This post will cover “how to remove WD SmartWare Virtual Driver” from WD’s Mybook. Here is what WD has to say about their software:

A small portion of drive space on your new My Passport or My Book hard drive has been used to create a Virtual CD (VCD). The VCD contains the WD SmartWare installation software, the encryption and password protection application, User Manuals, and other resource files. The VCD looks like an actual CD volume and appears on the screen each time you connect your WD drive to the computer.

The VCD is necessary if you wish to install WD SmartWare or if you want to use the encryption and password protection features on the drive.

If you don’t wish to run WD SmartWare or use the security features, you can disable the VCD following the steps below. The VCD can be re-enabled by running the VCD Manager.

I love the look and durability of Western Digital’s MyBook. I normally recommend these drives to home and small businesses for backup devices. The last few versions of MyBook’s come with a Virtual drive that tries to install some backup software and other “goodies” that small businesses don’t usually need. In fact I tend to find this software causes some issues on servers. I wish Western Digital would give a more automated process of removing the Virtual CD drive when you first plug in the device. *hint*,*hint* WD.

1.) Plug the device into a computer but not on a Server. You’re going to have to download some software and most servers block downloads via policies.

2.) When you first plug it in it is going to ask you to install some software. Just like you learned when you were a kid “Just say no to bad software”.

3.) You will have to download some software from Western Digital to remove the WD SmartWare Virtual Drive. To do this go to this website. Once there you have to select the version of WF Mybook you own. In my case it is just the plain jane MyBook drive.

4.) Click wether you are on a PC or Mac. I chose PC.

5.) You are going to need to click the utilities button on the right side of the screen (See screenshot)

6.) Clicking on the utilities button should bring you to this page.

Here is the steps that WD recommends using to remove the software:

There are two steps to this update. You’ll find detailed instructions below.

Step 1: Update the drive firmware (recommended)

Step 2: Download and run the VCD Manager.

IMPORTANT: The following precautions should be taken before installing the firmware update.

• Before updating the firmware on your My Book or My Passport drive, make sure you have an additional copy of your important information.
• Do not disconnect your My Book or My Passport drive during the firmware update process, as this could potentially render the drive unusable.
• All AntiVirus software MUST be disabled.
• All Anti-Spyware software MUST be disabled.
• ANY and ALL programs that would require drive access during the update MUST be disabled .

Step 1: Update the Drive Firmware  (last updated 8/5/10)

1. Disconnect all external drives from the computer except for the My Book or My Passport drive you want to update.
2. Ensure that the My Book or My Passport drive is connected to a USB port on your computer and if you have password protected your drive, make sure to unlock it or remove password before you begin the firmware and software update process.
3. Download the Firmware Updater for Windows.
   
4. Unzip the file and double click the Firmware Updater for Windows.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the firmware update.
6. Turn off the drive – For My Passport, disconnect the USB cable. For My Book disconnect both USB and power cables.
7. Wait 10 seconds. Reconnect the USB/power cables.

Step 2: Download and Run the VCD Manager  (last updated 9/16/10)

1. Download VCD Manager for Windows to your desktop.
   
2. Unzip the utility and double click to open the file.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to hide the VCD.
4. Turn off the drive – For My Passport, disconnect the USB cable. For My Book disconnect both USB and power cables.
5. Wait 10 seconds. Reconnect the USB/power cables. The VCD should now be hidden.