PNA 10GB Hard Drive Replacement Program

See Service Note   (This model-specific link is applicable to all PNA models)

---

If your PNA has a 10 GB hard drive, then this program applies to you!   Agilent will send you a free replacement 40GB drive. This drive has several advantages over the older 10GB drive. Some of these advantages are:

• Much more storage space
• Faster speed (5400 RPM vs 4200 RPM for the 10GB drive)
• The higher density also makes the drive respond faster
• Advanced fluid filled bearings (longer lasting and quieter)
• Ability to use the latest firmware (see below)

While Agilent will supply replacement drives, they will need to be installed by you (see below if you are not comfortable with this.) On microwave PNA's this 5-minute job is very simple since the drive is easily accessible on the rear panel. For PNA's of 9 GHz and below, the outside covers must be removed. This will take about 1/2 hour; see service manual for the exact procedure. Most PNAs will also need a bios upgrade. Full instructions will be included with the drive. If you have more than one PNA, please collect the required information and then contact us with your needs for ALL the PNAs at your facility. All replaced 10GB hard drive should be returned to Agilent. This program expires at the end of 2006.

Note:   The replacement drive for all PNAs with a 500 MHz CPU will have XP as the operating system unless you specifically request Windows 2000!
If the PNA has a 266MHz CPU, then Windows 2000 is the only choice available. Firmware revision A.06.01 and above will only be compatible with XP, so it is highly recommended that the XP version be ordered if at all possible.

In summary, there are 3 different version of the 40GB hard drive available. You must pick one for each qualifying PNA. See below for information on how to identify your CPU.

1. Windows XP for use with the 500 MHz processor
2. Windows 2000 for use with the 500 MHz processor
3. Windows 2000 for use with the 266 MHz processor

To request your replacement hard drive(s), send an email to CTD-SoCo_support@agilent.com. You must provide the following information.

• For each qualifying PNA: The model number and serial number
• For each qualifying PNA: If the model is E8356A, E8357A, or E8358A, you must tell us if it contains a 266 or 500 MHz CPU (see below)
• For each qualifying PNA: Assuming you have a 500 MHz CPU, do you wish to exercise your downgrade rights to receive Windows 2000 instead of XP?
• Your company information: Company Name, Shipping Address, Contact Name and Phone Number
  

Common Questions

How can I tell if I have 10GB hard drive?
Close or minimize the PNA application. Right-click on My Computer, click on Manage, click on Disk Management. The Disk 0 capacity should show about 9.5 GB (for a 10GB drive) or about 37 GB (for a 40GB drive).

How can I tell a 266MHz CPU from a 500MHz CPU?
The 266MHz CPU was only used on the E8356A, E8357A, and E8358A. Look at the rear of the PNA. The 266MHz CPU has a single horizontally oriented USB port. The 500MHz CPU board has a single vertically oriented USB port.

How and where do I return the old drives?
All replaced drives should be returned to Agilent. They can be returned to your local Agilent office or they may be shipped to the below address. If desired, you could use the same shipping container that the new drives arrived in, however the returned drives do not need careful handling and packaging. Ground shipment is sufficient. Ship to:
    Agilent Technologies
    1400 Fountaingrove Parkway
    Santa Rosa, CA 95403-1738   USA
    Attn: John Vallelunga M/S 3US-G.

I am in a secured environment and I cannot return the old hard drives. What do I do?
The hard drive platters are made of glass. Puncturing the platter area with a nail, ice pick, screwdriver, or similar will completely shatter the platters into thousands of shards, thus preventing any possibility of reading the drive (please cover any hole with tape to contain the glass!) If this is sufficient, do this first, and then return the drives. If this is not sufficient, please contact us via email.

Are there any issues with changing from Windows 2000 to XP?
Before XP can be installed, the PNA must have its BIOS updated. Without this update, XP will not function due to lack of activation. Updating the BIOS eliminates this need. You will be provided with one floppy disk (and instructions) that can be used on all PNAs in your facility. If this floppy disk is lost, you can create your own by downloading and executing this BIOS floppy creation utility.

Will this affect the calibration of the PNA? What about installed options?
The calibration of the PNA will not be affected assuming you follow the instructions enclosed with the hard drive. You will need a floppy disk or pen drive to transfer some files. Likewise, any installed options will be not be affected.

What will happen to all my settings, saved instrument states, log-on names and passwords?
All files, accounts, and network settings will be lost and will have to be recreated. Any needed files should be stored to a pen drive and transferred to the new hard drive. All added applications will also have to be re-installed.

What version of firmware will be installed?
The drives with XP will have firmware revision A.06.01.05 (or 4.87 for 3-port models.) The drives with Windows 2000 will have firmware revision A.04.25 or A.04.86. This can always be changed by downloading and installing new firmware from this site. Remember, the 266MHz CPU is limited to a maximum firmware revision of A.04.87.

If the firmware revision is changing to higher version, will I need more memory?
Possibly. Early PNAs that contained the 266MHz CPU board shipped with only 64MB of RAM. This must be upgraded to at least 128MB and, preferably, 256MB. Likewise, early PNAs that shipped with the 500MHz CPU board had only 256MB of memory. While this will suffice for XP, installing 512MB will make the PNA respond faster, especially when large number of points are used. Memory can be purchased from Agilent or from third parties. The Agilent part number for the 256MB SODIMM, which is usable for either CPU, is 1818-8825 (equivalent to Micron P/N MT16LSDF3264HG-10EE4.)

I am not comfortable performing this hard drive replacement. Can I just send it to Agilent?
Yes. You can send the unit in for servicing; just indicate you want the 10GB hard drive Service Note applied (the actual service note number varies, see Service Notes.) However, this will cost you in both downtime and shipping fees. Replacement of the hard drive is extremely simple for microwave PNAs, and still relatively simple for RF PNAs. It is highly recommended that you attempt to replace the drive yourself. If you run into difficulties, you can contact us for help at the above email address. In the worst case, you can still always send the PNA in for servicing.