“Can you backup OS files and two computers with different Windows OS. I have a desktop running Windows 8.1 and a laptop running Windows 7. Will this drive backup the system files as well as my personal data on both computers and how does it differentiate between the two computers? Can I use this drive to transfer files between the two computers?”
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"The My Passport Ultra drive is formatted as a single NTFS partition for compatibility with all updated Windows operating systems. As for the backup, the drive is compatible with the WD Smartware Backup Software. The WD Smartware Software does not backup operating system files. However, you are able to backup personal files such as music, movies, pictures, etc. With the WD Smartware, you can back up more than one computer. Also, the WD Smartware Software has a Retrieval function that will allow you to retrieve data backed up from a computer onto another computer. To differentiate the backups from different computers it creates different backup volumes. You can get more information and details of the My Passport Ultra and WD Smartware on the following link: http://wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=1000"
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.You would need backup software that allows this type of backup (Example: Carbonite is not "smart" enough to not wipe out Computer A's backup with Computer B's backup). It does not come with the drive ... this is not normally a function associated with the drives themselves (usually, it's separate backup software). I haven't tried this recently (i.e., not since Win95), but you may be able to partition the drive in Windows, so it "looks" like 2 drives. Then, you could use Windows native backup (Computer A to Virtual Drive 1, Computer B to Virtual Drive 2)
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.if you setup the drive as different partitions and of course rename them differently each partition will be recognized separately and be seen in both os, but just choose the os with the intended partition. because many of the source and structure files will be the same
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.Both Windows versions use the same NTFS formatting. You'll be able to move files from one PC to the other most conveniently if the files have not been compressed. Most backup programs will, by default, compress the files being backed up. So for ease, recommend you create separate partitions for each computer (7 and 8.1 versions), and then clone without compressing files. If you're concerned you'll forget which is which, give the partitions different names, sizes or drive IDs. Good luck.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.Yes, it can. Depending on manufacturers of the both PCs it would determine the best to back up the operating system files and its procedures.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.You can have two different partitions and set them as the back-up disks for each computer. You can plug and play so it would make transferring files a cinch.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.Yes. Just plug to one, finish, then plug into the other one. Yes. Transfer the files from first computer then copy the files to the second computer.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.Possible but a disaster waiting to happen. Would need to purchase 2 backup software packages, or multi-license (like O&O) to make the backup compatible with both OS. Then carefully name your backups to i.d. later.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.You could set up multiple volumes on the drive using partitions, then name each volume individually. Once that is done, you could set your PC's to back up to a certain partition. For example, I have a MacBook and a PC. My MacBook is set to run back up to the partition called "OSX Backup" when it is plugged in and similarly, my PC backs up to "WIN Backup." Hope that helps. For further information, consider researching on drive partitions as it will probably be your best bet on the storage and back up solution you are seeking.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.Yes, I have transferred data from my PC windows 7 to my tablet which runs windows 8.1 from this device. The transfer was easy since the downloads are labeled so I knew which one I wanted to transfer.
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