Return the appliance

Finalize copied data

Finalizing prepares the appliance for shipping to Google by removing the decryption key, rendering the data inaccessible until it reaches Google. When the decryption key is removed, you cannot copy additional data to the appliance without deleting all previously copied data.

To finalize the copied data, follow these steps:

1. Connect to the appliance.

2. Run the ta finalize command. Enter the ta_customer password when prompted and note the passcode returned in the output.

   The following sample response resembles the output that is returned:

   Finalizing prepares the appliance for shipping by removing the decryption key,
   making the data inaccessible until it reaches Google. Once finalized, there is
   no way to access your data or add more data without deleting everything on the
   drive.
   
   Are you ready to finalize the appliance and ship it back to Google? (y/n) y
   Umounted data partition and disabled automount.
   Finalize step is complete.
   
   This passcode must be used to get a return shipping label: NNNN
   If you forget your passcode, run 'ta status' to display it again.
   TA:~$ ta status
   
   You are ready to ship the appliance back to Google.
   
   Next steps:
   » Use this passcode when requesting a shipping label: NNNN
   » Contact the appliance team at data-support@google.com.
   

3. Enter the passcode returned by the ta finalize command in the form included in the email titled Google Transfer Appliance Return Instructions sent by the Transfer Appliance Team.

   To view the passcode again, run ta status.

   The Transfer Appliance Team responds with the shipping label for the Transfer Appliance for the given passcode.

4. Once you receive the shipping label, turn off the appliance and disconnect all cables to it.

Optional: Erase data on the appliance

Remote wipe erases the data on your appliance. After wiping, you cannot reconfigure the appliance to capture data and it must be shipped back to Google.

Wipe your appliance

The process for remote wipe is similar to wiping the appliance in the data center and is in accordance with Google's data destruction guidelines.

To wipe your appliance:

1. Run cd /tmp.

2. Run the ta wipe command. Based on appliance type, the ta wipe command takes between 1 and 7 hours to complete.

   If the ta wipe command is not available, make sure your appliance is updated to the latest software version. To update your appliance, run the ta update command. After the appliance has been updated, run the ta wipe command.

A certificate verifying the erasure of data is generated upon completion and saved to /opt/certificate.json.

Package and return the appliance

After finalizing your data and optionally wiping the Edge Appliance, prepare the appliance for shipping. This includes printing and applying a shipping label, gathering the appliance's cables, packing the appliance, and contacting your shipper to return the appliance.

Use the same shipping case that the Edge Appliance arrived in.

To return the appliance, do the following:

1. Print the shipping label that was sent to you by Transfer Appliance Team as part of finalizing your copied data.

2. Place the following items into the shipping case:

   • 2 power bricks in a metal frame
   • Transfer Appliance
   • Dust cover
   • 2 power cords
   • 2 power extension cords
   • Ethernet cable

3. Close the case and secure the latches.

4. Secure the case lid using the 2 tamper-evident tags.

   

5. Affix a shipping-label pouch to the case using a tie-on tag.

6. Insert the shipping return label in the pouch. Ensure that the return address and barcodes are visible.

7. If necessary, contact your shipper to schedule a pick-up.