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Vista 64-bit External Hard Drve
  1. #1



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    Vista 64-bit External Hard Drve

    I am looking for an 1TB external hard drive that is compatible with Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit operating systems. We have 3 laptops in our office that we would like to back up using an external hard drive. I contacted Western Digital regarding their My Book World Edition, but the salesman I spoke with said it wasn't compatible with our operating systems. I also contacted Seagate for their recommendations, and unfortunately, they didn't have any.

    Can someome please share any recommendations they might have for us?

    Thanks in advance.

    Cindy


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  2. #2
    johngalt's Avatar

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    Re: Vista 64-bit External Hard Drve

    Not compatible with an OS???

    Did they tell you exactly *how* it is not compatible? Because, (and especially if it is USB) it is plug and play - there should not be a compatibility issue....

    Of course, you could buy yourself the components and make one yourself - buy a SATA HD enclosure and then buy yourself a 1 TB SATA HD - et voila!

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  3. #3



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    Re: Vista 64-bit External Hard Drve

    Thank you for your response. Considering what you posted regarding the fact that there isn't a compatibility issue with a plug and play, would the following external hard drive work in our particular situation?

    My Book Essential Edition 1 TB Hard Drives ( WDH1U10000 )

    It says that it is Vista compatible, but when I called, they said the drivers for this hard drive isn't compatible with 64-bit.

    Please let me know your thoughts.

    Thanks!

    Cindy

      My System SpecsSystem Spec

  4. #4
    swarfega's Avatar

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    Re: Vista 64-bit External Hard Drve

    Quote Originally Posted by johngalt View Post
    Of course, you could buy yourself the components and make one yourself - buy a SATA HD enclosure and then buy yourself a 1 TB SATA HD - et voila!
    this is exactly what Im planning to do. Just ordered the Thermaltake Muse enclosure and will put a Samsung 1Tb drive in it.

    It be very surprised if there are issues with any hard disk.

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  5. #5
    johngalt's Avatar

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    Re: Vista 64-bit External Hard Drve

    You know, it is really strange that they say it is not Vista x64 compatible, when on WD Support > Downloads > My Book > My Book Essential Edition it *clearly* states
    This installer - WDDriveManager_x64.exe or WDDriveManager_x86.exe (contained in the zip file) installs the Drive related light, button, and RAID Manager functionality program for Windows 2000, XP, and Vista.
    I think you should contact them again and talk to someone in technical support - and perhaps read some reviews of this on the web, in particular to folks who already use this product with Vista x64.

    Honestly, I can see the problem if it was not a driver but software, such as their DataLife tools or something else, that would be causing the problem, but it seems highly unlikely that they would be including a 64bit version of that tool if it were not 64bit compatible.

    Mind you, I am not saying you're at fault in this at all - you're just the messenger, telling me what they said - and I am calling them out right now for what seems to be, superficially, as an utter lack of product knowledge.

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  6. #6
    Abiosis's Avatar

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    Re: Vista 64-bit External Hard Drve

    Quote Originally Posted by ckoeppel View Post
    Thank you for your response. Considering what you posted regarding the fact that there isn't a compatibility issue with a plug and play, would the following external hard drive work in our particular situation?

    My Book Essential Edition 1 TB Hard Drives ( WDH1U10000 )

    It says that it is Vista compatible, but when I called, they said the drivers for this hard drive isn't compatible with 64-bit.

    Please let me know your thoughts.

    Thanks!

    Cindy
    Not true...it works with my system flawlessly...

    WD External HD's a awesome HD,

    I'm planning to buy another WD 750GB within a week...

    so,just go for it...really

    ~Peace~

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  7. #7



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      Thread Starter

    Re: Vista 64-bit External Hard Drve

    Thanks to everyone for all your help! I think I am going forward with purchasing the My Book Essential Edition 1 TB Hard Drives ( WDH1U10000 ).

    Cindy

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  8. #8
    joel406's Avatar

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    Re: Vista 64-bit External Hard Drve

    Hey ckoeppel...Check tis out.

    Newegg.com - 800GB and higher, Western Digital, External Hard Drives, Hard Drives, Computer Hardware

    WHoever told you it would not work with Vista is wrong. I've setup lots of these with Vista, both x86 and x64.

    Heres a tip. Dont worry about a thing, all you gotta do is plug it in. Thats it.

    In Vista it just takes off. X86 or X64 it dosent matter.

    And use your own backup software. There is some included with the drive. I dont use it. Personaly I format it to NTFS first thing and then I use Acronis and the backup software you like.

    Good choice of drive to. They arent the fastest and watch out for heat. A hot drive(really hot, some heat is normal) usally needs to be replaced.

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  9. #9



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      Thread Starter

    Re: Vista 64-bit External Hard Drve

    Thanks so much! I am going to place my order today! I appreciate all of your help...everyone!

    Cindy

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  10. #10
    johngalt's Avatar

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    Re: Vista 64-bit External Hard Drve

    Enjoy the drive.

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Vista 64-bit External Hard Drve problems?

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