Drobo Storage system User Manual

Introduction
Drobo, the world's first storage robot, is a fully automatic data storage system that provides the only effortless, safe and
expandable repository for all of your digital assets. Drobo connects easily to your PC via FireWire 800 or USB 2.0, and
appears like one large external drive to Windows, requiring no configuration for use. Drobo can also be easily shared over
a network using DroboShare. For more information about DroboShare, see
Sharing Drobo Between Computers.
Many of the key features delivered to enhance your user experience include:
1

Drobo Storage system Specifications

General

Category	Storage
Manufacturer	Drobo
RAID Levels Supported	BeyondRAID
Hot-Swappable Drives	Yes
Operating System Compatibility	Windows, macOS
Drive Bays	4-Bay
Interface	USB 3.0
Model	Drobo
Maximum Raw Capacity	64 TB
Power Supply	External Power Supply

Summary

Introduction to Drobo

One Big Disk Storage

Your Mac or PC sees one large disk regardless of drives installed.

Simple and Flexible Storage

Start with one disk and add new disks as capacity is needed.

Mix and Match Drives

New drives can be any capacity, manufacturer, or speed.

Great User Interface

No host software required; status is shown via LEDs.

Sharing Drobo Between Computers

The Ins and Outs of Drobo

The Ins and Outs of DroboShare

Adding Hard Drives to Your Drobo

Connecting Drobo to your PC or DroboShare

Connecting Drobo to Your PC

Steps to connect Drobo to a computer via FireWire 800 or USB 2.0.

Connecting Drobo to Your DroboShare

Steps to connect Drobo to a network using DroboShare.

Formatting Drives Using Drobo Dashboard

Formatting Drives Using Windows Disk Management Utility

Initialize Drobo Disk

Prepare the Drobo disk for use by initializing it via Disk Management.

Create and Format Partition

Use the New Partition Wizard to create and format a partition on the Drobo disk.

My PC Says Drobo Has More Capacity Than It Actually Does

Adding New Capacity to Drobo

No Drobo Connected Message

Data Bay Indicators

Removing and Replacing Hard Drives

Clearing Hard Drives

Disconnecting Your Drobo from Your PC

Disconnecting Your Drobo from DroboShare

Buying Drives For Drobo

Starting Drobo Dashboard

Starting from Windows System Tray

Launch Drobo Dashboard from the system tray icon on the taskbar.

Starting from Windows Start Button

Launch Drobo Dashboard via the Start menu and Programs folder.

Basic Drobo Dashboard

Drive Tab Overview

View drive letters, volume names, and storage status for connected Drobos.

Storage Capacity Details

Understand total capacity, used space, free space, and advanced controls.

Advanced Drobo Dashboard

Data Tab Overview

View graphical depiction of Drobo status, storage, and data protection.

Drobo Status and Data Protection

Drobo Dashboard Tools Tab

Commands and Updates

Access formatting, standby, setup, registration, and firmware update functions.

DroboCare License

DroboShare Settings

E-mail Alerts

Troubleshooting