WD SES Device USB Device

[Andyba]

Just acquired a new WD Passport My Essential drive (WDBAAA2500ABK-00) for
SBS 2008 backups.

Turns out it's not exactly the same as previous ones I've bought. Slightly
smaller, and with a different style USB connection on the drive.

More importantly it shows an error in device manager, and a driver update
fails to find anything to correct the error.

I have done a backup (but not a restore) with it, with no indicated error,
but I should really find the correct driver to loose the exclamation mark.

Anyone else had this?

TIA
Andy

[Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]]

Is this one of those "SES" drives that has the Smartware on it?

Windows fails to locate drivers for an external hard drive
http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1708&p_created=1197400455&p_sid=kTdKW3Sj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_srch=1&p_lva=1708&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NTYsNTYmcF9wcm9kcz0yMjgsMTk1LDI1NSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PTMuMjU1JnBfY3Y9JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9YW5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfZm5sJnBfcGFnZT0xJnBfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9c2VzIGRldmljZQ!!&p_li=&p_topview=1
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Just acquired a new WD Passport My Essential drive (WDBAAA2500ABK-00) for
SBS 2008 backups.
Turns out it's not exactly the same as previous ones I've bought. Slightly
smaller, and with a different style USB connection on the drive.
More importantly it shows an error in device manager, and a driver update
fails to find anything to correct the error.
I have done a backup (but not a restore) with it, with no indicated error,
but I should really find the correct driver to loose the exclamation mark.
Anyone else had this?
TIA
Andy

[Andyba]

Yes, it "did" have Smartware on it.

I have looked at that page previously too, and originally assumed that OS
support in Windows 7 would include OS support in SBS2008, but not apparently
so.

My attempts to get rid of the driver error have involved:

Update to firmware. (EssentialEliteFirmwareUpdaterv1.032_1.0.7.4)
Update to Smartware. (WDSmartWare_SoftwareUpdater_for_Windows_1_2_0_7a)
Use of Virtual CD manager to remove the Virtual CD.
(WDSmartWareVirtualCDManagerforWindows-v1.0.7.4)
Then a full NTFS format.
Finally when configured as an SBS 2008 backup drive it will have received
another trashing!

It's presently formatted NTFS and not configured as an SBS backup drive.

I've just tried it now on OS's that have never seen it before, and have no
WD software installed.

XP SP3. Wanted to connect to the internet to find a driver. Same device
manager error as SBS2008. Presently I've not connected to try and find one.
Shows up as G: in Disk Management, but does not appear in "My Computer".

Vista and Windows 7. Same device manager error and cancelled driver search
as XP, except it did show in "Computer", and I was able to read and write.

I'd like to control the driver install so I know were it comes from, hence
the reason for not allowing Vista and Windows 7 to search the internet.

I thought SBS backup was going to be easy, and it was with the previous WD
Passport, but this new beast has me searching for a tape drive!

Rgds

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
Is this one of those "SES" drives that has the Smartware on it?
Windows fails to locate drivers for an external hard drive
http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1708&p_created=1197400455&p_sid=kTdKW3Sj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_srch=1&p_lva=1708&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NTYsNTYmcF9wcm9kcz0yMjgsMTk1LDI1NSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PTMuMjU1JnBfY3Y9JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9YW5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfZm5sJnBfcGFnZT0xJnBfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9c2VzIGRldmljZQ!!&p_li=&p_topview=1
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Just acquired a new WD Passport My Essential drive (WDBAAA2500ABK-00) for
SBS 2008 backups.
Turns out it's not exactly the same as previous ones I've bought.
Slightly smaller, and with a different style USB connection on the drive.
More importantly it shows an error in device manager, and a driver update
fails to find anything to correct the error.
I have done a backup (but not a restore) with it, with no indicated
error, but I should really find the correct driver to loose the
exclamation mark.
Anyone else had this?
TIA
Andy

[Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]]

I haven't found anything that will allow you to disable the SES (SCSI
Enclosure Services) on these new drives. So, if you can't install the
driver for it, you'll continually get the pop-up to install it. It appears
Western Digital has taken an otherwise good drive and turned it into a
brick. Sad to see this as I've been using their Passport drives for the
past 3 years without incident. At this point, I would return the drive for
a full refund and go to their competition for an external hard drive.
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Yes, it "did" have Smartware on it.
I have looked at that page previously too, and originally assumed that OS
support in Windows 7 would include OS support in SBS2008, but not
apparently so.
Update to firmware. (EssentialEliteFirmwareUpdaterv1.032_1.0.7.4)
Update to Smartware. (WDSmartWare_SoftwareUpdater_for_Windows_1_2_0_7a)
Use of Virtual CD manager to remove the Virtual CD.
(WDSmartWareVirtualCDManagerforWindows-v1.0.7.4)
Then a full NTFS format.
Finally when configured as an SBS 2008 backup drive it will have received
another trashing!
It's presently formatted NTFS and not configured as an SBS backup drive.
I've just tried it now on OS's that have never seen it before, and have no
WD software installed.
XP SP3. Wanted to connect to the internet to find a driver. Same device
manager error as SBS2008. Presently I've not connected to try and find
one. Shows up as G: in Disk Management, but does not appear in "My
Computer".
Vista and Windows 7. Same device manager error and cancelled driver search
as XP, except it did show in "Computer", and I was able to read and write.
I'd like to control the driver install so I know were it comes from, hence
the reason for not allowing Vista and Windows 7 to search the internet.
I thought SBS backup was going to be easy, and it was with the previous WD
Passport, but this new beast has me searching for a tape drive!
Rgds

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
Is this one of those "SES" drives that has the Smartware on it?
Windows fails to locate drivers for an external hard drive
http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1708&p_created=1197400455&p_sid=kTdKW3Sj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_srch=1&p_lva=1708&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NTYsNTYmcF9wcm9kcz0yMjgsMTk1LDI1NSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PTMuMjU1JnBfY3Y9JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9YW5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfZm5sJnBfcGFnZT0xJnBfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9c2VzIGRldmljZQ!!&p_li=&p_topview=1
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Just acquired a new WD Passport My Essential drive (WDBAAA2500ABK-00)
for SBS 2008 backups.
Turns out it's not exactly the same as previous ones I've bought.
Slightly smaller, and with a different style USB connection on the drive.
More importantly it shows an error in device manager, and a driver
update fails to find anything to correct the error.
I have done a backup (but not a restore) with it, with no indicated
error, but I should really find the correct driver to loose the
exclamation mark.
Anyone else had this?
TIA
Andy

[Andyba]

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
I haven't found anything that will allow you to disable the SES (SCSI
Enclosure Services) on these new drives. So, if you can't install the
driver for it, you'll continually get the pop-up to install it.

There is some more info here, and a link to a driver, although I don't think
I'll try it on a server.

http://www.avforums.com/forums/networking-nas/1104424-new-wd-passport-smartware.html

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
It appears Western Digital has taken an otherwise good drive and turned it
into a brick. Sad to see this as I've been using their Passport drives for
the past 3 years without incident.

Yup

http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Passport-Essential-WDBAAA5000ABK-NESN/product-reviews/B002KG2LOA/ref=cm_cr_pr_all_summary?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

The comments about the dodgey connector convinced me. Not what you want when
you are changing drives regularly!

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
At this point, I would return the drive for a full refund and go to their
competition for an external hard drive.

Any Reccomendations?

Rgds
Andy

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Yes, it "did" have Smartware on it.
I have looked at that page previously too, and originally assumed that OS
support in Windows 7 would include OS support in SBS2008, but not
apparently so.
Update to firmware. (EssentialEliteFirmwareUpdaterv1.032_1.0.7.4)
Update to Smartware. (WDSmartWare_SoftwareUpdater_for_Windows_1_2_0_7a)
Use of Virtual CD manager to remove the Virtual CD.
(WDSmartWareVirtualCDManagerforWindows-v1.0.7.4)
Then a full NTFS format.
Finally when configured as an SBS 2008 backup drive it will have received
another trashing!
It's presently formatted NTFS and not configured as an SBS backup drive.
I've just tried it now on OS's that have never seen it before, and have
no WD software installed.
XP SP3. Wanted to connect to the internet to find a driver. Same device
manager error as SBS2008. Presently I've not connected to try and find
one. Shows up as G: in Disk Management, but does not appear in "My
Computer".
Vista and Windows 7. Same device manager error and cancelled driver
search as XP, except it did show in "Computer", and I was able to read
and write.
I'd like to control the driver install so I know were it comes from,
hence the reason for not allowing Vista and Windows 7 to search the
internet.
I thought SBS backup was going to be easy, and it was with the previous
WD Passport, but this new beast has me searching for a tape drive!
Rgds

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
Is this one of those "SES" drives that has the Smartware on it?
Windows fails to locate drivers for an external hard drive
http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1708&p_created=1197400455&p_sid=kTdKW3Sj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_srch=1&p_lva=1708&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NTYsNTYmcF9wcm9kcz0yMjgsMTk1LDI1NSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PTMuMjU1JnBfY3Y9JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9YW5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfZm5sJnBfcGFnZT0xJnBfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9c2VzIGRldmljZQ!!&p_li=&p_topview=1
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Just acquired a new WD Passport My Essential drive (WDBAAA2500ABK-00)
for SBS 2008 backups.
Turns out it's not exactly the same as previous ones I've bought.
Slightly smaller, and with a different style USB connection on the drive.
More importantly it shows an error in device manager, and a driver
update fails to find anything to correct the error.
I have done a backup (but not a restore) with it, with no indicated
error, but I should really find the correct driver to loose the
exclamation mark.
Anyone else had this?
TIA
Andy

[Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]]

I haven't had the need to buy a new USB drive for a while, but I'd probably
give the Seagate Freeagent Go drives a try.

Seagate FreeAgent Go 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard
http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-FreeAgent-Portable-External-ST905003FGA2E1-RK/dp/B001FWCDQG

I've seen some data that suggests that the USB connectors on most consumer
and business grade equipment is really only intended for 50-500 connects or
disconnects. To reduce the wear and tear on the external drive connector
and on the server's USB connector, I usually buy a (Male A-to-Female A)
extender USB cable, connect it to the server, connect the USB cable that
comes with the external USB drive to that drive and then mate the two
cables. When it comes time to switch out external drives, I break the
connection between the extender cable and the external drive's USB cable,
always leaving the USB cable connected to the external drive and the
extender cable connected to the server. The second external drive, again
with it's short USB cable always connected to it, is then connected to the
extender cable. This seems to work well.
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
I haven't found anything that will allow you to disable the SES (SCSI
Enclosure Services) on these new drives. So, if you can't install the
driver for it, you'll continually get the pop-up to install it.

There is some more info here, and a link to a driver, although I don't
think I'll try it on a server.
http://www.avforums.com/forums/networking-nas/1104424-new-wd-passport-smartware.html

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
It appears Western Digital has taken an otherwise good drive and turned it
into a brick. Sad to see this as I've been using their Passport drives
for the past 3 years without incident.

Yup
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Passport-Essential-WDBAAA5000ABK-NESN/product-reviews/B002KG2LOA/ref=cm_cr_pr_all_summary?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
The comments about the dodgey connector convinced me. Not what you want
when you are changing drives regularly!

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
At this point, I would return the drive for a full refund and go to their
competition for an external hard drive.

Any Reccomendations?
Rgds
Andy

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Yes, it "did" have Smartware on it.
I have looked at that page previously too, and originally assumed that
OS support in Windows 7 would include OS support in SBS2008, but not
apparently so.
Update to firmware. (EssentialEliteFirmwareUpdaterv1.032_1.0.7.4)
Update to Smartware. (WDSmartWare_SoftwareUpdater_for_Windows_1_2_0_7a)
Use of Virtual CD manager to remove the Virtual CD.
(WDSmartWareVirtualCDManagerforWindows-v1.0.7.4)
Then a full NTFS format.
Finally when configured as an SBS 2008 backup drive it will have
received another trashing!
It's presently formatted NTFS and not configured as an SBS backup drive.
I've just tried it now on OS's that have never seen it before, and have
no WD software installed.
XP SP3. Wanted to connect to the internet to find a driver. Same device
manager error as SBS2008. Presently I've not connected to try and find
one. Shows up as G: in Disk Management, but does not appear in "My
Computer".
Vista and Windows 7. Same device manager error and cancelled driver
search as XP, except it did show in "Computer", and I was able to read
and write.
I'd like to control the driver install so I know were it comes from,
hence the reason for not allowing Vista and Windows 7 to search the
internet.
I thought SBS backup was going to be easy, and it was with the previous
WD Passport, but this new beast has me searching for a tape drive!
Rgds

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
Is this one of those "SES" drives that has the Smartware on it?
Windows fails to locate drivers for an external hard drive
http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1708&p_created=1197400455&p_sid=kTdKW3Sj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_srch=1&p_lva=1708&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NTYsNTYmcF9wcm9kcz0yMjgsMTk1LDI1NSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PTMuMjU1JnBfY3Y9JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9YW5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfZm5sJnBfcGFnZT0xJnBfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9c2VzIGRldmljZQ!!&p_li=&p_topview=1
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Just acquired a new WD Passport My Essential drive (WDBAAA2500ABK-00)
for SBS 2008 backups.
Turns out it's not exactly the same as previous ones I've bought.
Slightly smaller, and with a different style USB connection on the drive.
More importantly it shows an error in device manager, and a driver
update fails to find anything to correct the error.
I have done a backup (but not a restore) with it, with no indicated
error, but I should really find the correct driver to loose the
exclamation mark.
Anyone else had this?
TIA
Andy

[Les Connor [SBS MVP]]

I've had good results with the seagates, including the 1TB drives.

For swapping, HP has some nice 2.5" drives (320gb), that slip into a cradle
like a cell phone charging cradle - might save the connectors some stress.
They also come with a zip-up carrying case.
--
-----------------------------------------------
Les Connor [SBS MVP]

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
I haven't had the need to buy a new USB drive for a while, but I'd
probably give the Seagate Freeagent Go drives a try.
Seagate FreeAgent Go 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard
http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-FreeAgent-Portable-External-ST905003FGA2E1-RK/dp/B001FWCDQG
I've seen some data that suggests that the USB connectors on most consumer
and business grade equipment is really only intended for 50-500 connects
or disconnects. To reduce the wear and tear on the external drive
connector and on the server's USB connector, I usually buy a (Male
A-to-Female A) extender USB cable, connect it to the server, connect the
USB cable that comes with the external USB drive to that drive and then
mate the two cables. When it comes time to switch out external drives, I
break the connection between the extender cable and the external drive's
USB cable, always leaving the USB cable connected to the external drive
and the extender cable connected to the server. The second external
drive, again with it's short USB cable always connected to it, is then
connected to the extender cable. This seems to work well.
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
I haven't found anything that will allow you to disable the SES (SCSI
Enclosure Services) on these new drives. So, if you can't install the
driver for it, you'll continually get the pop-up to install it.

There is some more info here, and a link to a driver, although I don't
think I'll try it on a server.
http://www.avforums.com/forums/networking-nas/1104424-new-wd-passport-smartware.html

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
It appears Western Digital has taken an otherwise good drive and turned
it into a brick. Sad to see this as I've been using their Passport
drives for the past 3 years without incident.

Yup
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Passport-Essential-WDBAAA5000ABK-NESN/product-reviews/B002KG2LOA/ref=cm_cr_pr_all_summary?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
The comments about the dodgey connector convinced me. Not what you want
when you are changing drives regularly!

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
At this point, I would return the drive for a full refund and go to their
competition for an external hard drive.

Any Reccomendations?
Rgds
Andy

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Yes, it "did" have Smartware on it.
I have looked at that page previously too, and originally assumed that
OS support in Windows 7 would include OS support in SBS2008, but not
apparently so.
Update to firmware. (EssentialEliteFirmwareUpdaterv1.032_1.0.7.4)
Update to Smartware. (WDSmartWare_SoftwareUpdater_for_Windows_1_2_0_7a)
Use of Virtual CD manager to remove the Virtual CD.
(WDSmartWareVirtualCDManagerforWindows-v1.0.7.4)
Then a full NTFS format.
Finally when configured as an SBS 2008 backup drive it will have
received another trashing!
It's presently formatted NTFS and not configured as an SBS backup drive.
I've just tried it now on OS's that have never seen it before, and have
no WD software installed.
XP SP3. Wanted to connect to the internet to find a driver. Same device
manager error as SBS2008. Presently I've not connected to try and find
one. Shows up as G: in Disk Management, but does not appear in "My
Computer".
Vista and Windows 7. Same device manager error and cancelled driver
search as XP, except it did show in "Computer", and I was able to read
and write.
I'd like to control the driver install so I know were it comes from,
hence the reason for not allowing Vista and Windows 7 to search the
internet.
I thought SBS backup was going to be easy, and it was with the previous
WD Passport, but this new beast has me searching for a tape drive!
Rgds

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
Is this one of those "SES" drives that has the Smartware on it?
Windows fails to locate drivers for an external hard drive
http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1708&p_created=1197400455&p_sid=kTdKW3Sj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_srch=1&p_lva=1708&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NTYsNTYmcF9wcm9kcz0yMjgsMTk1LDI1NSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PTMuMjU1JnBfY3Y9JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9YW5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfZm5sJnBfcGFnZT0xJnBfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9c2VzIGRldmljZQ!!&p_li=&p_topview=1
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Just acquired a new WD Passport My Essential drive (WDBAAA2500ABK-00)
for SBS 2008 backups.
Turns out it's not exactly the same as previous ones I've bought.
Slightly smaller, and with a different style USB connection on the drive.
More importantly it shows an error in device manager, and a driver
update fails to find anything to correct the error.
I have done a backup (but not a restore) with it, with no indicated
error, but I should really find the correct driver to loose the
exclamation mark.
Anyone else had this?
TIA
Andy

[Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]]

Do the 1TB FreeAgent Go units require an external power supply or do they
pull their power from the USB port (as with the lesser capacity drives)?
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Les Connor [SBS MVP]
I've had good results with the seagates, including the 1TB drives.
For swapping, HP has some nice 2.5" drives (320gb), that slip into a
cradle like a cell phone charging cradle - might save the connectors some
stress. They also come with a zip-up carrying case.
--
-----------------------------------------------
Les Connor [SBS MVP]

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
I haven't had the need to buy a new USB drive for a while, but I'd
probably give the Seagate Freeagent Go drives a try.
Seagate FreeAgent Go 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard
http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-FreeAgent-Portable-External-ST905003FGA2E1-RK/dp/B001FWCDQG
I've seen some data that suggests that the USB connectors on most
consumer and business grade equipment is really only intended for 50-500
connects or disconnects. To reduce the wear and tear on the external
drive connector and on the server's USB connector, I usually buy a (Male
A-to-Female A) extender USB cable, connect it to the server, connect the
USB cable that comes with the external USB drive to that drive and then
mate the two cables. When it comes time to switch out external drives, I
break the connection between the extender cable and the external drive's
USB cable, always leaving the USB cable connected to the external drive
and the extender cable connected to the server. The second external
drive, again with it's short USB cable always connected to it, is then
connected to the extender cable. This seems to work well.
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
I haven't found anything that will allow you to disable the SES (SCSI
Enclosure Services) on these new drives. So, if you can't install the
driver for it, you'll continually get the pop-up to install it.

There is some more info here, and a link to a driver, although I don't
think I'll try it on a server.
http://www.avforums.com/forums/networking-nas/1104424-new-wd-passport-smartware.html

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
It appears Western Digital has taken an otherwise good drive and turned
it into a brick. Sad to see this as I've been using their Passport
drives for the past 3 years without incident.

Yup
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Passport-Essential-WDBAAA5000ABK-NESN/product-reviews/B002KG2LOA/ref=cm_cr_pr_all_summary?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
The comments about the dodgey connector convinced me. Not what you want
when you are changing drives regularly!

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
At this point, I would return the drive for a full refund and go to
their competition for an external hard drive.

Any Reccomendations?
Rgds
Andy

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Yes, it "did" have Smartware on it.
I have looked at that page previously too, and originally assumed that
OS support in Windows 7 would include OS support in SBS2008, but not
apparently so.
Update to firmware. (EssentialEliteFirmwareUpdaterv1.032_1.0.7.4)
Update to Smartware.
(WDSmartWare_SoftwareUpdater_for_Windows_1_2_0_7a)
Use of Virtual CD manager to remove the Virtual CD.
(WDSmartWareVirtualCDManagerforWindows-v1.0.7.4)
Then a full NTFS format.
Finally when configured as an SBS 2008 backup drive it will have
received another trashing!
It's presently formatted NTFS and not configured as an SBS backup drive.
I've just tried it now on OS's that have never seen it before, and
have no WD software installed.
XP SP3. Wanted to connect to the internet to find a driver. Same
device manager error as SBS2008. Presently I've not connected to try
and find one. Shows up as G: in Disk Management, but does not appear
in "My Computer".
Vista and Windows 7. Same device manager error and cancelled driver
search as XP, except it did show in "Computer", and I was able to read
and write.
I'd like to control the driver install so I know were it comes from,
hence the reason for not allowing Vista and Windows 7 to search the
internet.
I thought SBS backup was going to be easy, and it was with the
previous WD Passport, but this new beast has me searching for a tape
drive!
Rgds

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
Is this one of those "SES" drives that has the Smartware on it?
Windows fails to locate drivers for an external hard drive
http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1708&p_created=1197400455&p_sid=kTdKW3Sj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_srch=1&p_lva=1708&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NTYsNTYmcF9wcm9kcz0yMjgsMTk1LDI1NSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PTMuMjU1JnBfY3Y9JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9YW5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfZm5sJnBfcGFnZT0xJnBfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9c2VzIGRldmljZQ!!&p_li=&p_topview=1
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Just acquired a new WD Passport My Essential drive
(WDBAAA2500ABK-00) for SBS 2008 backups.
Turns out it's not exactly the same as previous ones I've bought.
Slightly smaller, and with a different style USB connection on the drive.
More importantly it shows an error in device manager, and a driver
update fails to find anything to correct the error.
I have done a backup (but not a restore) with it, with no indicated
error, but I should really find the correct driver to loose the
exclamation mark.
Anyone else had this?
TIA
Andy

[Les Connor [SBS MVP]]

I'm not sure if mine is a "go" or not, but it uses external power.
--
-----------------------------------------------
Les Connor [SBS MVP]

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
Do the 1TB FreeAgent Go units require an external power supply or do they
pull their power from the USB port (as with the lesser capacity drives)?
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Les Connor [SBS MVP]
I've had good results with the seagates, including the 1TB drives.
For swapping, HP has some nice 2.5" drives (320gb), that slip into a
cradle like a cell phone charging cradle - might save the connectors some
stress. They also come with a zip-up carrying case.
--
-----------------------------------------------
Les Connor [SBS MVP]

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
I haven't had the need to buy a new USB drive for a while, but I'd
probably give the Seagate Freeagent Go drives a try.
Seagate FreeAgent Go 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard
http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-FreeAgent-Portable-External-ST905003FGA2E1-RK/dp/B001FWCDQG
I've seen some data that suggests that the USB connectors on most
consumer and business grade equipment is really only intended for 50-500
connects or disconnects. To reduce the wear and tear on the external
drive connector and on the server's USB connector, I usually buy a (Male
A-to-Female A) extender USB cable, connect it to the server, connect the
USB cable that comes with the external USB drive to that drive and then
mate the two cables. When it comes time to switch out external drives,
I break the connection between the extender cable and the external
drive's USB cable, always leaving the USB cable connected to the
external drive and the extender cable connected to the server. The
second external drive, again with it's short USB cable always connected
to it, is then connected to the extender cable. This seems to work
well.
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
I haven't found anything that will allow you to disable the SES (SCSI
Enclosure Services) on these new drives. So, if you can't install the
driver for it, you'll continually get the pop-up to install it.

There is some more info here, and a link to a driver, although I don't
think I'll try it on a server.
http://www.avforums.com/forums/networking-nas/1104424-new-wd-passport-smartware.html

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
It appears Western Digital has taken an otherwise good drive and turned
it into a brick. Sad to see this as I've been using their Passport
drives for the past 3 years without incident.

Yup
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Passport-Essential-WDBAAA5000ABK-NESN/product-reviews/B002KG2LOA/ref=cm_cr_pr_all_summary?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
The comments about the dodgey connector convinced me. Not what you want
when you are changing drives regularly!

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
At this point, I would return the drive for a full refund and go to
their competition for an external hard drive.

Any Reccomendations?
Rgds
Andy

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Yes, it "did" have Smartware on it.
I have looked at that page previously too, and originally assumed
that OS support in Windows 7 would include OS support in SBS2008, but
not apparently so.
Update to firmware. (EssentialEliteFirmwareUpdaterv1.032_1.0.7.4)
Update to Smartware.
(WDSmartWare_SoftwareUpdater_for_Windows_1_2_0_7a)
Use of Virtual CD manager to remove the Virtual CD.
(WDSmartWareVirtualCDManagerforWindows-v1.0.7.4)
Then a full NTFS format.
Finally when configured as an SBS 2008 backup drive it will have
received another trashing!
It's presently formatted NTFS and not configured as an SBS backup drive.
I've just tried it now on OS's that have never seen it before, and
have no WD software installed.
XP SP3. Wanted to connect to the internet to find a driver. Same
device manager error as SBS2008. Presently I've not connected to try
and find one. Shows up as G: in Disk Management, but does not appear
in "My Computer".
Vista and Windows 7. Same device manager error and cancelled driver
search as XP, except it did show in "Computer", and I was able to
read and write.
I'd like to control the driver install so I know were it comes from,
hence the reason for not allowing Vista and Windows 7 to search the
internet.
I thought SBS backup was going to be easy, and it was with the
previous WD Passport, but this new beast has me searching for a tape
drive!
Rgds

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
Is this one of those "SES" drives that has the Smartware on it?
Windows fails to locate drivers for an external hard drive
http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1708&p_created=1197400455&p_sid=kTdKW3Sj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_srch=1&p_lva=1708&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NTYsNTYmcF9wcm9kcz0yMjgsMTk1LDI1NSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PTMuMjU1JnBfY3Y9JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9YW5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfZm5sJnBfcGFnZT0xJnBfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9c2VzIGRldmljZQ!!&p_li=&p_topview=1
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Just acquired a new WD Passport My Essential drive
(WDBAAA2500ABK-00) for SBS 2008 backups.
Turns out it's not exactly the same as previous ones I've bought.
Slightly smaller, and with a different style USB connection on the drive.
More importantly it shows an error in device manager, and a driver
update fails to find anything to correct the error.
I have done a backup (but not a restore) with it, with no indicated
error, but I should really find the correct driver to loose the
exclamation mark.
Anyone else had this?
TIA
Andy

[Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]]

I've been trying to avoid drives with external power supplies. They're fine
as long as all external backup drives are identical. But when a drive goes
out after year two or three and you have to buy a new drive with a different
power supply, the client can get confused when swapping out both drive *and*
power supply. Using the wrong power supply can lead to some headaches.
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Les Connor [SBS MVP]
I'm not sure if mine is a "go" or not, but it uses external power.
--
-----------------------------------------------
Les Connor [SBS MVP]

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
Do the 1TB FreeAgent Go units require an external power supply or do they
pull their power from the USB port (as with the lesser capacity drives)?
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Les Connor [SBS MVP]
I've had good results with the seagates, including the 1TB drives.
For swapping, HP has some nice 2.5" drives (320gb), that slip into a
cradle like a cell phone charging cradle - might save the connectors
some stress. They also come with a zip-up carrying case.
--
-----------------------------------------------
Les Connor [SBS MVP]

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
I haven't had the need to buy a new USB drive for a while, but I'd
probably give the Seagate Freeagent Go drives a try.
Seagate FreeAgent Go 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard
http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-FreeAgent-Portable-External-ST905003FGA2E1-RK/dp/B001FWCDQG
I've seen some data that suggests that the USB connectors on most
consumer and business grade equipment is really only intended for
50-500 connects or disconnects. To reduce the wear and tear on the
external drive connector and on the server's USB connector, I usually
buy a (Male A-to-Female A) extender USB cable, connect it to the
server, connect the USB cable that comes with the external USB drive to
that drive and then mate the two cables. When it comes time to switch
out external drives, I break the connection between the extender cable
and the external drive's USB cable, always leaving the USB cable
connected to the external drive and the extender cable connected to the
server. The second external drive, again with it's short USB cable
always connected to it, is then connected to the extender cable. This
seems to work well.
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
I haven't found anything that will allow you to disable the SES (SCSI
Enclosure Services) on these new drives. So, if you can't install the
driver for it, you'll continually get the pop-up to install it.

There is some more info here, and a link to a driver, although I don't
think I'll try it on a server.
http://www.avforums.com/forums/networking-nas/1104424-new-wd-passport-smartware.html

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
It appears Western Digital has taken an otherwise good drive and
turned it into a brick. Sad to see this as I've been using their
Passport drives for the past 3 years without incident.

Yup
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Passport-Essential-WDBAAA5000ABK-NESN/product-reviews/B002KG2LOA/ref=cm_cr_pr_all_summary?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
The comments about the dodgey connector convinced me. Not what you
want when you are changing drives regularly!

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
At this point, I would return the drive for a full refund and go to
their competition for an external hard drive.

Any Reccomendations?
Rgds
Andy

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Yes, it "did" have Smartware on it.
I have looked at that page previously too, and originally assumed
that OS support in Windows 7 would include OS support in SBS2008,
but not apparently so.
Update to firmware. (EssentialEliteFirmwareUpdaterv1.032_1.0.7.4)
Update to Smartware.
(WDSmartWare_SoftwareUpdater_for_Windows_1_2_0_7a)
Use of Virtual CD manager to remove the Virtual CD.
(WDSmartWareVirtualCDManagerforWindows-v1.0.7.4)
Then a full NTFS format.
Finally when configured as an SBS 2008 backup drive it will have
received another trashing!
It's presently formatted NTFS and not configured as an SBS backup drive.
I've just tried it now on OS's that have never seen it before, and
have no WD software installed.
XP SP3. Wanted to connect to the internet to find a driver. Same
device manager error as SBS2008. Presently I've not connected to try
and find one. Shows up as G: in Disk Management, but does not appear
in "My Computer".
Vista and Windows 7. Same device manager error and cancelled driver
search as XP, except it did show in "Computer", and I was able to
read and write.
I'd like to control the driver install so I know were it comes from,
hence the reason for not allowing Vista and Windows 7 to search the
internet.
I thought SBS backup was going to be easy, and it was with the
previous WD Passport, but this new beast has me searching for a tape
drive!
Rgds

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
Is this one of those "SES" drives that has the Smartware on it?
Windows fails to locate drivers for an external hard drive
http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1708&p_created=1197400455&p_sid=kTdKW3Sj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_srch=1&p_lva=1708&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NTYsNTYmcF9wcm9kcz0yMjgsMTk1LDI1NSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PTMuMjU1JnBfY3Y9JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9YW5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfZm5sJnBfcGFnZT0xJnBfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9c2VzIGRldmljZQ!!&p_li=&p_topview=1
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Just acquired a new WD Passport My Essential drive
(WDBAAA2500ABK-00) for SBS 2008 backups.
Turns out it's not exactly the same as previous ones I've bought.
Slightly smaller, and with a different style USB connection on the drive.
More importantly it shows an error in device manager, and a driver
update fails to find anything to correct the error.
I have done a backup (but not a restore) with it, with no
indicated error, but I should really find the correct driver to
loose the exclamation mark.
Anyone else had this?
TIA
Andy

[Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]]

It appears that Seagate also makes a "dock" for the Freeagent Go drives:

(the "dock" is the one on the left; best picture I could find)
Loading Image...

This may be the way to go if you want to use the Freeagent laptop drives.
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
I've been trying to avoid drives with external power supplies. They're
fine as long as all external backup drives are identical. But when a
drive goes out after year two or three and you have to buy a new drive
with a different power supply, the client can get confused when swapping
out both drive *and* power supply. Using the wrong power supply can lead
to some headaches.
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Les Connor [SBS MVP]
I'm not sure if mine is a "go" or not, but it uses external power.
--
-----------------------------------------------
Les Connor [SBS MVP]

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
Do the 1TB FreeAgent Go units require an external power supply or do
they pull their power from the USB port (as with the lesser capacity
drives)?
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Les Connor [SBS MVP]
I've had good results with the seagates, including the 1TB drives.
For swapping, HP has some nice 2.5" drives (320gb), that slip into a
cradle like a cell phone charging cradle - might save the connectors
some stress. They also come with a zip-up carrying case.
--
-----------------------------------------------
Les Connor [SBS MVP]

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
I haven't had the need to buy a new USB drive for a while, but I'd
probably give the Seagate Freeagent Go drives a try.
Seagate FreeAgent Go 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard
http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-FreeAgent-Portable-External-ST905003FGA2E1-RK/dp/B001FWCDQG
I've seen some data that suggests that the USB connectors on most
consumer and business grade equipment is really only intended for
50-500 connects or disconnects. To reduce the wear and tear on the
external drive connector and on the server's USB connector, I usually
buy a (Male A-to-Female A) extender USB cable, connect it to the
server, connect the USB cable that comes with the external USB drive
to that drive and then mate the two cables. When it comes time to
switch out external drives, I break the connection between the
extender cable and the external drive's USB cable, always leaving the
USB cable connected to the external drive and the extender cable
connected to the server. The second external drive, again with it's
short USB cable always connected to it, is then connected to the
extender cable. This seems to work well.
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
I haven't found anything that will allow you to disable the SES (SCSI
Enclosure Services) on these new drives. So, if you can't install
the driver for it, you'll continually get the pop-up to install it.

There is some more info here, and a link to a driver, although I
don't think I'll try it on a server.
http://www.avforums.com/forums/networking-nas/1104424-new-wd-passport-smartware.html

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
It appears Western Digital has taken an otherwise good drive and
turned it into a brick. Sad to see this as I've been using their
Passport drives for the past 3 years without incident.

Yup
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Passport-Essential-WDBAAA5000ABK-NESN/product-reviews/B002KG2LOA/ref=cm_cr_pr_all_summary?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
The comments about the dodgey connector convinced me. Not what you
want when you are changing drives regularly!

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
At this point, I would return the drive for a full refund and go to
their competition for an external hard drive.

Any Reccomendations?
Rgds
Andy

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Yes, it "did" have Smartware on it.
I have looked at that page previously too, and originally assumed
that OS support in Windows 7 would include OS support in SBS2008,
but not apparently so.
Update to firmware. (EssentialEliteFirmwareUpdaterv1.032_1.0.7.4)
Update to Smartware.
(WDSmartWare_SoftwareUpdater_for_Windows_1_2_0_7a)
Use of Virtual CD manager to remove the Virtual CD.
(WDSmartWareVirtualCDManagerforWindows-v1.0.7.4)
Then a full NTFS format.
Finally when configured as an SBS 2008 backup drive it will have
received another trashing!
It's presently formatted NTFS and not configured as an SBS backup drive.
I've just tried it now on OS's that have never seen it before, and
have no WD software installed.
XP SP3. Wanted to connect to the internet to find a driver. Same
device manager error as SBS2008. Presently I've not connected to
try and find one. Shows up as G: in Disk Management, but does not
appear in "My Computer".
Vista and Windows 7. Same device manager error and cancelled driver
search as XP, except it did show in "Computer", and I was able to
read and write.
I'd like to control the driver install so I know were it comes
from, hence the reason for not allowing Vista and Windows 7 to
search the internet.
I thought SBS backup was going to be easy, and it was with the
previous WD Passport, but this new beast has me searching for a
tape drive!
Rgds

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
Is this one of those "SES" drives that has the Smartware on it?
Windows fails to locate drivers for an external hard drive
http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1708&p_created=1197400455&p_sid=kTdKW3Sj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_srch=1&p_lva=1708&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NTYsNTYmcF9wcm9kcz0yMjgsMTk1LDI1NSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PTMuMjU1JnBfY3Y9JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9YW5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfZm5sJnBfcGFnZT0xJnBfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9c2VzIGRldmljZQ!!&p_li=&p_topview=1
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Just acquired a new WD Passport My Essential drive
(WDBAAA2500ABK-00) for SBS 2008 backups.
Turns out it's not exactly the same as previous ones I've bought.
Slightly smaller, and with a different style USB connection on the drive.
More importantly it shows an error in device manager, and a
driver update fails to find anything to correct the error.
I have done a backup (but not a restore) with it, with no
indicated error, but I should really find the correct driver to
loose the exclamation mark.
Anyone else had this?
TIA
Andy

[Andyba]

I've just received a Seagate Expansions 250GB

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/160906

Similar to the Freeagent, but a bit cheaper, with 2yr warranty as opposed to
five, if it doesn't get lost before then!

Standard mini-usb too. Doesn't look like it will fit that cradle as the
socket is on a long edge.

More importantly it connected, and configured straight off, with no problem.

Done a test backup fine, so off to the clients it goes tomorrow.

Rgds

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
(the "dock" is the one on the left; best picture I could find)
http://www.geek.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/packagecontents.jpg
This may be the way to go if you want to use the Freeagent laptop drives.
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
I've been trying to avoid drives with external power supplies. They're
fine as long as all external backup drives are identical. But when a
drive goes out after year two or three and you have to buy a new drive
with a different power supply, the client can get confused when swapping
out both drive *and* power supply. Using the wrong power supply can lead
to some headaches.
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Les Connor [SBS MVP]
I'm not sure if mine is a "go" or not, but it uses external power.
--
-----------------------------------------------
Les Connor [SBS MVP]

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
Do the 1TB FreeAgent Go units require an external power supply or do
they pull their power from the USB port (as with the lesser capacity
drives)?
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Les Connor [SBS MVP]
I've had good results with the seagates, including the 1TB drives.
For swapping, HP has some nice 2.5" drives (320gb), that slip into a
cradle like a cell phone charging cradle - might save the connectors
some stress. They also come with a zip-up carrying case.
--
-----------------------------------------------
Les Connor [SBS MVP]

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
I haven't had the need to buy a new USB drive for a while, but I'd
probably give the Seagate Freeagent Go drives a try.
Seagate FreeAgent Go 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard
http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-FreeAgent-Portable-External-ST905003FGA2E1-RK/dp/B001FWCDQG
I've seen some data that suggests that the USB connectors on most
consumer and business grade equipment is really only intended for
50-500 connects or disconnects. To reduce the wear and tear on the
external drive connector and on the server's USB connector, I usually
buy a (Male A-to-Female A) extender USB cable, connect it to the
server, connect the USB cable that comes with the external USB drive
to that drive and then mate the two cables. When it comes time to
switch out external drives, I break the connection between the
extender cable and the external drive's USB cable, always leaving the
USB cable connected to the external drive and the extender cable
connected to the server. The second external drive, again with it's
short USB cable always connected to it, is then connected to the
extender cable. This seems to work well.
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
I haven't found anything that will allow you to disable the SES
(SCSI Enclosure Services) on these new drives. So, if you can't
install the driver for it, you'll continually get the pop-up to
install it.

There is some more info here, and a link to a driver, although I
don't think I'll try it on a server.
http://www.avforums.com/forums/networking-nas/1104424-new-wd-passport-smartware.html

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
It appears Western Digital has taken an otherwise good drive and
turned it into a brick. Sad to see this as I've been using their
Passport drives for the past 3 years without incident.

Yup
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Passport-Essential-WDBAAA5000ABK-NESN/product-reviews/B002KG2LOA/ref=cm_cr_pr_all_summary?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
The comments about the dodgey connector convinced me. Not what you
want when you are changing drives regularly!

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
At this point, I would return the drive for a full refund and go to
their competition for an external hard drive.

Any Reccomendations?
Rgds
Andy

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Yes, it "did" have Smartware on it.
I have looked at that page previously too, and originally assumed
that OS support in Windows 7 would include OS support in SBS2008,
but not apparently so.
Update to firmware. (EssentialEliteFirmwareUpdaterv1.032_1.0.7.4)
Update to Smartware.
(WDSmartWare_SoftwareUpdater_for_Windows_1_2_0_7a)
Use of Virtual CD manager to remove the Virtual CD.
(WDSmartWareVirtualCDManagerforWindows-v1.0.7.4)
Then a full NTFS format.
Finally when configured as an SBS 2008 backup drive it will have
received another trashing!
It's presently formatted NTFS and not configured as an SBS backup drive.
I've just tried it now on OS's that have never seen it before, and
have no WD software installed.
XP SP3. Wanted to connect to the internet to find a driver. Same
device manager error as SBS2008. Presently I've not connected to
try and find one. Shows up as G: in Disk Management, but does not
appear in "My Computer".
Vista and Windows 7. Same device manager error and cancelled
driver search as XP, except it did show in "Computer", and I was
able to read and write.
I'd like to control the driver install so I know were it comes
from, hence the reason for not allowing Vista and Windows 7 to
search the internet.
I thought SBS backup was going to be easy, and it was with the
previous WD Passport, but this new beast has me searching for a
tape drive!
Rgds

Post by Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
Is this one of those "SES" drives that has the Smartware on it?
Windows fails to locate drivers for an external hard drive
http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1708&p_created=1197400455&p_sid=kTdKW3Sj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_srch=1&p_lva=1708&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NTYsNTYmcF9wcm9kcz0yMjgsMTk1LDI1NSZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PTMuMjU1JnBfY3Y9JnBfc2VhcmNoX3R5cGU9YW5zd2Vycy5zZWFyY2hfZm5sJnBfcGFnZT0xJnBfc2VhcmNoX3RleHQ9c2VzIGRldmljZQ!!&p_li=&p_topview=1
--
Merv Porter [SBS-MVP]
============================

Post by Andyba
Just acquired a new WD Passport My Essential drive
(WDBAAA2500ABK-00) for SBS 2008 backups.
Turns out it's not exactly the same as previous ones I've
bought. Slightly smaller, and with a different style USB
connection on the drive.
More importantly it shows an error in device manager, and a
driver update fails to find anything to correct the error.
I have done a backup (but not a restore) with it, with no
indicated error, but I should really find the correct driver to
loose the exclamation mark.
Anyone else had this?
TIA
Andy

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Post by Andyba
Just acquired a new WD Passport My Essential drive (WDBAAA2500ABK-00) for
SBS 2008 backups.
Turns out it's not exactly the same as previous ones I've bought. Slightly
smaller, and with a different style USB connection on the drive.
More importantly it shows an error in device manager, and a driver update
fails to find anything to correct the error.
I have done a backup (but not a restore) with it, with no indicated error,
but I should really find the correct driver to loose the exclamation mark.
Anyone else had this?
TIA
Andy

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