SanDisk has indeed reversed their decision re: Fixed vs. Removable. Here is the last response I received from support:
"Thank you again for your feedback on our SanDisk Customer Satisfaction Survey. We have completed the review of your incident and we would first like to apologize for all the inconvenience caused to you. In regards to your question, we would like to inform you that the knowledge base article on the following link has been retired as the article is now obsolete because all sandisk drives are being moved back to the removable disk configuration and this is for all Operating Systems including Windows 8.
http://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/12830
Hence, in no way we would be able to make the drive work as a fixed drive."
At this point I am just happy they have provided a definitive answer. I do find it unfortunate as the fixed disk configuraiton was the sole reason I purchased this model. However, others may be pleased they are returning to removable.
