Smartware 1.5.4.5 update

[TheLightScriber]

I noticed a severe slowdown with the transport of data on the newest update (plus the greyed out tabs issue). So I reverted to 1.4.2.5 and even though I can't select the files option, the backup flys vs. the very SSsllloooOOWWW 1.5.4.5 version.

So I am staying with 1.4-X until the transport issue (speed) is fixed.

[philinengland]

I have had immense problems with WD SmartWare.  I have a relatively powerful PCs, this one is quadcore and all that, which works brilliantly. Except when it comes to the WD smartware suite. To be frank, I've now lost patience with this, after 6 months of trying to get WD's so-called "SMART" ware to work intelligently with the system. It does its best to hog the system once the PC has booted up, even with the so-called "sympathetic" option of it operating when the system is close to idle.

I've spent many hours trawling the web, looking at forums and the pattern is always the same. WD's smartware is about as smart as a hole in the head. Even the latest update is useless. I run W7 64b pro, with the latest Smart Ware update, you can't even run the Smart Ware control panel correctly.

I have nothing against WD, most of my drives on the three machines I have are WD, I respect WD for being one of the leading HDD manufacturers in what is a fiercely competitive market. However, they are doing themselves a huge disservice by arrogantly palming off their customers with toytown backup software that is a total nightmare to live with.

Shame on you WD, you should feel accountable for the misery you have inflicted on many of your customers. You should look at yourself and consider who is accountable at WD for blemishing your reputation by your lax attitude to customer relations and customer care.

I finally uninstalled WD smartware last week and instead have downloaded a free version of Genie Timeline, which works far more intelligently with my WD MyBook.

Will I use WD products again? Probably so, however, if I plan on getting any external backup products in future, I will first take a hard look at WD and see if they have managed to get their act together and treat their customers with the respect we deserve. In the meantime,  I'm thoroughly disappointed with my expereince using external backup software from WD. My advice: check to see if WD has woken up to the widespead condemnation of their software across numerous forums and whether WD have finally addressed this issue, professsionally and effectively.