Western Digital - Software

Software

Western Digital distributes the following utilities for use with its hard drives.

Data Lifeguard Tools

a software utility suite for basic setup of hard disks, developed under contract by Kroll Ontrack Inc (who also provides similar suites for other drive manufacturers). It runs on Microsoft Windows and DOS operating systems. It is free to download and use. As of Sept. 30, 2009, Acronis WD Edition has replaced Data Lifeguard Tools.

As of version 11 it contains the following features:

• displaying built-on-demand installation manuals (with jumper settings) for many Western Digital hard drives,
• partitioning and formatting hard disks,
• copying files between disk partitions,
• displaying numbers, size and type of partitions,
• displaying basic technical disk information, such as firmware revision, S.M.A.R.T Support (Enabled/Disabled), ATA # supported, R/W Multiple, PIO Mode Support, IORDY Support (Yes/No), Sectors/Block, PIO Cycle Time.

Data Lifeguard Diagnostics

is a software utility used primarily for determining the physical condition of the hard drive. It includes features such as:

• Quick and extended test
• Write zeros to drive
• View and print test results
• Enter and print return merchandise authorization (RMA) information

Western Digital also ships WD Smartware with many of its drives for use as backup drives. This software backs up all Documents, Pictures, Movies, Emails, and more on the drive, and continually checks for changes to drive locations. This means that regular backup takes place.