Question 1

I need something to backup recordings from my DISH Hopper (DVR).    Requirements area own power source and USB 2.0.  Does this have it's own power source?

Accepted Answer

yes, ... i am able to plug this hard drive into a wall socket, not needing to get power from my dish setup

&, i use mine for exactly this purpose, ... i have experienced no problems with this unit, .. i have ordered a second,.. and hope to be able to plug both of them into a hub, ... but, if that does not work, .. at least i will be able to swap them out

wish you luck

Question 2

CAN THIS BE USED TO BACK UP BOTH MY DESKTOP AND MY LAPTOP COMPTUTER?

Accepted Answer

I don't see any reason why it can't. It comes with a scaled down version of Acronis True Image backup utility. That version has limited functions compared to the full Acronis version. But the program won't care what machine you are backing up.

On the My Book I ordered, I simply reformatted the My Book and blew off the Acronis "baby version" leaving the drive blank so I could use it as a repository  for backups made by a FULL version of Acronis TIH that was on my desktop machine already. it made no sense to have to versions of Acronis.

Hope that helps you!

Question 3

is this compatible with windows 7?

Accepted Answer

Hello,

The My Book is nothing more than an external HD, that is compatible with almost anything. The small version of Acronis Back Up that comes with it, already installed should also work with Win 7.

In my application I deleted the small version of Acronis, since I have the full featured version. I simply used the drive with that. It's up to you how you want to proceed, you may find that the 'baby' version of Acronis is fine for your needs. If not, buy the full version and delete the one that comes on the My Book. Then point your backups to the My Book drive, from the full Acronis version.

HTH you!

Question 4

Does this drive work with Windows 7?

Accepted Answer

I believe it does. I actually have one installed on a windows 8.1 machine and a windows server 2008 machine and it works fine. I can't imagine that it wouldn't work with windows 7

Question 5

Can the drive be pulled out of this and used as an internal drive/can a different drive be placed in the enclosure?

Accepted Answer

Strictly speaking, perhaps so. However, this wouldn't be the external drive to get if you want to do that most likely. First problem is the case is a molded plastic and opening it may in fact break the case, so that you may not be able to easily put it back together. Also, I can't say if WD has any firmware in the interface that would make the case not work with a different drive, though I have no reason to think it does. If the unit were to fail, and you weren't sure if the drive itself was ok, then most likely you could open the case and use the drive internally or with a SATA/USB dock or other external drive case. However, if you did that, you may want to re-format the drive. It does come with some WD software pre-installed (for backup, etc.). In using the drive, it's possible to bypass using any of the software if you just want to use the unit as a simple external storage drive. However, I don't know how the installed software may affect the drivers if used with a different interface or internally.

Question 6

It is operational.  However nothing in box I saw about how to kick off a backup.  How?

Accepted Answer

When you install software and start it. it asks you to update software. When you start software it comes up in home screen. if you have more than one drive it will have a drop down menu on left side. select backup destination drive to the right of arrow should give choices of my book and drop box which is an online backup solution, and then select backup tab on top. it brings up a list of folders on that drive put a check next to the folders you want to backup. If you want folders inside a main folder click small arrows next to folders to select files. once you have all you want to back up for that drive select enable backup in lower right corner. repeat this for all drives that have files that you would like backed up. once you enable it backs up in background you can verify by starting software and clicking backup at top left it will show copying files. Hope this helps

Question 7

How long is the usb 3.0 cable ?

Mike

Accepted Answer

Depends on how you measure. Mid-connector on each end yields 4 feet. Only measuring the cable between the connectors yields closer to 3 feet, 10 inches. Mine has a sticker that lists a part number: 4064-705107-020.

Question 8

Is this drive compatible with Win 7 64 bit OS?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is.

In fact, because this is a USB device it will also work with Apple devices as well as all current versions of Windows.

Happy computing!

Question 9

Will this work with Windows 7?

Accepted Answer

The original packing box for the drive indicates that it is compatible with Windows 7. I have used it with Windows 7 for a year. Never had to access the back-up so cannot completely assure you.

Question 10

does it have a fan?

Accepted Answer

it may have a small one....it has never run too hot for me and has a nice little software application that monitors heat and data usage...

This thing has been solid so far, no complaints.

Questions & Answers