HELP with Passport reinstallation:

WD External and Portable SSD External SSD for Windows
1

I bought a new desktop computer and plugged in my Passport. It shows in my list of drives but i don’t know how to recover the backup. Thanks in advance for your help

2

Mac48,

BE CAREFUL! You don’t want to override the operating system (OS) on your new PC.

If you used WD Smartware for the old computer, some OS folders will be on the Passport. Also, avoid restoring C:Program files, although you may need some Program Data files. The C:User folder should be ok. Any other drives from the old system should be ok.

To restore using WD Smartware, click on the the Retrieve tab and select the folders to recover. Look for your Downloads folder. There may be software that you will want.

If you are using WD Backup use the Restore tab.

You may need to change to WD Backup after you use WD Smartware (which seems to be phasing out).

Good luck!

Cliff

3

Hello Clifford_Cleary,

You can refer to the below links to know how can you restore the data.

  1. How to restore files using WD Backup
    WD Backup: Restore Files

  2. Retrieving previously backed up content using WD SmartWare 2.0 or higher
    Error

  3. How to view or access data backed up with WD SmartWare or WD Backup
    WD Backup & WD Smartware: Access and Recover Backup Data in Windows File Explorer

4

Thanks for your reply Cliff. What happened was when i got the new computer i plugged in the Passport thinking it would download the drivers like when new. When i plugged it in the Passport was there. I have my C drive with Program Files and Program Files (x86). I also have the F drive. In order to get to my C files i have to go to F Drive, Users, HP and then to pictures or documents etc.
I never got like a startup program or a download when i plugged it into the new computer. What do you suggest i do?

Thanks,
Mac48