I bought a 1T late last year same model and no software. When I looked at this one I figured it was just a stripped down backup version hoping to entice you to buy the full package. Just wanted to warn people before they buy. I figured out how to straighten it out myself. It's still annoying not to be able to delete the useless 600+ Meg VCD. Your solution would void the warranty.
Here is the reply I got from WD Customer Service
Thank you for contacting Western Digital Customer Service and Support. My name is Kimberlin.
Unfortunately, the VCD can not be remove from the drive, we're currently working on a firmware update to completely erase application's VCD, however, you can manually copy/paste, transfer or drag and drop files directly into the hard drive, without needing to use the program, you will just need to open My computer, under "hard disk drives" you will find an icon for your drive i.e.: My Book drive (x), where you will drag, copy or transfer files of preference. We have released a new software update that allows you to disable the program's VCD. Please check further information on the links below.
Title: WD SmartWare Software Update for Windows
Link:
Link Removed - Invalid URL Title: How to move or copy files from one hard drive to another in Windows
Link:
How to move or copy files from one hard drive to another in Windows If you have any further questions, please reply to this email and we will be happy to assist you further.
They should take whoever came up with this stroke of genius and the one who approved it and put them to a task more in line with their abilities like cleanning the crappers!
Joe