTP server was a little bit more tricky and less intuitive, but eventually got that going as well, and using it for synchronizing between programs that won't just synch with a file (using it with Foxmarks on Firefox, for example).
When I first hooked the unit up, it did freeze up on me a couple of times. I switched the fan from auto to manual-low, and this seems to have fixed the problem, although it could be the old second hand drive I am using in the unit, and not the fault of the Nexstar itself.
I will mention that folders on the NAS are also accessible from an Ubuntu Linux system I have, but it is necessary to provide the password each time, unlike XP. Someone better at Linux might be able to set things up to provide the password automatically.
After a month of use I am pleased with the unit. Of course, long term reliability is the real measure of any product; only time will tell.
Setting up the FTP server was a little bit more tricky and less intuitive, but eventually got that going as well, and using it for synchronizing between programs that won't just synch with a file (using it with Foxmarks on Firefox, for example).
When I first hooked the unit up, it did freeze up on me a couple of times. I switched the fan from auto to manual-low, and this seems to have fixed the problem, although it could be the old second hand drive I am using in the unit, and not the fault of the Nexstar itself.
I will mention that folders on the NAS are also accessible from an Ubuntu Linux system I have, but it is necessary to provide the password each time, unlike XP. Someone better at Linux might be able to set things up to provide the password automatically.
After a month of use I am pleased with the unit. Of course, long term reliability is the real measure of any product; only time will tell.
Very nice product but not compatible with Windows 7's offline files . I bought the NexStar LX to use it as a backup and file-server, while recycling one of the large-capacity hard-drives from the decommissioned old desktop file-server. The hardware installation was straight-forward, and the web-based interface was quite intuitive.
The issues I had with the unit were when I tried to use it over the network with Windows 7 PCs. Although, it worked flawlessly over the network with my old XP PC, I was in the process of decommissioning all the XP PCs and replacing them with Windows 7 PCs, so that did not help. One of the problems was accessing its shared folders (from a W7 PC), which was tricky, and at times doing so required different access methods for it to work. Once the accessing-part worked, reading and writing from and to the folders would work without problems. However, the next problem, selecting the file(s)/folder(s) for offline use, would not work. After doing quite a bit of research and troubleshooting, I decided to contact Vantec's customer-service and found that the incompatibility was caused by the NexStar LX's chipset (limitation in the chipset). Since it was very important for me to have the offline-files feature, compatible with Windows 7's, this left me with no other choice besides returning the nicely crafted product. The Vantec's customer-service-representative was so professional and helpful that it made me feel bad about the return.
BTW, Microsoft has a searchable website that lists all the Windows-7-compatible hardware and software. Add-ons to search the website are also available for Internet Explorer 8.
The issues I had with the unit were when I tried to use it over the network with Windows 7 PCs. Although, it worked flawlessly over the network with my old XP PC, I was in the process of decommissioning all the XP PCs and replacing them with Windows 7 PCs, so that did not help. One of the problems was accessing its shared folders (from a W7 PC), which was tricky, and at times doing so required different access methods for it to work. Once the accessing-part worked, reading and writing from and to the folders would work without problems. However, the next problem, selecting the file(s)/folder(s) for offline use, would not work. After doing quite a bit of research and troubleshooting, I decided to contact Vantec's customer-service and found that the incompatibility was caused by the NexStar LX's chipset (limitation in the chipset). Since it was very important for me to have the offline-files feature, compatible with Windows 7's, this left me with no other choice besides returning the nicely crafted product. The Vantec's customer-service-representative was so professional and helpful that it made me feel bad about the return.
BTW, Microsoft has a searchable website that lists all the Windows-7-compatible hardware and software. Add-ons to search the website are also available for Internet Explorer 8.
Good but horrible with Vista . I absolutely LOVE this product, however, don't try the networking with Vista, not unless you turn off Quick Indexing or just use the USB connection. Works excellently with XP and Linux Mandrivia 2007! Not a spec of trouble, quiet and simple to setup. Pain in the $*% with Vista unless you turn off quick index. Slow with Vista when doing a cut and paste from Vista to the unit. Under XP I did not have this problem so evidence points to a crappy OS. This is not the Vantec Nexstar's fault.
Would I purchase another one? Yes! In a heart beat! Or better yet, after I've completed this review!
Would I purchase another one? Yes! In a heart beat! Or better yet, after I've completed this review!
Seems to work well . I just set this up with a 160GB HD (probably switch to a 250GB later). Took about 1 hour start to finish, that includes taking the drive out of the old computer and reinstalling. This is set up on a home network with static IP's, 1 XP machine, and 1 Vista Machine. Yes this works with Vista, you just have to know what to do. Although I never did get it to show up in the network folders, but no big deal I just mapped it to both computers.
To get this to work with Vista I had to map the drive by going to "Computer" right clicking and selecting "Add A Network Location", click "Next", then choose "Choose A Custom Network Location" and click "Next". Enter the IP address or the name of your HD (example: \\storage\public), then click "Next". Now your drive will show up as a folder in "Computer".
This is as far as I have gotten so far, but everything seems to be working just fine. As far as speed, it's not gonna be blazing fast if your used to USB 2.0, But it should get the job done. I will post back if I have any problems.
To get this to work with Vista I had to map the drive by going to "Computer" right clicking and selecting "Add A Network Location", click "Next", then choose "Choose A Custom Network Location" and click "Next". Enter the IP address or the name of your HD (example: \\storage\public), then click "Next". Now your drive will show up as a folder in "Computer".
This is as far as I have gotten so far, but everything seems to be working just fine. As far as speed, it's not gonna be blazing fast if your used to USB 2.0, But it should get the job done. I will post back if I have any problems.
Fine well engineered device . The Vantec NAS enclosure performed exactly as advertised, performs well and has had no problems.
No problem with drive or file size . Don't worry about the review above, saying it is limited to 4GB. I am using one with a 180GB drive, and it works fine.
First, he meant to say 40GB, and that limit only applies to the standard Windows disc formatting utility. Any size disc drive can be formatted as FAT32, just use commonly available freeware utilities instead. Or, buy the drive at a good computer dealer, and they will format it for you.
P.S Another benefit to FAT32 is that it is Mac/Windows compatable.
First, he meant to say 40GB, and that limit only applies to the standard Windows disc formatting utility. Any size disc drive can be formatted as FAT32, just use commonly available freeware utilities instead. Or, buy the drive at a good computer dealer, and they will format it for you.
P.S Another benefit to FAT32 is that it is Mac/Windows compatable.
Cons Review
Use only if you don't care about your data . I have this drive enclosure and it seemed to work fine for a while. Then the drive wouldn't wake up and I had to cycle power. Tough to do when it's a -remote- drive.
Then the worst part...I had one of my backup drives go down and this was my second backup. My other backup was a one-touch Seagate. Oops. It gives me errors when I try to copy files off it:
"Error. File xxx.xxx was changed since copy operation started. Cannot continue" or some annoying thing like that. A huge hunk of my data is now in limbo with a SECOND backup. Egads.
Worse yet, when I plug in the USB, it hangs my computer. The screen goes black and that's it. Hard reboot required. Okay, so you say put the drive in another enclosure and save your data. Wrong! The formatting on this enclosure is different than other enclosures, so you can't even get your data off like that. A buddy of mine had two of these units die on him, too.
Result: DO NOT BUY THE NEXSTAR LX.
Then the worst part...I had one of my backup drives go down and this was my second backup. My other backup was a one-touch Seagate. Oops. It gives me errors when I try to copy files off it:
"Error. File xxx.xxx was changed since copy operation started. Cannot continue" or some annoying thing like that. A huge hunk of my data is now in limbo with a SECOND backup. Egads.
Worse yet, when I plug in the USB, it hangs my computer. The screen goes black and that's it. Hard reboot required. Okay, so you say put the drive in another enclosure and save your data. Wrong! The formatting on this enclosure is different than other enclosures, so you can't even get your data off like that. A buddy of mine had two of these units die on him, too.
Result: DO NOT BUY THE NEXSTAR LX.
Feature NexStar LX NST-375LX-BK NAS Hard Drive Enclosure
- Enclosure Material: Aluminum
- Enclosure Material: Plastic
- Enclosure Type: 3.5"
- Drive Interface: IDE
- Enclosure Interface: USB 2.0
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Product Details
EAN : 0844767012339UPC : 102645808611
MPN : NST-375LX-BK
Brand : Vantec
Color : Black
Weight : 3 pounds
Height : 4 inches
Length : 11 inches
Width : 9 inches
Binding : Personal Computers
Hardware Platform : Mac
Manufacturer : Vantec
Platform : Windows
Publisher : Vantec
SKU : VA-ST375LXBK
Studio : Vantec
Where To Buy
You can buy NexStar LX NST-375LX-BK NAS Hard Drive Enclosure on Amazon . Click here to Read More
