Something chapping my tail, and thought I would pass on a warning to others who are looking for similar products.
I've had a need to pick up a couple of external hard drives lately. I think I have about 5 now, from a homebuilt 80gig to Western Digital 500 gig. I needed two more recently and picked up a new Western Digital, and a Toshiba, each 320 gig.
Now for the rant...the new Western Digital hard drives are factory partitioned and the one partition is recognized as a CD drive. The "CD" partition is preloaded with what is called "WD Smartware". What happens is that every time the HD is plugged into a new port on the same computer, or any new computer the CD partition is pulled up separately. Furthermore, it tries to get you to activate the software on your machine. The software is a synch and backup program.
Now, I didn't want the software, but you can't delete it, nor can you reformat that partition as it is locked. So if Audrey or the kids want to back up something on the HD then they have to go through all of the confusing processes of bypassing this nasty little program, which makes it totally useless for anyone other than me (I don't like having to answer the questions over and over "Dad what do I click now?".
I spent several hours trying to eliminate it for easier use, but to no avail. To me this is too much like Obama Care..forced into something I don't like, want, or need, which will make my life more difficult.
So...as per my promise to WD in my gripe letter...I'm telling all of my friends and family...if you want hassles and headaches buy WD products...If you want the same quality with the ability to choose, and fewer hassles...buy the Toshiba or find another brand. Just a word of caution for those who are in the market for similar components
Ed
Wayy OT-Computer Hardware caution
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Re: Wayy OT-Computer Hardware caution
Why don't you just send it back to them if you don't like it?
Tell them again why you don't like it.
Tell them they can junk it or rebuild it and sell it to some other sucker who will soon be a former customer as well, just don't send it back to you.
Tell them again why you don't like it.
Tell them they can junk it or rebuild it and sell it to some other sucker who will soon be a former customer as well, just don't send it back to you.
Government office attracts the power-mad, yet it's people who just want to be left alone to live life on their own terms who are considered dangerous.
History teaches that it's a small window in which people can fight back before it is too dangerous to fight back.
History teaches that it's a small window in which people can fight back before it is too dangerous to fight back.
Re: Wayy OT-Computer Hardware caution
I wrote the letter, but sending stuff back isn't my bag. I don't need the headaches. This one I have designated as a backup drive only, which sits in the safe, so I still have the other hard drives to work off of. I just won't buy anymore of their products. The last thing I sent back to a company was a NIB Winchester Super Grade, which had voids in the barrel. Though I wanted a new barrel, they opted to send my money back instead, and there were no more of that rifle to be had anymore. So it didn't go as I wanted....but customer service seldom does go well IME.
This was just a caution for people who are looking to buy similar stuff.
Ed
This was just a caution for people who are looking to buy similar stuff.
Ed
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Modoc ED
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Re: Wayy OT-Computer Hardware caution
Put the WD install disc in your reader and see if there isn't a way to wipe the hard drive clean with the install disc.
When you go to all programs do you see an entry for the WD Hard Drive software program? Is there a tree/ladder that drops down and if there is is there an "Uninstall" option. If so, uninstall the software via that avenue.
I'd imagine that the WD external HD is a plun-N-play via a USB connection. If so, always try to install the device in the same USB port/connection every time you use it.
Trying to understand why you have so many external HDs but I guess you're like me -- I ljust like to mess with that stuff sometimes.
Western Digital makes good products. I'm surrised they won't work with you via their troubleshooting line.
When you go to all programs do you see an entry for the WD Hard Drive software program? Is there a tree/ladder that drops down and if there is is there an "Uninstall" option. If so, uninstall the software via that avenue.
I'd imagine that the WD external HD is a plun-N-play via a USB connection. If so, always try to install the device in the same USB port/connection every time you use it.
Trying to understand why you have so many external HDs but I guess you're like me -- I ljust like to mess with that stuff sometimes.
Western Digital makes good products. I'm surrised they won't work with you via their troubleshooting line.
ED
Yer never too old
Yer never too old
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don Tomás
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Re: Wayy OT-Computer Hardware caution
How about something like Partition Magic? Just go in and nuke all partitions, re-allocate drive space, reformat and off you go. WD offers free software that does the same thing... LifeGuard something or the other. You can find it under support on their website.
Tom
Tom
Tom
'A Man's got to have a code...
I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted and I won't be laid a hand on.
I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."
-John Bernard Books. Jan. 22, 1901
'A Man's got to have a code...
I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted and I won't be laid a hand on.
I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."
-John Bernard Books. Jan. 22, 1901
Re: Wayy OT-Computer Hardware caution
GParted is a free download and is simple to use (not near as scary as the description sounds). Just make sure you are working on the correct HD (the WD). It is a live CD (you download and burn the iso, and then boot from the CD). GParted is one of those indispensable tools.
http://download.cnet.com/GParted-LiveCD ... 98802.html
http://download.cnet.com/GParted-LiveCD ... 98802.html