Question regarding how to un-install SmartWare
Can someone confirm/clarify the correct un-installation procedure for SmartWare. The reason I’m asking is because I’ve read various people encountered different issues with after its uninstallation. Here’s the details:
I’m a new owner & user of a My Passport Ultra 1TB that I’m using with a Lenovo Thinkpad, Win7 64-bit version. I installed the WD apps (Security, Utility, SmartWare) from the setup file that came with the WD drive/device. After performing initial set up and my first large file backup, I then let the software update to its 2.2.1 version through the interface.
One minor thing I noticed after the SmartWare update is that the program icon on the desktop disappeared. Beyond that, I want to be sure that the software update was done correctly. Even though the software seems to be working without problems for now, I still suspect that something went wrong during the update process, so would like to install my original version in the drive.
The instructions in the SmartWare Help menu suggest there are different method of uninstallation depending on how the software was installed (source of file). Basically, follow the procedure below or refer to the manual (the manual however, is just a copy and paste of the same thing, no different procedure, which I find rather circular and vague. This is where I’m being caught up.)
" If you installed the WD SmartWare software using a setup file that was on the device or the setup CD, disregard this procedure and follow the software uninstallation procedure in the device user manual".
:: Okay, I installed SmartWare from the setup file that came with the WD drive/device and then the software updated itself through the interface. Which one counts here in terms of uninstallation?!
:: Now, let’s consider that I installed it from the set up file on the device and disregard the procedure (below). Accordingly, I check the manual, which is the same wording, and I don’t see the difference in terms of uninstallation between installing from this source or another.
:: now the procedure
The abovementioned procedure being " Use your operating system’s Add or Remove Programs function to uninstall the WD SmartWare software. Click WD SmartWare Installer and DO NOT select WD SmartWAre on the same window." (I get that). You must use the WD SmartWare installer/setup wizard to uninstall the software if you used to install the software". (The last sentence is confusing!)
So, when in Add or Remove Programs, do you use the WD SmartWare Installericon or WD SmartWare?
What about running the set up file that came with the device again (which is the previous version), and installing over the existing/newer SmartWare version, can I do that? Is that feasible? Or is it a big no-no?
Has anybody looked at this before or is it just me thinking too much?
ANOTHER QUESTION, is it possible to just copy files into the WD drive in the traditional way (e.g. drag and drop) without using but without deleting SmartWare either?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
