Copy jobs are complete and there are no errors on the Connect and copy page. Prepare to ship can't run if copy jobs are in progress or there are errors in the Connect and copy page.
Prepare to ship
Final step is to prepare the device to ship. In this step, all the device shares are taken offline. The shares cannot be accessed once you start this process.
Important
Prepare to ship is required as it flags data that does not conform to Azure naming conventions. This step prevents potential data upload failures due to non-conforming data.
Go to Prepare to ship and click Start preparation. By default, checksums are computed while data is being copied. Prepare to ship completes the checksum computation and creates the list of files ( -BOM files). The checksum computation can take hours to days depending upon the size of your data.
If for any reason you want to stop the device preparation, click Stop preparation. You can resume the prepare to ship later.
The prepare to ship starts and the device shares go offline. The device status updates to Ready to ship and the device is locked once the device preparation is complete.
If you want to copy more data to the device, you can unlock the device, copy more data, and run prepare to ship again.
If there are errors in this step, the status updates to Scan completed with errors. Unlock the device and go to Connect and copy page, download the issues list, and resolve the errors.
If you have enabled the copy to archive option and you have not copied data into the Block Blob (Archive) shares, make sure to do so to prevent the following error:
After the errors are resolved, run Prepare to ship.
After the prepare to ship is successfully complete (with no errors), follow these steps:
Make a note of the completion reference number. Depending on the country in which you are, this number may be required for different operations.
Download the list of files (also known as the manifest) copied in this process. You can later use this list to verify the files uploaded to Azure. For more information, see Inspect BOM files during Prepare to ship.
Select and download the shipping instructions for the device. The shipping instructions are different depending on the country in which you are located.
If the E-ink is not displaying the shipping label, you can download the reverse shipment label here.
Shut down the device. Go to Shut down or restart page and click Shut down. When prompted for confirmation, click OK to continue.
Remove the cables. The next step is to ship the device to Microsoft.
After the data copy is complete, you prepare and ship the device. When the device reaches Azure datacenter, data is automatically uploaded to Azure.
Prepare to ship
Before you prepare to ship, make sure that copy jobs are complete.
Go to Prepare to ship page in the local web UI and start the ship preparation.
Turn off the device from the local web UI. Remove the cables from the device.
The next steps are determined by where you're returning the device.
Ship Data Box back
Make sure the data copy to the device completed and the Prepare to ship run was successful.
Take the following steps if returning the device in US or Canada.
Make sure that the device is powered off and cables are removed.
Spool and securely place the power cord that was provided with device in the back of the device.
Ensure that the shipping label is displayed on the E-ink display and schedule a pickup with your carrier. If the label is damaged or lost or not displayed on the E-ink display, contact Microsoft Support. If the Support suggests, then you can go to Overview > Download shipping label in the Azure portal. Download the shipping label and affix on the device.
Schedule a pickup with UPS if returning the device. To schedule a pickup:
Call the local UPS (country/region-specific toll free number).
In your call, quote the reverse shipment tracking number as shown in the E-ink display or your printed label. If you don't quote the tracking number, UPS will require an additional charge during pickup.
If any issues come up while you're scheduling a pickup, or you're asked to pay additional fees, contact Azure Data Box Operations. Send email to adbops@microsoft.com.
Instead of scheduling the pickup, you can also drop off the Data Box at the nearest drop-off location.
Once the Data Box is picked up and scanned by your carrier, the order status in the portal updates to Picked up. A tracking ID is also displayed.
Take the following steps if you're returning the device in Europe.
Make sure that the device is powered off and cables are removed.
Spool and securely place the power cord that was provided with device in the back of the device.
Ensure that the shipping label is displayed on the E-ink display and schedule a pickup with your carrier. If the label is damaged or lost or not displayed on the E-ink display, contact Microsoft Support. If Support suggests, then you can go to Overview > Download shipping label in the Azure portal. Download the shipping label and affix on the device.
If you're shipping back to Azure datacenters in Germany or Switzerland, the Azure datacenter requires advance notice of all device returns:
To: adbops@microsoft.com
Subject: Request for Azure Data Box Inbound ID: <orderName>
Body:
I am ready to return an Azure Data Box and would like to request an Inbound ID for the following order:
Order Name: <orderName>
Return Tracking Number: <returnTracking#>
Write down the Inbound ID number provided by Azure Data Box Operations, and paste it onto the unit, where it is clearly visible, near the return label.
Schedule a pickup with UPS if returning the device. To schedule a pickup:
Call the local UPS (country/region-specific toll free number).
In your call, quote the reverse shipment tracking number as shown in the E-ink display or your printed label. If you don't quote the tracking number, UPS will require an additional charge during pickup.
If any issues come up while you're scheduling a pickup, or you're asked to pay additional fees, contact Azure Data Box Operations. Send email to adbops@microsoft.com.
Instead of scheduling the pickup, you can also drop off the Data Box at the nearest drop-off location.
Once the Data Box is picked up and scanned by your carrier, the order status in the portal updates to Picked up. A tracking ID is also displayed.
If you're shipping back to Azure datacenters in Germany or Switzerland, you can also use self-managed shipping.
Take the following steps if you're returning the device in UK.
Make sure that the device is powered off and cables are removed.
Spool and securely place the power cord that was provided with device in the back of the device.
Ensure that the shipping label is displayed on the E-ink display and schedule a pickup with your carrier. If the label is damaged or lost or not displayed on the E-ink display, contact Microsoft Support. If Support suggests, then you can go to Overview > Download shipping label in the Azure portal. Download the shipping label and affix on the device.
Check the shipping label to see which datacenter the device was shipped from: Cardiff or London. The London datacenter requires advance notice of all device returns.
If the device was shipped from London, do the following steps:
To: adbops@microsoft.com
Subject: Request for Azure Data Box Inbound ID: <orderName>
Body:
I am ready to return an Azure Data Box and would like to request an Inbound ID for the following order:
Order Name: <orderName>
Return Tracking Number: <returnTracking#>
Write down the Inbound ID number provided by Azure Data Box Operations, and paste it onto the unit, where it is clearly visible, near the return label.
Schedule a pickup with UPS if returning the device. To schedule a pickup:
Call the local UPS (country/region-specific toll free number).
In your call, quote the reverse shipment tracking number as shown in the E-ink display or your printed label. If you don't quote the tracking number, UPS will require an additional charge during pickup.
If any issues come up while you're scheduling a pickup, or you're asked to pay additional fees, contact Azure Data Box Operations. Send email to adbops@microsoft.com.
Instead of scheduling the pickup, you can also drop off the Data Box at the nearest drop-off location.
Once the Data Box is picked up and scanned by your carrier, the order status in the portal updates to Picked up. A tracking ID is also displayed.
Azure datacenters in Australia have an additional security notification. All the inbound shipments must have an advanced notification. Take the following steps to ship in Australia.
Keep the original box used to ship the device for return shipment.
Make sure that the data copy to device is complete and Prepare to ship run is successful.
Power off the device and remove the cables.
Spool and securely place the power cord that was provided with the device in the back of the device.
Take the following steps if you're returning the device in Japan.
Keep the original box used to ship the device for return shipment.
Power off the device and remove the cables.
Spool and securely place the power cord that was provided with the device in the back of the device.
Write your company name and address information on the consignment note as your sender information.
Email Quantium Solutions using the following email template.
If Japan Post Chakubarai consignment note wasn't included or is missing, note that in this email. Quantium Solutions Japan will request Japan Post to bring the consignment note upon pickup.
If you have multiple orders, email to ensure individual pickup.
To: azure.qsjp@quantiumsolutions.com
Subject: Pickup request for Azure Data Box｜Job name：
Body:
- Japan Post Yu-Pack tracking number (reference number)：
- Requested pickup date：mmdd (Select a requested time slot from below).
a. 08：00-13：00
b. 13：00-15：00
c. 15：00-17：00
d. 17：00-19：00
Receive an email confirmation from Quantium Solutions after you've booked a pickup. The email confirmation also includes information on the Chakubarai consignment note.
If needed, you can contact Quantium Solutions Support (Japanese language) at the following information:
Take the following steps if you're returning the device in Singapore.
Keep the original box used to ship the device for return shipment.
Note down the tracking number (shown as reference number on the Prepare to Ship page of the Data Box local web UI). The tracking number is available after the Prepare to ship step completes successfully. Download the shipping label from this page and paste on the packing box.
Power off the device and remove the cables.
Spool and securely place the power cord that was provided with the device in the back of the device.
Email SingPost Customer Service using the following email template with the tracking number.
To: g-corpsgcs@singpost.com
Subject: Microsoft Azure Pickup - OrderName
Body:
1. Requestor name
2. Requestor contact number
3. Requestor collection address
4. Preferred collection date
Note
For booking requests received on a business day:
Before 3 PM, pickup will be the next business day between 9 AM and 1 PM.
After 3 PM, pickup will be the next business day between 2 PM to 6 PM.
Take the following steps if returning the device in Hong Kong.
Pack the device for return shipment in the original box.
Spool and securely place the power cord that was provided with the device in the back of the device.
Call the Quantium Solutions hotline at (852) 2318 1213 during office hours (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday).
Quote Microsoft Azure pickup and the reference number and tracking number (above barcode) on the return shipping label to arrange for a collection.
You'll get a verbal confirmation of the pickup schedule. If the courier doesn't arrive for collection, call the Quantium Solutions hotline for alternate arrangements.
Upon booking a pickup with Quantium Solutions, share the confirmation with Microsoft Data Box Operations Asia using the following template:
To: adbo@microsoft.com
Subject: Microsoft Data Box Job: [order name] has completed copy
Body:
We have confirmed the pickup details with Quantium Solutions.
* Requestor name:
* Requestor contact number:
* Pickup Date:
* Pickup time:
If you come across any issues, email Data Box Operations Asia adbo@microsoft.com with details of the issue(s), and put the job name in the Subject: line.
Take the following steps if you're returning the device in Korea.
Note down the service request number (shown as reference number on the Prepare to Ship page of the Data Box local web UI).
Make sure the device is powered off and any cables are removed. Spool and securely place the power cord provided with the device in the back compartment.
Package the device using the original box that was used for shipping. Ensure that the return consignment note is included.
To schedule a pickup, call Quantium Solutions International hotline at 070-8231-1418 during office hours (10 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday). Quote Microsoft Azure pickup and the service request number to arrange for a collection.
To: microsoft@rocketparcel.com
Subject: Microsoft Azure Pickup | Service Request Number: <ReferenceNumber>
Body:
* Service Request Number (reference number): <ReferenceNumber>
* Requested pickup date: yyyy/mm/dd;time:HH MM
* <If the consignment note is missing, note that here along with the sender and receiver information. If the consignment note was included, please delete this section.>
If you come across any issues or are asked to pay additional fees when scheduling a pickup, email Azure Data Box Operations at adbops@microsoft.com for assistance. Please provide the order name and the issue encountered in the Subject line.
Once the device is picked up and scanned by the carrier, the order status in the Azure portal is updated to Picked up, and a tracking ID is displayed.
Take the following steps if you're returning the device in South Africa.
Pack the device for return shipment in the original box.
Spool and securely place the power cord that was provided with the device in the back of the device.
Note the tracking number (shown as reference number on the Prepare to Ship page of the Data Box local web UI). The tracking number is available after the "Prepare to ship" step completes successfully. Download the shipping label from this page, and paste it on the packing box.
Request a return code from Azure Data Box Operations. A return code is required for delivering the package back to the datacenter. Send email to adbops@microsoft.com. Note this code on the shipping label next to the return address, where it is clearly visible.
Book a pickup with DHL using one of the following methods:
To: Priority.Support@dhl.com
Subject: Pickup request for Microsoft Azure
Body: Need pick up for the below shipment
* DHL tracking number: (reference number/waybill number)
* Requested pickup date: yyyy/mm/dd;time:HH MM
* Shipper contact: (company name)
* Contact person:
* Phone number:
* Full physical address:
* Item to be collected: Azure Dt
Or drop off the package at the nearest DHL service point.
If you come across any issues, email Priority.Support@dhl.com with details of the issue(s), and put the waybill number in the Subject: line. You can also call +27(0)119213902.
Take the following steps if returning the device in the United Arab Emirates.
Keep the original box used to ship the device for return shipment.
Make sure the data copy to device is complete, and the Prepare to ship step completed successfully.
Note the reference number on the Prepare to ship page of the device local web UI.
Power off the device, and remove the cables. Spool and securely place the power cord that was provided with the device in the back of the device.
Pack the device for return shipment in the original box.
Email Azure Data Box Operations to get an ID that will be used to identify the package when it arrives back at the datacenter.
Write down this ID on the printed shipping label, next to the return address so that it’s clearly visible.
Book a pickup online by going to DHL Express UAE > Schedule a Pickup.
Enter the reference number from the Prepare to ship page of the device local web UI in the waybill number field.
Bookings are accepted from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM six days a week (excluding Fri and public holidays).
Pickup requests should be placed at least 90 minutes before customer closing time.
If you come across any issue with the DHL booking tool, you can contact DHL using any of these methods:
Call 04-2924545.
Email ecom.ae@dhl.com with details of the issue(s), and put the waybill number in the Subject: line.
Call DHL Customer Support at 600 567567.
Take the following steps if you're returning the device in Norway.
Keep the original box used to ship the device for return shipment.
Power off the device and remove the cables.
Spool and securely place the power cord that was provided with the device in the back of the device. Pack the device for return shipment in the original box.
Note the tracking number (shown as reference number on the Prepare to Ship page of the Data Box local web UI). The tracking number is available after Prepare to ship completes successfully. Download the shipping label from this page, and paste it on the packing box.
Book a pickup with DHL using one of the following methods:
Book a pickup online by going to DHL Express Norway and selecting Schedule a Pickup.
For any urgent pickup requests or assistance with DHL booking, email or call (+47) 21 00 22 00.
If you encounter any issues when scheduling a pickup, reach out to Azure Data Box Operations for assistance. Provide the order name and the issue encountered in the subject line.
Once the device is picked up and scanned by the carrier, the order status in the Azure portal is updated to Picked Up and a tracking ID is displayed.
Self-managed shipping
Self-managed shipping is only available in the following regions:
If you selected self-managed shipping when you created your order, follow these instructions. For detailed steps, see Use self-managed shipping.
Write down the Authorization code that's shown on the Prepare to Ship page of the local web UI for the Data Box after the step completes successfully.
Power off the device and remove the cables. Spool and securely place the power cord that was provided with the device at the back of the device.
When you're ready to return the device, send an email to the Azure Data Box Operations team using the template below.
To: adbops@microsoft.com
Subject: Request for Azure Data Box drop-off for order: 'orderName'
Body:
1. Order name
2. Authorization code available after Prepare to Ship has completed [Yes/No]
3. Contact name of the person dropping off. You will need to display a government-approved ID during the drop off.
Note
Required information for return may vary by region.
When Microsoft receives and scans the device, order status is updated to Received. The device then undergoes physical verification for damage or signs of tampering.
After the verification is complete, the Data Box is connected to the network in the Azure datacenter. The data copy starts automatically. Depending upon the data size, the copy operation may take a few hours to days to complete. You can monitor the copy job progress in the portal.
Review copy errors from upload
When files fail to upload because of an non-retryable error, you're notified to review the errors before proceeding. The errors are listed in the data copy log.
When you confirm that you've reviewed the errors and are ready to proceed, the data will be secure erased from the device. The order is completed automatically after 14 days. By acting on the notification, you can move things along more quickly.
To review non-retryable errors and proceed with your order, do the following:
Open your order in the Azure portal.
If any non-retryable errors prevented files from uploading, you'll see the following notification. The current order status will be Data copy completed with errors. Device pending data erasure.
Make a note of the COPY LOG PATH in DATA COPY DETAILS. You'll review the errors in the data copy log.
Note
If firewall rules are set on the storage account for your Data Box, you might not be able to access copy logs from the Azure portal by using COPY LOG PATH on the Overview pane. To access the logs, either modify the storage firewall settings to allow the current system, or use a system which is in the firewall network.
Select Confirm device erasure to open a review panel.
Review the errors in the data copy log using the copy log path that you made a note of earlier. If you need to, you can select Close to display the path again.
You'll need to fix any configuration issues before you try another upload via a network transfer or a new import order.
After you review the errors, select the check box to acknowledge that you're ready to proceed with data erasure. Then select Proceed.
After the data is secure erased from the device, the order status is updated to Copy completed with errors.
If you don't take any action, the order completes automatically after 14 days.
Verify data in completed upload
Once the data upload is complete, order status updates to Completed.
Verify that your data is uploaded to Azure before you delete it from the source. Your data can be in:
Your Azure Storage account(s). When you copy the data to Data Box, the data is uploaded to one of the following paths in your Azure Storage account:
For block blobs and page blobs: https://<storage_account_name>.blob.core.windows.net/<containername>/files/a.txt
For Azure Files: https://<storage_account_name>.file.core.windows.net/<sharename>/files/a.txt
Alternatively, you could go to your Azure storage account in Azure portal and navigate from there.
Your managed disk resource group(s). When creating managed disks, the VHDs are uploaded as page blobs and then converted to managed disks. The managed disks are attached to the resource groups specified at the time of order creation.
If your copy to managed disks in Azure was successful, you can go to the Order details in the Azure portal and make a note of the resource groups specified for managed disks.
Go to the noted resource group and locate your managed disks.
If you copied a VHDX or a dynamic or differencing VHD, the VHDX or VHD is uploaded to the staging storage account as a page blob, but the conversion of the VHD to a managed disk will fail. Go to your staging Storage account > Blobs, and select the appropriate container - Standard SSD, Standard HDD, or Premium SSD. The VHDs are uploaded as page blobs in your staging storage account and accrue charges.
