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smartware

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Smartware is a backup software suite that comes pre-installed on Western Digital external hard drives, such as the WD My Book Essential. Users on WindowsForum.com have reported significant frustrations with Smartware, describing it as a poorly designed backup program with minimal controls and a virtual CD (VCD) that cannot be deleted or formatted. These issues have led some to warn others against purchasing WD drives solely for the Smartware feature. Discussions also touch on related Windows backup topics like File History, system restore points, and drive optimization in Windows 8.1, but the core complaints center on Smartware's lack of functionality and the inability to remove the virtual CD.
  1. K

    Windows 8 Windows 8.1 back up questions plus optimize extra drives

    I recently got an external hard drive, and I need help. I finally got Windows running good, after the recent update to 8.1...I do see I have on optimize drives C drive, Winretools(12% fragmented), PBR Image, and some long winded VOLUME file. The VOLUME file is 56% fragmented, and even though...
    • kkay
    • Thread
    • backup configuration data recovery data security disk optimization drive configuration external drive file history fragmentation mirroring recovery options smartware storage system image system restore virus protection windows 8.1 windows update
    • Replies: 23
    • Forum: Windows Software
  2. J

    Windows 7 Critique of WD My Book Essential: Issues with Smartware and Virtual CD

    I posted a while ago about the WD My Book Essential external HD I got and the crappy Smartware and undeletable virtual CD. I've made 12 posts there and in every one I make a crack about what crap those 2 items are. Tonight I noticed I got promoted from occasional poster to adviser. Makes you...
    • Joe S
    • Thread
    • adviser promotion employee feedback external drive forum product issues smartware storage user experience virtual cd wd my book
    • Replies: 2
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
  3. J

    Windows 7 WD External HD Warning

    I recently bought a 2T WD My Book with their Smart Ware because I didn't know what it was. It's a really crappy backup program with minimal controls. On top of that there is a VCD that is impossible to delete or format. Before you buy one on sale do some web searches and see the problems and...
    • Joe S
    • Thread
    • backup complaints consumer advice drive issues external drive smartware storage user experience vcd
    • Replies: 3
    • Forum: Windows Hardware
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