Question 1

Is the interface backward compatible with USB 2.0?

Accepted Answer

Sure, most any USB 3.0 drive is backward compatible to 2.0.  You just won't get the speed you would plugging into a USB 3.0 port.  Other than that, it will work fine.

Question 2

May I assume it uses a power brick? Assuming yes how bad is it? How many outlets does it block?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The AC adapter measures 1-3/4" wide and about 3-1/2" long. If you have a power strip with the outlets facing the side it might not block other outlets; but if your power strip has the outlets facing the other outlets on the strip it will probably block a couple of them.

Question 3

Is there a light on this new WD My Book?  Don't know if it is non or off

Accepted Answer

No light. Kind of irritating.

Question 4

How long is the USB 3.0 cable that comes with it?

Accepted Answer

It's a 4ft cable. Not very long if you're wrapping it around corners or through a desk organizer. Unless it's sitting right next to your computer, I recommend buying a longer cable.

Question 5

Will this hard drive work with WindowsXP?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but beware: If you format it FAT32 (the default in XP, IIRC), you'll only get a 2 GB drive.

Make sure to format as NTFS for up to 16GB in XP.

If you do that, it should work. (With all space available.)

I'm not sure about the WD Backup or Time Machine software, though!! If you're counting on those, I'd check the specs for the software on their website.

USB3 is highly recommended if possible, but USB2 will work.

Question 6

What are the 'specs' of the drive inside? RPM? or for that matter what 'color' WD drive is it? Looking to also buy in bulk if these questions are answered.

Accepted Answer

I guess I'll answer my own question, as i purchased one while waiting for an answer. They are WD Blue (desktop) drives with 64MB of cache and 5400 RPM, 2016 model made in Thailand.

Question 7

Can this drive be removed from the case and used in a HDD docking station?

Accepted Answer

While this is not configured as a hot swappable platform, I would gueess that if you tore open the case you would find a conventional form factor HDD.

Question 8

I need an external storage device for my Plex media server, on the Netgear ad7200 router, will this work?

Accepted Answer

Hello Allen,

I would confirm with the manufacturer but this device should work with your router's built-in USB ports.  I would contact Netgear to confirm how using the USB ports can be utilized with your Plex server.  Hope this helps!

Newegg Support

Question 9

Has anyone noticed the new WD My Book does not have a Pilot Light and On/Off switch? Or I'm missing something. 6T 3.5" External hard disk. Is there a fix I like to know.

Accepted Answer

Correct, there's no lights or switch with this model. I've been using this WD drive for 4 months and haven't missed those features. It's also a very quiet drive. You never hear it working, even during data transfers.

Question 10

How can this be formatted for NTFS without losing the utilities and encryption?

Accepted Answer

You'd need to copy the software to another drive to save it. Reformat to NTFS, choose to encrypt the filesystem. You can then install the backup software that you copied in the first step.

Alternatively, just format and then download the software from WD. (I think everything is online that's on the drive. Because I've downloaded it before.)

Note that I've never done this, but was an Advanced Software Engineer for 15+ years. So I'm confident that it will work.

Questions & Answers