Updating Backup device?

I have never known any backup device to need to update. Recently, I bought a new one which is WD My Passport and it asks to do an update every month. So far, it has done two and, both times, removed its shortcut icons from my desk top. Now it wants to do a third update and I worry about what it might remove.

Why would a backup device need to update? Is it because it is called an "external hard drive"?

Or, one more possibility: Because my ESET antivirus program was taking far too long to scan, ESET people suggested I disconnect the backup device while the scan was going on. They said it didn't need scanning since it held only what ESET has already scanned inside the computer.

Please, can anyone fill me in on the need for a backup device to need updating? Thank you.

Hello hazel m!

The way you're describing it, it shouldn't be something to worry about.
Like it is said in the WD My Passport pdf user manual, messages for available updates can pop up, for which you'd have to click Update Software and follow the on-screen instructions for downloading and installing the software update. This software could be the firmware, or WD software.
Some of these updates can be checked for automatically (hence the pop up), like the WD SmartWare, depending on the setting you set up.
Which WD My Passport do you have? And are the updates any different from what I am describing?
The disappearing shortcut should be because of the device being external (plug and play) and after the update it refreshes, hence need of new shortcut.
Is there any other troubling issue occurring?

Cheers! :)

CK_WD

CKWD said:

Hello hazel m!

The way you're describing it, it shouldn't be something to worry about.
Like it is said in the WD My Passport pdf user manual, messages for available updates can pop up, for which you'd have to click Update Software and follow the on-screen instructions for downloading and installing the software update. This software could be the firmware, or WD software.
Some of these updates can be checked for automatically (hence the pop up), like the WD SmartWare, depending on the setting you set up.
Which WD My Passport do you have? And are the updates any different from what I am describing?
The disappearing shortcut should be because of the device being external (plug and play) and after the update it refreshes, hence need of new shortcut.
Is there any other troubling issue occurring?

Cheers! :)

CK_WD

Thank you. It is WD Smartware Pro Software. The box that it came in says WD Absolutely and My Passport Ultra. Does that help? I'd guess it is set for an automatic update but, if I understand you rightly, it still notifies me first. Right?

Thank you very much. Good to know that I can continue with the updates.

Hey,

I just wanted to make sure the model of the drive. The WD My Passport Ultra does come with the WD Smartware Pro. It sounds like an automatic update. It is recommended but if you'd like to change it, you should be able to go to WD Smartware Pro's settings and do that.
So, yes, you can without concern continue with the updates.

Cheers! :)

CK_WD

CKWD said:

Hey,

I just wanted to make sure the model of the drive. The WD My Passport Ultra does come with the WD Smartware Pro. It sounds like an automatic update. It is recommended but if you'd like to change it, you should be able to go to WD Smartware Pro's settings and do that.
So, yes, you can without concern continue with the updates.

Cheers! :)

CK_WD

I am not sure about "model". Much of this fine print I cannot read. I see Ultra 1TB Portable External USB 3.0 if that means anything.

I am totally lost when it comes to the technologies of these devices. A computer man installed it for me and I just try to use it correctly and safely.

Thanks again.

I meant that the model was what I also wanted to find out, but you already gave it – Ultra. There are many WD My Passport models and this is the Ultra. :)

You're welcome, I think you're clear, no problems should be occurring.

CK_WD