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 Post subject: Western Digital My Book Essential 2TB Drive
PostPosted: Mon Mar 05, 2012 10:56 pm 
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Location: Vadnais Heights, Minnesota
Please! Help! I'm using the Western Digital 2 TB My Book Essential drive for a perpetual backup. It (WDFME.EXE) is hogging 95% of RAM and is sucking up 50% of the CPU. I've looked at WD's forum, and it appears I'm not the only one with the problem (no resolution). Is there a suitable replacement for the "Smartware" software? I want something that is "Set and forget" that will maintain a perpetual backup. Will "Windows Backup" software give me what I'm looking for, or is there a freeware substitute?

Thanks,
Grouch

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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital My Book Essential 2TB Drive
PostPosted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 12:31 am 
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I have two of those drives, but I use Acronis True Image Home for all my backups. Backups are scheduled to run every day and are 'set and forget'.

One drive holds daily backups (full once a week, incremental every other day) the other drive holds weekly backups (full once a month, incremental the remaining weeks).

Each drive also holds a copy of the previous full backup, so I can 'go back in time' if I delete a file and don't notice it right away or if I need to access an older version of something.

With this scheme the most I can lose is data changed in the last 24 hours, and I can retrieve data as old as 2-3 months.

Acronis does 50% off promotions regularly at Bits Du Jour, but I would read about it first, seems there are problems in the latest release (I'm using an older version which gives me no trouble).

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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital My Book Essential 2TB Drive
PostPosted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 12:43 am 
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Joined: Fri Jul 31, 2009 2:28 am
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Location: Vadnais Heights, Minnesota
Jorge,
Thanks for your prompt response. After I posted here, I did more digging and found a good review for "Genie Timeline" (Freeware). Since I have a rather strict budget (being on Social Security), I'll probably have to resort to the freeware.

The irony is that I found the recommended "Genie Timeline" on the Western Digital website.

Thanks,
Grouch

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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital My Book Essential 2TB Drive
PostPosted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:15 pm 
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Joined: Fri Jul 31, 2009 2:28 am
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Location: Vadnais Heights, Minnesota
Jorge,

I was able to find a newer driver for "WD Smartware". After installation, "WDFME.EXE" throttles back to 0% CPU usage shortly after reboot.

If I have trouble again, I will have to consider purchasing "Acronis True Image Home" if I can convince the "Budget Committee" (wife).

Thanks,
Grouch

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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital My Book Essential 2TB Drive
PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2012 11:16 am 
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Joined: Fri May 04, 2012 10:23 am
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Location: Prineville, Oregon
Grouch,

I have a 2TB and a 3TB WD My Book for library/safe keeping.

Nothing against Acronis for they have good software.

Paragon Backup and Recovery 2012 Free (note the "free") is my choice and works well. It is also set and forget which you can do for both full or differential on different days/times.

Like Winstep 12 it is a bit involved but comes with a decent Wizard except for differential backups which are easy anyway.

One plus is that you can transfer files (a sorta backup) without doing an actual backup or restore. Great for when mouse finger kills that dll you need.

I think it's worth a look.

Mist


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 Post subject: Re: Western Digital My Book Essential 2TB Drive
PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2012 11:45 am 
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Mist,

Thanks for the feedback. I'll keep it in mind if the "WD Smartware" gives out on me again.

Thanks,
Grouch

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