[Spyderturbo007]

I'm looking at picking up a WD Passport Elite or Essential. Actually, I don't really care which, because every review I've see basically says they are the same.

Either way, I've read conflicting statements regarding the bloatware installed on the external drive. I'm not going to be using their backup software, or anything else for that matter. I just want a completely blank external. Does anyone own one of these things?

Some people say that the software is removable and other say that it's on some hidden partition that you can't delete.

I had my eye on this one.

Thanks!

Edited by Spyderturbo007, 31 December 2009 - 09:24 AM.

[Advertisements]

You could also go with an external case and put a separately purchased drive in it.

The WD one you want if you cant delete the contents of the partition, you could format the drive and remove the partition.

[123Runner]

You could also go with an external case and put a separately purchased drive in it.

The WD one you want if you cant delete the contents of the partition, you could format the drive and remove the partition.

[Spyderturbo007]

That's what I was hoping, but it looks like it might not be that easy. It looks like it contains some type of virtual CD partition that I've never dealt with before. Any thoughs on how to reclaim the virtual partion?

Attached Thumbnails

• 
• 

[StewBizzle]

Sounds similar to the U3 system common on a lot of Sandisk flash drives. Generally, the partition should be removable, at worst booting into something like Partition Manager's rescue media to access it. The virtual disk I believe is simply a ploy to maintain the integrity of their "backup" software, you'll just have to run it, uninstall it, then check your partitions and format it. Knowing Western Digital, I would say they shouldn't limit your options too much, but you never know.

Edited by StewBizzle, 24 December 2009 - 07:39 PM.

[Spyderturbo007]

I finally found it over the weekend and wanted to post it up for anyone else looking to do the same thing. It was buried on their website.

WD SmartWare

I haven't tried it yet, but it looks like I just have to update the firmware, run the removal tool and then I should be able to reformat the entire thing through explorer.

Edited by Spyderturbo007, 28 December 2009 - 07:39 AM.

[123Runner]

Looks like something that might work.

Did you try deleting the partitions through computer management?

[Spyderturbo007]

No I didn't actually. I checked them out, but never even thought about trying to delete the Virtual CD partition.

[Spyderturbo007]

I'm back with the results. I couldn't delete the VCD partition using the disk management feature. I used the WD SmartWare software and it worked like a champ. Installation was a breeze, but make sure you follow the warnings about removing any and all other external devices, rebooting following each step, etc.

[123Runner]

I am glad that you got it taken care of.

Thanks for letting us know. It will be helpful for others that may have the same issue.

123runner

[Spyderturbo007]

Thanks for letting us know. It will be helpful for others that may have the same issue.

Hopefully it does.

I'm a member of a ton of different types of forums and typically users don't post their resolution if they solve a problem themselves. It's ashame, because there is so much that could be learned through others' experiences. I'm an Administrator at one site and I ask all the time that people post the solution that worked for them. It really lightens the workload for the regular members.

Have a great holiday and thanks for your suggestions!

Oh, by the way, is there a "Solved" or "Resolved" button that I'm missing? I know a lot of forums are starting to move that direction but I can't find one around here.

Edited by Spyderturbo007, 31 December 2009 - 09:27 AM.

[123Runner]

There is, but I believe it can only be done by an admin or someone of higher authority.

It would be great function to have available to us.
That would keep others from posting in a resolved one that is quite old.

Have a good holiday also.

123runner

[rshaffer61]

We do not have a Solved or Resolved in any forum other then Malware It has been discussed numerous times and the decision was made not to do it because in hardware and software there is no real way to make sure the issue is resolved.
If you would like to show this topic as being resolved per say then use this.

Congratulations. for a successful resolution for your issue.

You are very welcome. I'm glad we could help and please let us know how everything works out for you.
If there is anything else we can do to help please feel free to ask. I appreciate that you allowed me to assist you with your issue and for your patience.
Thank you for choosing GeeksToGo for help.
This issue now appears to be resolved.


If other members are reading this and have a similar problem please begin a New Topic and someone will assist you as soon as possible