My device is a Pretec i-Disk Bulletproof 16GB and my PC is running on Windows 7 (64-bit).
First I downloaded PortableApps.com_Platform_Setup_1.6 on my PC and then installed it as instructed on my USB-device. This worked as intended and by runnin the program I got the "start menu" screen as I should.
I then downloaded OpenOfficePortable_3.1.1_English.paf on my PC and started installing it on my USB-device via the PortableApps Platform through 'Options -> Install a New App'
Everything started just fine and the progress bar for the installing came up, but somewhere around halfway through it came up with an error and the installation had to be aborted.
This resulted in the OpenOffice shortcuts to appear on the PortableApps platforms menu, but ofcourse the program(s) won't work as the installation got interrupted.
I can't uninstall the OpenOffice data either by right-clicking the shortcut and selecting 'Uninstall', doesn't work.
I can't install any other Apps either, or even copy any files what so ever to the USB-device without getting a I/O device error message.
My operating system doesn't allow me to format the USB-device and I can't remove the data on the USB-device even with Shift+Del.
Even tried to erase the data with the Eraser software installed on my PC, but that too came back with an error stating that it can't remove/overwrite the data on the USB-device becouse of a I/O device error.
So basicly I can't add or remove data from the USB-device, making it completely worthless.
Any ideas on how to overcome this?
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Sorry to hear of your troubles.
Some USB sticks are not built to be "bulletproof" even though they might call themselves that.
From what you say, there's a mechanical or physical problem with the computer reaching out and touching the actual memory on the stick.
In other words, the problem might be the computer, the USB port, or the memory stick.
You should unmount (eject) the stick if you can, and try a different USB port on that computer, or better yet... a different computer entirely.
On a side note, the OpenOffice.org installation is very, very, very large. It does strain the hardware. I'm sure that you did not experience an error with the PortableApps.com installer (as your title suggests) but you would have experienced this error with any OpenOffice.org installation.
Good luck!
neutron1132 (at) usa (dot) com
I started going through the other USB ports on my computer, but this didn't help.
It actually only brought a new symptom to my awareness; when I now plug in the USB device my Logitech G19 keyboards background lights and lcd screen start to flicker on and off, making the keyboard unresponsive from time to time!
I also tried the stick on my laptop that's still running Windows Vista and on my girlfriends PC that also has Windows 7 (64-bit) and the problem persists; can't format the USB device or do practicly anything.
Now the thing that's really grinding my **** is that I actually got a replacement after going back to the store where I bought the device from, a new device of the same make and model, I then went through the same steps as I described in my original post and the same thing happened AGAIN!
So yes, I'm now at the same point with this new device that I had with the old one, it has completeley locked me out!
What are the odds that I'd get two malfunctioning devices, there has to be something else at plat here also, no?
Honestly pulling out what's left of my hair here as I'm trying to figure out how to format the USB device so that I could start from scratch again and maybe, just maybe, not try to install OpenOffice at all.
Should've just sticked with the good old Kingston Datatravelers instead of wanting something fancy that you can keep with you at all times in the keychain...
Well, doing the same thing over again with a new USB stick and getting the same result tells me that the equipment isn't up to the task.
It is good you found this out before you started storing personal data on the drive and suddenly discovering that your safety net has some pretty big holes in it.
If this is a newly bought product (like within 30 days) you should go back again and tell them to refund your money and/or get into a different product that isn't quite so "bulletproof". (Quite a bit of irony in that name, I'd say)
neutron1132 (at) usa (dot) com
This is the conclusion that I'm starting to arrive at myself also.
I just tried emailing Pretec about these problems I'm experiencing with their product and my message just boomeranged right back to me, so apparently their Tech Supports email isn't even working and that was all the contact information I could find from their site.
Kinda made me lose confidence in Pretec all together, time to try another brand.
The thing is that I'd really want a memory stick that I could carry around as part of my keychain where ever I go and this one just seemed perfect for my needs.
Guess I'll try my luck with LaCie's iamaKey product line or something.
Thanks for the replies though!
with standard USB sticks from SanDiska and PNY.
My PNY 4 Gig has been through the wash at least once, probably twice, with no loss of data.
Any time I've had issues with a stick, it's been within the first week or so, so for me, if it makes it a month, I'm golden.
I made this half-pony, half-monkey monster to please you.
Keep in mind that although the iamakey is a neat concept, you have to consider what else you have on your keychain.
If you look like a janitor with a bunch of keys on a big ring, then sticking the iamakey into the front USB port of a desktop computer wouldn't work very well. Proximity is one thing, but the weight/stress on the USB connector and the USB port might be too much.
neutron1132 (at) usa (dot) com
Well ofcourse I would have a quickrelease mechanism on the ring with the usb stick instead of having the keys hanging there along with the stick
Loved the concept of the Pretec one as with that one you detached the actual storage part out of the "mount" by twisting it the same way as you open a cork on a bottle.
Also kept the connector from gathering dust etc since it's safe within the "bulletproof" shell when closed, unlike the iamakey ones which are open to collect any crap you may have on the bottom of your pocket...
Too bad that the device didn't quite work out for me, as the model was perfect for me otherwise
Would need one that can be easily carried around in your keychain and doesn't break easily (so no plastic ones) and would preferably have the actual connector surface protected somehow.
I have understood that it is not a good idea to have a tag with my name and address on my key chain when I lose it: A honest person might return my keys, but a dishonest person might lock himself into my apartment and steal my computer. The usb stick with my personal documents can do the same thing …
can have a bad device slip through.
If it still has problems on another computer, you should contact Pretec. I think they have a 12 month replacement warranty on most items.
I made this half-pony, half-monkey monster to please you.