Re: Repartitioning a USB external HD. Need help removing existing partition [SOLVED]
On 20100326_005717, Stan Hoeppner wrote:
> Paul E Condon put forth on 3/25/2010 11:32 PM:
>
> > Western Digital uses what must be the same software technology, but
> > they call it Virtual-CD or VCD. They also provide a software fix. But
> > the WD fix only disables VCD and makes the small partition
> > invisible. It does not release the space on the platter. (OK on a
> > 500GB drive, IMHO)
>
> That's because, AFAICT, it's not on the disk platter Paul. That "partition"
> resides in a flash memory chip on the small PCB inside that pretty WD
> enclosure. I.e. it's a phantom, and you can't delete it, nor would you
> really benefit if you did.
>
> > I think my problem is solved, but not in a was that makes me happy
> > about either company's support for Linux
>
> What other company? Only WD is at issue here, no?
>
> That's what happens when you buy cutesy Windows/MAC devices without reading
> up on your potential purchase BEFOREHAND. From the PDF on WD's site:
>
> http://www.wdc.com/wdproducts/library/AAG/ENG/4178-705051.pdf
>
> "SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY
> Formatted NTFS for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Mac OSX, Tiger,
> Leopard, Snow Leopard (requires formatting)."
>
> Nowhere does it mention Linux, period. How can you complain about their
> Linux support when the product literature doesn't mention Linux? So, you
> assume that the lack of mention means it's supported? Even though all the
> other OS's supported are clearly mentioned, down to each version? You're
> lying the blame at the wrong feet methinks.
>
> > Also the new drive has a different kind of USB socket that I have not
> > seen before. About the same size as current small end of USB cable
> > but incompatible shape. Why?
>
> You're kidding, right? You've never seen the mini and micro USB plugs? The
> mini and micro USB plugs have been around for a long time, used mostly by
> digital cameras, PDAs, cell phones, basically all the small devices that
> need a small plug. You bought a tiny 2.5" 500GB drive in a tiny case. It
> needs a tiny plug. And you're surprised and upset by this? If it's the
> latest micro plug, be happy, as it's rated for much higher total
> insertion/removal cycles over its lifetime, i.e. it's more durable.
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Serial_Bus
>
> --
> Stan
Thanks for the information.
--
Paul E Condon
pecondon@mesanetworks.net
Reply to: