Solved External Hard Drive without auto backup

[lafnsu]

I have used externals for a long time, and went to go get another Toshiba Canvio today. I particularly have appreciated the fact that I could choose to use their back-up software or treat the drive as any internal drive (ie put what files I want and when). I could swap between my win 7 desktop and win8.1 laptop without issues as well.

So, imagine my fun when I learn that their new variety Canvio Connect II has pre-loaded software for back up, cloud and security....ggggrrrrrr. Okay, so I need a drive desperately before my trip end of the month.

1. Does anyone know if I can reformat this drive in Windows and wipe all the pre-loaded stuff?

2. Does anyone know of any external hard drives that behave as an empty drive on the current market?

3. Added it would be sweet if there is a drive anyone knows of that answers #1 or 2 that also can swap with other os-x laptop.

Thanks for any info.
LafnSu

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Q1: I don't know "Toshiba Canvio" from a side of bacon, but I'd be astonished if any drive can't be formatted. What's "special" about it that might make it different?

Q2: Most any drive I know of can be treated as an "empty drive". What's special about Canvio that it can't?

There must be more to the story.

Unless there's something I don't understand, I'd wipe the drive and back up to it with the software of my choosing. What's standing in the way of doing that?

 

[lafnsu]

To your question

At one time in the past I had a drive that I did just that and later found I had destroyed the drive. I've used Seagate, WD and hp, but cannot remember which did that - too long ago. My current three are older Toshiba Canvio's and they've worked super well, so was attempting to replicate success. Do not want to ruin a drive again though! Thanks for responding ignatzatsonic, I appreciate it.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Amazon.com: Toshiba Canvio 1.0 TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive - HDTC610XK3B1 (Black): Electronics

The above link suggests that a Toshiba Canvio is just a garden variety external hard drive like any other.

You should be able to format it and do what you want with it.

Drives can fail for no apparent reason or just drop dead, but formatting wouldn't be the cause.

I assume your question 3 has something to do with an Apple machine, about which I know nothing. I'd assume you cannot use a given external drive with BOTH an Apple and a standard PC due to different file systems.

 

[leejosepho]

My own experience with certain SanDisk devices and my iPods suggests some externals have hidden partitions for their proprietary, self-booting software. In fact, I have learned how to do that myself by using Puppy Linux to make "Combo" bootables. Overall, your best bet might be to just find a way to remove the "Active" flag for the device (I use Puppy to do that) to stop it from booting so you can use it as passive storage.

 

[lafnsu]

Thanks leejosepho as that helped me understand how I can rectify the issue before it occurs. Ignatzatsonic I appreciate your comment, although I did know what type of drive it was, I have 3 predecessors. Just wasn't sure if it could be ruined by formatting away the pre-loaded software. My current drives didn't have that issue.

Off to the store before the sale is over;O)