You can partition the hard drive and keep separate backups from different engines. I use Windows 8 File History myself instead of WD SmartWare.

While WD SmartWare is the default tool provided with your unit, it is not required and can be replaced by other tools that better suit your personal needs. Since the questions are related to WD SmartWare, the “Software” board is the most appropriate. To delete the prior files it seems that you have to do something besides just delete the file.

Last question: I moved My Passport from another computer.

Will the CryptoLocker Virus infect My Passport if it is connected at the time? Does it matter if it is password protected? Would it be better to have scheduled back ups or better to disconnect and reconnect occassionally.

It probably is not necessary to reinstall everything but it would be more reassuring in the event of any stay behind viruses. My wife’s computer got hit and we had to trash all the files.

The mission is to guard my system against one of the CryptoLocker style viruses.

Is this practical? The allure of pushing a button to re do everything is this workable once you install a new hard drive? …or if you just clean the old one?

There’s enough room on My Passport to do a system image and a file back up using the WD software with a partition maybe.

Can this be made to work with scheduled back ups or it’s not practical?

Can you delete all the WD software and use it to do a system image or use it with other back up software.

Yo, great answer! What part of the community do these questions belong in? Where did I wind up?

Backup vs file history