How do I remove this smartware software from my drive?

[halibut]

It would be nice if i can remove this smartware from my drive. I don't like having pre-installed software on my drive when I didn't ask for it.

[JohnC-]

If you asking to completely remove the VCD,  that not possible since it built into the firmware. If you asking to hide VCD then check out the page below.

http://www.wdc.com/wdproducts/updates/?family=wdsmartwareutilities

[darkknight]

Yes the link provided by John C will allow you to update the firmware on your drive and if you have the latest updte of the softwre you should be able to disable the VCD.

You can follow the instructions on the following link to disable the VCD:

http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3835&p_created=1256946237&p_...

[timber]

What about Macs?  I am trying to stop the WD smartware from running on my passport.  My school wont allow me to run the software on their computers, PC or Mac.  But I absolutely have to have the drive.  How can I get around this?

[joshuap]

Hi all.

I managed to get rid of any trace of the vcd, but unfortunately before I could copy the smartware software or install it. The only reason I need the software is to change the e-label. Can anyone send me the contenets of the vcd?

by the way, I got it off by entering this one line in terminal and then formatting using diskutil:

sudo sh -c "echo UUID=`diskutil info /Volumes/WD\ SmartWare/ | grep 'UUID' | awk '{print $NF}'` none hfs rw,noauto 0 0 >> /etc/fstab" 

[Moeman32]

An easier way to do it in case you ever do need the software and want to be able to return it, is to do the following. the instructions below just DISABLE the item from functioning rather than deleting it.

go to: Control Panel   >>>> System   >>>> Hardware   >>>> Device Manager 

in the list that shows up, click on the little plus logo next to DVD/CD-ROM Drives

there should be as many dvd/cd players as you have, plus one extra. the one titled "WD Virtual CD 1110 USB Device" is your culprit.

right click, click disable, ok the disabling, and your done. disappears from my computer forever.

[whatthefrak]

Yes absolutely, u stole my words Halibut !!

I know how to manage my disk.

I dont need any **bleep**ing software preinstalled on it.

If in amy way i need it, i would prefer downloading it on my own.

[levier]

I like what you posted, simple and easy. However, I can't see this hard drive in windows. Any ideas?

Thank you,

Levier

[RandySanDiego]

I bought a 2TB  WD MyBook Essential External Hard Drive because I needed 2TB, not 1.81TB!!! You have an extremely unhappy customer here. Why on earth did you build the VCD into the firmware without having an option for accessing all the space as stated on your product box?

Is WD planning to offer a special firmware download for those of us who want to access the 2TB of space as stated on your product box? If so, when will it be available for download?

[endarkens]

I hope I'm not completely screwed here. 

I got a 250 gig, and when idleeted the volime so i could reformat it.  All that was laft was my virtual cd manager and junk.

I can not do anything to partition the drive or just eliminate the vcd.  yet i cannot do anything with the drive.  Its a paper weight.

any ideas from anyone?