How to Reset a WD Drive

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A Western Digital external hard drive is good safe way to back up data on your computer. But these drives can also be prone to problems, such as bugs or other glitches. The good news is that if you have problems with your hard drive you can perform a reset on the device. This process doesn't require you to know much about computers and the whole thing can be completed in just a moment or two.

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Step 1

Leave the drive turned on but unplug it from your computer.

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Step 2

Turn around the drive and locate the "Reset" button on the back panel of the unit. It is a recessed button inside a small hole.

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Step 3

Unbend the leg of a paperclip and insert it into the hole until you depress the reset button and the paperclip won't go any further. Hold the button down for no longer than five seconds. This is what's known as performing a "short" reset and all of your drive settings will remain intact. If you continue to have problems with your drive proceed to the next step.

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Step 4

Insert your paperclip into the hole and depress the "Reset" button. Hold the button down for 10 seconds and release. After 40 seconds the drive will reboot. This is a "long" reset and your drive will be completely reset to factory settings.

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