WD My Passport Elite questions

I just bought the 500gb version today and I was wondering, before I add any of my files, is it better to format the whole device to make it function like a plain thumb drive or should I use the software? I don't need any back up programs or any of that stuff but does the bundled software allow for greater transfer speeds?

 

The software doesn't allow for greater performance; I think WD's passport software allows for encryption. I would recommend formatting the drive with NTFS and using Device Manager to enable write caching for better performance (but the device needs to be Safely Removed in that case to prevent data loss).

 

How much data loss would occur if I just pull it out?

 

Whatever is in the 8MB write cache (due to power loss). If you cut a file and you unplug the drive in the middle of a transfer, I believe you'd lose the data unless Windows deletes the source file *after* the transfer is complete.

I personally use this feature and I haven't had any problems. As long as you use common sense; that is, but not unplugging the drive while it's working, you won't have any data loss.

 

It doesn't show the formatting option in device manager so I tried to format it by right clicking. It wouldn't get past a little notch in the progress bar for a long time so I cancelled the format. Now the thing is recognized as a "local" disk and I cannot format it.

 

You can change the performance policy via Device Manager, not format disks. This is done by opening "Computer" and right-clicking on the desired drive. You can do a quick format to save some time.

 

I click copy and paste.. I never formated mine..

Less is better.. IMHO.

I hope this helped, JW

 

What's the difference between a normal and quick format? Also after formatting, the drive is still 35 gb short of 500 lol.

Maybe if I knew what you meant by "less is better" lol.

 

Sorry... I try not to load up any software.. from anyone..

http://www.hphdx.net/Forum/tabid/55/forumid/47/threadid/1295/scope/posts/Default.aspx

You may not use an HP.. let alone and HDX... but the thread speaks to my issues with external drives.. and what works verse what did not work..

I hope that the thread helps.. and sorry to come across as cryptic with regard to less software.. or why load something you dont need?

Be well and I hope that helps, JW

 

Wait so you're saying that HP and external drives don't mix when the link said that he has had good luck with western digital drives? That doesn't make much sense.

 

The 465GB formatted size is normal. Just the way computers calculate bytes.

Aside from the 5 hours of formatting for normal vs. seconds for quick:

Per Microsoft:

"When you choose to run a regular format on a volume, files are removed from the volume that you are formatting and the hard disk is scanned for bad sectors. The scan for bad sectors is responsible for the majority of the time that it takes to format a volume.

If you choose the Quick format option, format removes files from the partition, but does not scan the disk for bad sectors. Only use this option if your hard disk has been previously formatted and you are sure that your hard disk is not damaged."

The older WD Passport portables were formated with FAT32 which means that you cannot have a file (such as an ISO) larger than 4GB in size. That is one reason why it is recommended that you re-format the drive with NTFS so you don't encounter this restriction. The drives were intentionally not formated with NTFS since they were to be compatable with MAC's also which do not understand NTFS.

 

That is me.. not he... I Love it.. The Maxtor.. I spent a pretty penny on and screamed like a banshie.. after a few months and I treated the maxtor like fine china.. the WD.. I have dropped.. kicked.. and my dog uses it like a chewy toy.. with my help when I am wrestling it from him.. or them..

So I have nothing buy good things to say about WD products..

I hope that helps..

Be well, JW

 

I have the same exact model. It has the WD5000BEVT inside and it includes some WD software tools and other stuff but it's formatted to FAT32 from factory. You'll have a 4Gb limit for any file you want to store on this drive. A quick NTFS format will take care of that. Back-up the factory software on it if you intend to keep it, I have not found that software useful for anything yet.

Oh btw, it's a good drive+interface, congrats. It's got a 4-led drive capacity/activity indicator. The USB interface built into this enclosure is very reliable too.

 

I have read many complaints about the USB interface on the NEW design (within the last two months) of the WD Passport series. I have two of the previous models 320GB and 500GB and have never experienced a problem.

Apparently on the NEW case design Passport models the USB connection is not the same mini connection as the old model but even smaller (non-standard) and there are many complaints about connectivity and inability to find replacement cables. I personally haven't seen the new connector but have read about it.

 

I've had this for almost a year and recently I've turned it into an internal drive. No problems so far. This is what's inside (opening the enclosure voids the warranty)