Firmware update problem - My Book Essential 2 TB [ Edited ]

[PACS_Guy]

I recently purchased a My Book Essential drive and would like to update the firmware but running into a problem with USB.  After unzipping EssentialElite_FirmwareUpdater_v2.010(1.0.8.3) and running the program only to get the following message: "Please disconnect all USB devices and connect only the WD drive you want to update, then click Rescan."

I have tried updating the firmware on three different computers (Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 7 Professional, and XP).  On all three I get the same message.  I have made sure no other USB devices were attached and still get the same annoying message.

WD recommended uninstalling WDSmartWare and I did so without success.  Please help.

[RoofingGuy · Accepted solution]

If your firmware is already up-to-date, then the updater won't find any updatable drives attached.

[PACS_Guy]

You are correct.   In fact, this morning I just got a message from WD tech support explaning the 3.0 USB version already has updated current firmware.

Thanks.

[seurban]

Thanks for bring this up and thanks to RoofingGuy for answering. I had this same issue and also called tech support before finding this answer. They were going to just replace the drive, but I said I'd think about it, not wanting to waste money (only $6) and unnecessarily add an otherwise working product to the landfill if I didn't have to. I was able to somewhat confirm this was the case for me as well by noticing the files on the HD were dated after the last firmware update.

WD should really fix this though. They say I need an update and send me to a page that recommends updating the firmware (1st bad move, I don't need new firmware). Then instead of saying "your firmware is already up to date" it gives an error message making me think either my computer or the drive is on the fritz (2nd bad move). And instead of customer service giving me a quick and correct answer, they suggest replacing the unit! (third bad, and costly, move). Other than this the drive is great, but things like this get to me.

[RoofingGuy]

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seurban wrote:

WD should really fix this though. They say I need an update and send me to a page that recommends updating the firmware (1st bad move, I don't need new firmware). Then instead of saying "your firmware is already up to date" it gives an error message making me think either my computer or the drive is on the fritz (2nd bad move). And instead of customer service giving me a quick and correct answer, they suggest replacing the unit! (third bad, and costly, move).

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I've suggested that... feel free to vote for it and bring it to WD's attention:

http://community.wdc.com/t5/Other-Ideas/More-useful-error-messages-in-Firmware-Updater/idi-p/80189

[In_Hong_Kong]

Thanks for the information on this. this forum has been more help than WD support.

I experienced the same error message with a new My Book Essential (with USB 3.0) and contacted support. I was first told to use a PS2 mouse (so as to unplug the USB one) which was a bit unrealistic as I haven't even seen one of those is years. Then I was told the drive may be corrupt so backup all the data and return it to the distributor.

Fortunately I had already read this forum and directed the support person to it. I was then told:

 "If it is 3.0 then it comes with the latest firmware and you only need to continue to step 2 to download the latest smartware. Ignore the firmware part."

Just wish I could have got that message directly from the drive without spending hours trying to update and also surfing around until I found this site.