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Question: Reformatting to fresh start without software? Hi,I was just wondering, is it possible to reformat this particular drive, (leaving no traces of western digital software on the drive) and still have plug-n-play ability?I hope it doesn't require software to actually work..Otherwise, it's a sure buy.
Document: They were both wrong. I have  this and it now works plug n play with PS3 with NO ADDITIONAL hardware..... I formatted the drive installed 300 + GB of movies then set up the security for the drive (don't worry). Copied Western Digital Software off the drive to a folder I created in my downloads folder. Deleted the software files off the drive except for the Smartware WD Application file. After that disconnect it, then reconnect go back in, click the app and disable the security.
I have recommended and set up a dozen of the Western Digital My Passport Essential SEs. All have been 1 TB.I have not had an opportunity to test metrics with a USB 3.0.USB 2.0 was plug-and-play on Windows. The onboard backup software was easy.I recommend reformatting for use with MacOS and Linux. Time Machine backup automatically volunteers itself.Passport Essential SE is ultra portable. The external hard drive does not need another power plug.
Western Digital is the only way to go when it comes to external hard drives and I will never buy another brand. I've had one for a good 8-9 years now and it still works like a champ. They are fast, easy, and user friendly, just plug and play!
This product works just fine. I still find that the transfer speed is rather slow, despite the USB 3 connection (mainly because my computer only has USB 2; so this "great" feature is useless without the computer having a proper end point). Also, when I bought this, I needed to reformat the HD instead of it being instantly plug and play. However, I find that's the case with a lot of things that "can also" run on a MAC.
I read other reviews warning me that this is not compatible with windows 7. I thought the reviewers were idiots; its a plug and play system, right? Latest and greatest? How could it NOT work with windows 7???! !It doesn't work with windows 7. The device manager shows the device, but it will not load the drives or recognize it as a device. I downloaded additional drivers from western digital website. Still no luck. Stubbornly, I surfed some more.
I love the compactness of this unit! It worked great for five months. I use it without the software, just drag and drop backup. It started taking extremely long to back data up, on either of my computers. So I was trying to format it to start over and it wouldn't. WD tech support was great in trying to reformat it, and when they couldn't, are sending a replacement. Would buy another.
A Terabyte you can carry in a pocket.Yes, it is loaded with backup software that is supposed to be useful. Wouldn't know because I would never use freebie software for my backups.What Western Digital has finally figured out is that a lot of people don't want this stuff - they include a quick reformatting program that requires one click and you're done. Be sure, however, that the 1 TB is the only external Western Digital drive that you have mounted at the time.The mechanism is relatively speedy.
(Loading seems to be a crap shoot as to what is copied when.) I've heard that there is a 10% failure rate with external drives. Maybe my experience with this HD makes up the 10%. Not sure that I wanted to go through all this again with an exchange and asked for a refund.Maybe this is naive of me but all I want is a portable hard drive that is plug-n-play like many (but not all!) memory sticks.
I use multiple external hard drives, all of which are western digital. I can honestly say that his hard drive is worth it. The speeds are great if you are using USB 3.0 and its also USB 2.0 compatible. It's very portable and feels sturdy (i still wouldn't recommend dropping non ssd drives). The cable is a little short but it's not a big deal. Doesn't require any setup, just plug in and use. It's compatible with Mac, Windows or Linux.
I bought thisWestern Digital My Passport Essential SE 1 TB USB 3.0/2.0 Ultra Portable External Hard Drive (Black)strictly to store and play videos.The first thing I did was to reformat the drive (in its native NTFS format); this immediately deleted the Western Digital software for which I have no need.Then I copied two videos to the drive: one, an HD [720p] video of about 4 GB and another of 600 MB (SD).
Answer: If you still need the help, you may can use the "Disk Management" program in windows 7. Once you find the program that lets you reformat the volume, it should be simple to follow the rest of the instructions.