This is intended to assist those people who just can’t seem to get the Smartware installed and running correctly on their systems. Any other simple/basic tips are welcome, but criticism is not. This is a post intended for solutions and workarounds for those that actually want the Smartware installed and running on their system. I am not a Supertechie, and I am not providing anything special here information-wise. Just a proper step-by-step on how to install the software and start fresh if you are unable to get the Smartware running. Consider these the instructions that should have came with the beautiful pictures included with the device.
WINDOWS SETUP
Prior to any software updates or hardware install I always create a restore point of my system in a good working
state to avoid going down a path and not knowing how to get back.
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Uninstall any versions of Smartware from your system and reboot after disconnecting the device.
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Manually go to http://update.microsoft.com and double-check that you have all high-priority AND optional updates
installed; more specifically the .NET framework.
- First uninstall from your add/remove programs adobe flash player, and then reinstall. Check for latest versions
of adobe flash player here: http://adobe.com
- Reconnect the device and Update the Firmware(if applicable) and then software here:
http://www.wdc.com/wdproducts/updates/?family=wdsmartware
- Try running the Smartware backup.
MAC SETUP
- Format the disk in disk utility and use the options button and pick Apple Partition Map and uncheck the drivers for
OS9 and then reboot your system afterwards. Some MAC systems, 10.4 especially,
require a reboot after formatting and is good practice.
- Update the firmware;
http://www.wdc.com/wdproducts/updates/?family=wdsmartware
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Then run the Smartware installer from the VCD icon on the desktop.
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After the Smartware software is installed you may need to update to the latest version (1.1.1.4) here:
http://www.wdc.com/wdproducts/updates/?family=wdsmartware
- Try running the Smartware backup.
You can also try running First Aid from the disk utility and check for any fixable errors through permissions and
such along with using the bootable OS CD for extensive repairs, but that is a procedure you will have to refer to
Apple support for with the finer details of performing these functions.
Sometimes you may find that when you are using an older OS, newer items such as hardware and more commonly software might not work in that particular system. I would still update the firmware if applicable after completely removing any versions of the Smartware application from your system. Double-check with Apple support for any new updates as you will find that most software manufacturers release new products with the latest OS versions in mind. Still, reaching out to the MAC community would be a great outlet for information and further troubleshooting.
