[Lex Computer & Tech Group/LCTG] Western Digital/dvd drive backup issue

[Peter Albin]

Tracy,

I tend to agree with Umesh.

If you are intent on keeping the WD drive to use on the new computer, 
check on the internet for a downloadable installation program for the 
specific WD model (I would check in the WD site first as other sources 
may not be safe). Also contacting WD to send the installation program to 
you might be an option.

I do have a reservation with local backup strategies. Catastrophic 
events may render any local backup useless. Some people get multiple 
backup devices and always keep one off site. In my opinion, that is a 
lot of work and may become inconvenient. With your new computer, I would 
look to the many cloud providers for backup. I use Carbonite and I have 
had no complaints in the years of using the software. I have changed 
computers a few times and I have not lost any files. You may be able to 
ask the technical people where you purchase your new machine what they 
suggest for off-site backup as additional information.

Furthermore, upon setup, newer computers may have the ability to 
transfer all your files from your old machine to your new machine 
automatically as part of the setup process.

I hope this helps and good luck!

Peter

On 1/8/2024 7:13 AM, Umesh via LCTG wrote:
> Tracy,
>
> I suggest re-thinking the whole process. Consider backing up to a 
> solid state hard drive.
>
> Umesh
>
> On Sun, Jan 7, 2024 at 6:13 PM Tracy Marks via LCTG 
> <lctg at lists.toku.us> wrote:
>
>     Hello folks -
>     I'm a very inactive member on this list who is not very tech savvy
>     apart
>     from spending 20 years using and  teaching Photoshop, and basic
>     Windows
>     navigation and customization skills. I am however, quite incompetent,
>     when it comes to hardware, so am not likely to open my computer
>     (an 2016
>     Lenovo desktop, using Windows 10, soon to be replaced).
>
>     My question following initial explanation:
>     I have been transferring all my files to my quite old but functional
>     Western Digital My Book backup drive. No problem with that.
>     However I'm
>     getting a new computer next week, with Windows 11, and intend to
>     transfer my files from the backup drive (unless I get help setting up
>     wifi, and find it easier to do with wi fi) to the new HP Windows 11
>     computer.
>
>     One way or another, I intend to connect the backup drive to the new
>     computer.
>
>     The trouble is that the software for the backup drive is on a dvd
>     inside
>     my dvd drive, where it's been since I first installed it since the
>     dvd
>     drive became stuck at that point.
>
>     I've tried every method (apart from opening the computer - which I
>     can't
>     do - and taking out the dvd drive) of trying to unstick it. Almost
>     every
>     how-to site online speaks of using a paperclip in the hole on the
>     outside of the drive but there is no such hole on my drive. And
>     when I
>     open the outside cover, the dvd drive itself is about two inches
>     inside
>     it with no nubs, holes etc. of any kind for nudging it.
>
>     But -- My main question, however, is:
>
>     Will I need the installation software for my My Book external
>     drive in
>     order to access that drive on the new computer? And if so, well, I'll
>     need help unsticking that drive....).
>
>     I'm really not likely to need that drive on the old computer though
>     unless I need it to get out that installation disc.
>
>     ADDENDUM
>     Come to think of it, I don't even know if a 6 year old My Book
>     will work
>     with Windows 11, so all my backups would not be of any use for file
>     transfer anyway (500 gb, by the way, and having just gone through a
>     nightmare with OneDrive -- never again will I count on the Clouds for
>     backup).
>
>     Damn. Should I just do a transfer via wifi?
>
>     Tracy Marks
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