Due to Windows pbs, i had to install Windows11. Prior installation I made a last C and D structured data saving using the WD software installed in 2019. I check the consistency (tree structure showing the data files).
But big surprise: i have not found the SW application on the WD site, but proposal to use the Acronis true image for WD.
But this SW doesn’t seem adapted to recover data from the file produced by the WD SW.
I tested but the only operation permitted is saving not recover.
So, i will be grateful to have a solution (previous SW if possible) to be able to recover structured data saved.
Windows PBS??
What software did you use to backup? What is the extension on the backup files?
So it’s looks like it was WD Backup (how clever).
Anyway, it went EOL back in 2022.
A search of the web revealed this site still carries the download. A word of caution, make sure your antivirus and other malware tools are fully updated. I did not have an issue downloading it. I installed it into a virtual machine (VM) on win11. It installed fine and no warnings. However, I could not get it to actually backup anything. Perhaps it was the VM. I had an older WD Scorpio drive attached via USB but it didn’t detect it.
If this isn’t it, I don’t know what else to suggest other than contacting WD Support to find out if there’s somethng else compatible.
At your own risk.
i have looked carefully at the WD site ( Western Digital Product Software Downloads) and the only SW proposed for Backup and Recover supported for My Passport hrdware is the Acronis true image.
i confirm this was not the appplication SW installed on my computer years ago and this SW doesn’t permit to retrive the structured data files
My Pssport S/N : WX21EB99R2A1
A new swing from High to low (emotions !!):
i have downloaded the former WD Backup SW and the look and feel is per my memory the right SW and my antivirus (McAfee) has not detected any wrong information.
So happy end ?
unfortunately NO !!
the Sw asked now to create a new backup plan to store data and does n’t allow to read the data contained in My Passport HW .
it seems this SW miss a fundamental feature (retrieve the saved data files) or I am not using if properly, But the SW does not indicate parameter settings (if any).
I was confident to WD as a good product to ensure long-term capability to secure the data and a day where the computer fail, retrieve the data files accumulated during the siucccesssive saving sessions.
translation of the wording from French to English
Retrieving the data:
no file to retrieve : you have not programmed a backup plan
My comments:
Sorry by on July 31 prior installing WIN11 afetr a crash i have done a last backup session and the result is well stroed on the disk (i can see the details).
but having a large quatity of files (C: and D: was about 1.6 billion of files) the actual total C: D: (the computer) and E: My Passport HD is now more than 4.5 billion
Maybe if someone know the exact name of the file associated to a backup plan, i can explore the stuff and detect this file dated July 31st 2025 and saved on My passport
Then someone may indicate where to copy this file to give the information to the WD backup program and get the retrive of the structered files.
at this time (near 2 AM) i am near dreaming but often my positve dreams go to success so i hope the happy end possible.
Thanks to you for you precious advises and information
Stay tuned
I installed WDBACKUP but it doesn’t recognize my very old WD Scorpio nor my WD EX4 NAS. The only choice to for setting up a backup plan was to save to DropBox. I even tried that and it failed.
So, I can only suggest that you make a small backup, note where it gets saved, then browse to that location and see what it’s structure looks like. Then attempt to restore (don’t actually restore it) to see if it allows you to browse, or only allows you to restore what you already backed up. Perhaps you can figure out how to access your old backup.
I’ve never used WD Backup (I use another 3rd party). I have tried Acronis for WD. Acronis did recognize my Scorpio and EX4 as legitimate WD products. The WD Backup did not so I couldn’t test it any further.
Bonne Chance!!
WD has discontinued its old backup tools like WD Backup and WD SmartWare, which means Acronis True Image for WD won’t open those older backup files.To get your data back, you can:
Try reinstalling the same WD software you used in 2019 (WD Backup or SmartWare). It’s no longer on the main WD site, but WD Support can often provide the installer if you ask.
If that’s not possible, you can use a recovery program like Stellar Data Recovery Professional to scan your backup or drive and recover the files.
I’d suggest first checking with WD Support for the exact old software you used. That will be the easiest way to restore your structured backup.
Stop using the drive immediately to avoid overwriting data.
- Use top recovery tools like Disk Drill (strong overall performance, recovers lost partitions) or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (user‑friendly, excellent file and partition recovery) to scan and restore files to another drive. ([Pandora Data Recovery Mentor][1], [TechRadar][2], [EaseUS]
- Try free options like Recuva or TestDisk for basic file or partition recovery if you’re on a budget. ([Pandora Data Recovery Mentor][1], [TechRadar][4], [Wikipedia][5])
TL;DR: Don’t write to the drive. Use recovery software to scan and save files elsewhere.
