FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

PC-Aid


Q1:What are the key functions and how does it work?
Q2: What does “Sector to Sector Copy” mean?
Q3: What does “Data-Only Copy” mean?
Q4: Can this product copy data from hard drives that make a “clicking” sound?
Q5: Why is this product better than Ghost software HDD imager for duplication?
Q6: How does the PC-Aid stack multiple images on a single hard drive?
Q7: Does the PC-Aid work with any Operating System?
Q8: Can this product copy from IDE to SATA, SATA to IDE, Laptop to Desktop…etc?
Q9: Is the PC-Aid forensically sound? Can a copied hard drive be used as evidence in court?
Q10: What type of wipe/erase functions does this product perform?
Q11: Does the PC-Aid work as a stand-alone unit or does it need to be connected to a PC?
Q12: What is the copy speed?
Q13: Does the PC-Aid work with USB 1.0 and USB 2.0?
Q14: Does this product have the correct voltage to work in anywhere in the world?
Q15: How do you handle technical support?
Q16: What is the standard warranty?
Q1: What are the key functions and how does it work?
The PC-Aid copies ATA and SATA hard drives via USB interface. It can copy from a computer hard drive to the PC-Aid hard drive or copy from the PC-Aid hard drive to a computer hard drive. Multiple hard drive images can be stored on the PC-Aid hard drive and any one of these images can be copied selectively from the PC-Aid into a computer. Copy can be done in a Sector-to-Sector or Data-Only manner. A Bad-Sector Skip function is also available for copying data from unstable hard drives.

Operation:
  • Connect a bare hard drive to PC-Aid
  • Connect PC-Aid to computer via USB (preferably USB 2.0)
  • Insert PC-Aid Boot CD in CD Drive and Reboot computer with PC-Aid CD
  • When Boot CD Software Interface appears, select desired function and press [START]
Q2: What does “Sector to Sector Copy” mean?
Sector to Sector is a function where all sectors in a hard drive are copied to a target drive. It does not look at drive structures and can therefore copy any type of known or unknown data and OS system. The finished product is two identical hard drives.
Q3: What does “Data-Only Copy” mean?
Data-Only Copy is a duplication method where the PC-Aid only copies stored data from the hard drive and ignores unused disk space in order to save time. Most quality hard drive duplicators on the market perform Data-Only Copy functions for FAT and NTFS operating systems only. YEC duplicators are unique because they offer a Smart Copy function, which is a Data-Only copy function for any operating system (Linux, Unix, Vista…etc).
Q4: Can this product copy data from hard drives that make a “clicking” sound?
Usually not. A “clicking” sound from the hard drive strongly indicates physical damage to the HDD (usually Servo Arms banging against other internal HDD components). The hard drive’s physical components must be in working condition in order for duplication with the PC-Aid to be possible.
Q5: Why is this product better than Ghost software HDD imager for duplication?
Ghost can be very limiting because it limits the user to the computer where the software is installed. The user needs multiple licenses to use it on multiple computers and every destination hard drive must be installed in the host computer.

The PC-Aid offers a simple and portable USB connection with no software installation needed. The user can store multiple hard drive images on 1 master hard drive and copy any single image to a computer via USB. With Ghost, the user cannot take 1 master hard drive configuration and copy it to a group of computers without removing the casing. The PC-Aid does this quickly and easily.
Q6: How does the PC-Aid stack multiple images on a single hard drive?
This easy to use feature is guided by the Host Software Interface, which allows the user to view all images stored on a hard drive and either copy an additional image to the hard drive or select an image to copy from the hard drive.
Q7: Does the PC-Aid work with any Operating System?
Yes. The PC-Aid copies to and from any computer operating system. Please note that the Data-Only copy works for FAT/16/32 and NTFS systems only (must use Sector-to-Sector copy for all other OS types).
Q8: Can this product copy from IDE to SATA, SATA to IDE, Laptop to Desktop…etc?
Yes. This product can copy from IDE to SATA, SATA to IDE, Laptop to Desktop… etc. There are no limitations on copying between HDD form factors for ATA and SATA hard drives. Please note that adapters may be needed for certain hard drive types.
Q9: Is the PC-Aid forensically sound? Can a copied hard drive be used as evidence in court?
No. The PC-Aid is not forensically sound. The Ninja-Forensic is a forensically sound hard drive duplicator made by YEC. The Ninja-F can produce evidence images to be used in court. Ninja Forensic
Q10: What type of wipe/erase functions does this product perform?
The PC-Aid performs a basic Low Level Format, where all HDD sectors are overwritten with a specified HEX value pattern. Any HEX values can be specified for wiping.
Q11: Does the PC-Aid work as a stand-alone unit or does it need to be connected to a PC?
The PC-Aid needs to be connected to a computer via USB in order to work.
Q12: What is the copy speed?
When connected with USB 2.0, the PC-Aid copies hard drives up to 20 MB/sec (50 sec/GB). Copy speeds depend largely on the actual data transfer rate of the hard drives being used.
Q13: Does the PC-Aid work with USB 1.0 and USB 2.0?
The PC-Aid works with both USB 1.0 and USB 2.0, however copy speeds are significantly slower using USB 2.0.
Q14: Does this product have the correct voltage to work in anywhere in the world?
Yes. The PC-Aid comes with a variable 90v ~ 240v power supply, making it compatible with any country’s voltage specifications (no adjustment necessary).
Q15: How do you handle technical support?
Technicians are on hand at our Southern California office (U.S.A.) Monday through Friday between 9:00am and 5:00pm (Pac Standard Time) to handle technical support questions. Questions are answered by Email, phone and/or online message board.
Q16: What is the standard warranty?
All YEC hardware products come with a 12 month repair/replacement warranty. Warranty does not cover Wear Parts such as cables and interface connectors. Please inquire for details regarding out of warranty repair or authorized product returns.