Using a disconnected WD Essentials Desktop Drive for offline data storage

WD External Drives External Drives for PC
1

Hello!

I have several WD Essentials drives that I use as video servers. I have multiple backups of most of the files, but one drive in particular would have caused me an enormous headache if it was to fail. To avoid that possibility, I purchased another 8 TB drive and created an identical copy of the original drive. The original drive is in daily use, connected 24/7, but I keep the copy in the closet as insurance, and I haven’t powered it on since I put it away. Is it safe for me to use the backup drive in that manner? Should I be connecting it periodically to spin the disks and to make sure it’s still working correctly?

2

Hi @rcquinn,

Have you opened a Support Case? If not opened, for more information, please contact the WD Technical Support team for the best assistance and troubleshooting:
https://support-en.wd.com/app/ask

3

I would check it every few months.

Drives can fail whether being used everyday, or not at all … pretty much like any electronic device.

It’s happened to me (drive being stored safely away from heat and moisture) … thankfully only once.