Unable to access Seestar from PC via USB cable

C2StL4Z

When I attempt to attach the Seestar to my Windows PC via the supplied USB-C cable I receive the message 'You need to format the disk in drive D: before you can use it.' followed by 'D:\ is not accessible. The volume does not contain a recognised file system.'
If I format the drive as suggested, with exFAT file system presumably, I will lose the existing files.
Will the Seestar still function as normal after the reformat?
Assuming that it is safe to format the drive, how can I save the existing files before formatting the drive?

AstroNet@ZWO

C2StL4Z You can use Wi-Fi to save the file, see this tutorial "https://h5.seestar.com/course/2750".
Regarding the formatting issue, I will ask the relevant technical colleagues later and give you an answer.

AstroNet@ZWO

You can export the file via Wi-Fi and then format it. The formatting will not affect the Seestar system.

C2StL4Z

Thanks. I will give that a try.

C2StL4Z

All good now thanks. I decided not to reformat the drive but instead just use Wifi to access the data.

AstroNet@ZWO

C2StL4Z That's great

Nekno

C2StL4Z did you ever format the storage? I'm having the same issue

Bill-Sees-Stars

I had the same problem trying to connect to my Windows PC, and got the same message. I also have a macBook and the Seestar can connect to it and I've been using it to transfer files. I decided to run "FirstAid" on the Seestar drive from my macBook. It did find something that needed to be repaired, sorry, I don't remember what it had to fix on the Seestar. However, whatever it fixed, the Seestar is now recognized by my Windows PC.

starnet

You can definitely access your files over WiFi, without any cables. Save a copy of your files before you format anything.

Daemn42

I was able to connect using USB cable and it simply showed up as a new drive. In the past when I've had issues with that error (wants to format the drive), it's usually been a cable or USB port issue. Swapping cables and/or changing USB port usually does the trick. If using USB type A, make sure it's in a USB3.0 port (blue inside). If USB-C is an option at both ends, it'll be best.

FWIW, I find that 2.4Ghz Wifi copies files at about 2-5Mbps.. 5.8Ghz at 5-9Mbps and USB cable into a USB3.0 port.. 20-27Mbps, so the direct connect is worth if you can make it work.

And a random comment about connecting via Wifi. The tutorial shows looking up the IP and typing it into windows explorer. Don't even need to do that. If it's on the same network in station mode, try just typing \\seestar

Grig

@Daemn42 doing \\seestar requests for username/password. Which should I use?

xfirf

Your zwo account you also used to login in the app.

Grig

Thank you. "admin"/"admin" also worked! 😊

xfirf

Grig ah. cool. :-D Good to know.

kroselle

This phenomenon just started for me. Not sure what triggered it, whether the S50 drive got corrupted or maybe a Virus/VPN tool updated and started it. I wanted the cable interface for the higher speed. I backed up my MyWorks and System Volume Information folders over WiFi. When I did the format from Windows it DID DELETE MY MyWork folder. I restored it from the backup and the S50 recognizes everything OK. I also can now access the S50 via a mounted drive using the USB cable. So if you do this repair (and it seems to work fine) absolutely back up your MyWorks folder before you format.