Western digital drives

[codprawn]

WARNING!!!

Don't be tempted to buy an external Western Digital network drive. The idiots have introduced a block on the transfer of 35 different file types to stop people file sharing over the net. The trouble is it's NOT just over the net but your own network as well. This means that you won't be able to tranfer music or video files from one computer to another in your own house!!!

I am stunned that a hardware maker has done this - not going to do their sales much good...........

[jwalker]

Cod, is this just on the network drives?

[codprawn]

Yes - it's the software they use on their ready boxed network storage drives - called World Edition or something silly. These drives are designed to just plug into your network stand alone you can save everything to it.

Obviously it won't hurt us techies but it is well below the belt for the average home user or small business. These drives are getting quite popular and it's a worrying new trend.

[Biggles]

Nice warning,

I seem to be buying loads of Hard Drives at the moment. I've considered externals but always settled for the internals due to cost etc.

All my drives are for music and films etc and if I'd have gone for one of Western Digitals external offerings I'd be well hacked off.

NR.

[Bigmuz7]

I Just bought an Iomega USB 500gb unit for archiving last week .. I havnt unboxed it yet, whose hardware do they use ?

[John Kennett]

Here's a list of the file types if anyone's interested: http://wdc.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/wdc....i=&p_topview=1

John

[v666]

It does look like WD may have a bit of an issue with this, as people will not buy their drives.

However, I thought that the MioNET service that WD packages with the networked drives (supposed to make it easy to share files over the net) is what stops file sharing (legal or not).

This software is NOT mandatory and samba shares can be used.
How to not use WD software

But, if you bought it for letting you view/share video with WD Anywhere Access, then, yep your screwed.

Tim

[codprawn]

I was just about to buy 30 normal drives - will make sure I don't get WD on principal now - how long before they start doing things like this to the firmware??? Teach them a lesson NOW before it's too late!!!

[Bigmuz7]

I'm assuming this just refers then to remote stand alone WD units that have an extra bit of code made for using the remote drives..in a box externally and not their bare ide drives for internal installation?

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Bigmuz7

I'm assuming this just refers then to remote stand alone WD units that have an extra bit of code made for using the remote drives..in a box externally and not their bare ide drives for internal installation?

Yes that's right. They are fine but WD need to be taught a lesson - one day it could be emmbedded in the firmware!!!