Question 1

I bought this a long time ago with the idea to use it for getting data off older HDDs.
But I'm kinda a simpleton when it comes to drives and transfers and the like, will this also work for drive cloning? Provided I have the correct software?

Accepted Answer

I have used these for many years for drive cloning. And the best software to use for drive cloning, IMO, is Acronis True Image. If you buy this software, it will allow you to create a bootable CD-ROM or Flash Drive, which you can use to boot your system directly into the Acronis software. One of the menu items on Acronis, is to clone drives. Just follow the on-screen prompts to create a cloned drive.

And I use this to clone my server drives, so I have a physical drive backup of each of my drives, that I store in the safe. Then, twice a week, I take my backup cloned drives out, clear the partition on them and just re-run another cloning session. 
Then this way, if I have a drive failure, I can simply replace the drive with the clone, and for a software or OS failure, I can use my cloned drive to clone back to my server drives. GET IT?

Question 2

Does the chip on this support reading of SMART values from the drive using CrystalDiskInfo or other programs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, does on my computer, I have Windows 10 installed. Crystal disk reads info from my WD Green and Blue Drives, using this device.

Question 3

why does it blink purple and not detect any of my hard drives ?

Accepted Answer

Usually the blinking purple light indicates it is accessing the disk drive. If you're using a brand new drive, Windows won't recognize it until you initialize it, create a partition, and format it. It should then show up as a drive letter. (This is all done in the "disk manager" snap-in console under "computer management". If not, or you're using an existing drive that's been formatted and you know contains data, try a different usb cable and/or usb port on your pc. If none of this works, your unit is probably defective and Newegg will exchange it for you during the first 30 days. Ater this period, Orico should have your back with the one-year warranty. I got mine a few months ago and it has worked flawlessly.

Question 4

Hello, I just got this product in the mail, and plugged my WD Green in and the power light will not stay on. If I turn it on before the disk is plugged in, the light is on until I plug the disk in. If I plug the disk in without power being on, and then turn the power on, the light flashes on and then turn off. I fear this means the disk is dead. Any ideas?

Accepted Answer

As the light shows drive activity the drive is likely the issue.  However need to confirm.  Recommend either 1) plugging a different drive in, or 2) plugging the drive into and open sata connection to confirm it isn't functioning.  Need to make sure you weren't shipped a bad dock.

Question 5

Does it support USB 2.0?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It comes with a USB 3.0 cable, but it is backwards-compatible with USB 2. I am using it with an older Toshiba laptop, and it works great without any modifications - I just plug it in and my computer automatically recognizes and configures it. The only disadvantage, obviously, is that you won't get the faster USB 3 speeds.

Size	Please Note As Hot Plug only means that the PC doesn't have to be restarted after disk swaps, it is crucial to disconnect and switch off the docking station before removing and changing any disk drives, to avoid data loss and structural damage. Please make sure the device is powering off when you plug it out.
Color	Black
External Interface	USB 3.0
AC Adapter	Yes
Material	Plastic
Internal Interface	SATA
HDD Count Supported	Single HDD
Number of Bay	1
Maximum Capacity (per Bay)	Up to 8TB

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ORICO External USB 3.0 to SATA Hard Drive Lay-Flat Docking Station for 2.5 or 3.5in HDD, SSD Up to 24TB [Support UASP]

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Item#: 9SIA1DS0FR8421