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Antann

58 Posts

22786

August 4th, 2006 01:00

What is Data Lifeguard Diagnostics for Windows software by Western Digital used for?

What is "Data Lifeguard Diagnostics for Windows" that Western Digital recommends I download after installing  their external hard drive, My Book 250 GB Essential Edition?  I checked the downloaded file's properties on my desktop and it appears to me that it installs in the root directory.  I checked on their support site but cannot find a definition of what exactly it is.  Just wanted some confirmation why I need it and that my 600M Inspiron,  XP Pro OS will not be adversely affected by the software installation. 
 
Antann 

mombodog

2 Intern

 • 

12.7K Posts

August 4th, 2006 01:00

From WD website, pretty much says it all. I do not think it installs on your PC, but it may put a log file on the root of C which is common for many programs. Be careful if you run this program because there is one part that will erase the drive, called write zeros.

 

Description:
This is a Windows version of the Data Lifeguard Diagnostics utility. The utility can perform drive identification, diagnostics, and repairs on a Western Digital FireWire, EIDE, or USB drive. In addition, it can provide you with the drive's serial and model numbers.
Supported Operating System:
  • Windows 2000
  • Windows XP
  • Windows ME
  • Windows 98SE
Instructions:
  1. Download the Windows Data Lifeguard Diagnostics, WinDLG.zip
  2. Extract and run the program, windlg.exe.
  3. Read and accept the license agreement to continue.
  4. On the main program screen, there are two windows. In the top window, you will see the drives in your system, that are available for testing. The model number, serial number, and capacity of each drive will be displayed. In the bottom window, the partition information for the selected drive will be displayed.
  5. Highlight the drive and select the icon on the top row to test or run SMART status.
  6. The DLGDIAG - Select an Option window appears.
  7. You will see the following options:
    • QUICK TEST - performs SMART drive quick self-test to gather and verify the Data Lifeguard information contained on the drive.
    • EXTENDED TEST - performs a Full Media Scan to detect bad sectors. Test may take several hours to complete depending on the size of the drive.
    • WRITE ZEROS - writes zeros to the drive with options of Full Erase and Quick Erase. File system and data will be lost.
    • VIEW TEST RESULT - displays the latest test results.
  8. Select the test you wish to perform and click the Start button.
  9. When the test completes, you will be notified with a pass/fail message. Click the Close button.

mombodog

2 Intern

 • 

12.7K Posts

August 4th, 2006 13:00

Western digital supplies this software in case you are having trouble with a WD drive that is under warranty, they will want you to run the drive fitness test and print a report if you need to ship it back to them for a warranty replacement..  I have never used it myself..

Antann

58 Posts

August 4th, 2006 13:00

Thanks for reply and assistance.  I should have asked, "Do I need this Data Lifeguard Diag. to use the My Book external drive?"  I don't want to jeopardize my computer by software that can erase my hard drive on the computer.  I have XP Pro and all its diagnostic programs.

 

Antann

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