People with WesternDigital HDD sleep problem

CHECK YOUR APM VALUE BEFORE USING THIS TOOL, INFO IN POINT 3

1.What is this

Ok, I've seen some people suffering from this bothersome spin down mode with their Western Digital HDD, well, I was once a "victim" of this annoying spin down. After some search in the WesternDigital forum I found a tool that disable it, it's called WDIdleDisable Tool.

Works on:

• Windows XP
  
• Windows Vista
  
• Windows 7

As you can see in the download page it shows a WD Elements SE Portable device, well my HDD is 1tb WD My Passport SE, so it shouldn't be problems of compatibility for people with My Passport.


Obligatory: Use at your own RISK!!!
http://support.wdc.c...sid=154&lang=en




2.Why sleepy HDD are bad for my Wii

Wii needs keep data transfer constant to avoid problems as longer loading times, music stream hiccups, etc.




3.How to know if my HDD is sleepy

1. Run CrystalDiskInfo in your PC http://crystalmark.i...fo/index-e.html
2. Connect your HDD
3. Select "Function" tab
4. Select "Advanced Feature" > "AAM/APM Control"
5. It will open a new window, select your HDD
6. Check your Advanced Power Management (APM) settings
7. It should shows a 80h value (every value over 80h is good)
8 If it shows a value inferior to 80h you have a sleepy drive, and you should check for help
9. THIS TOOL DOESN'T MODIFY YOUR APM SETTINGS, IT ONLY SHOW PERFORMANCE!
10. ???
11. Profit

Edited by OriginalHamster, 13 January 2012 - 08:32 PM.

Sounds more like a thread for the wii tutorial section somehow

I have a 320gb mypassport, just returned the 1tb Passport I got for Christmas due to issues with this one. Now this "IdleSleep" what happens when it activates? I previously sent mine in for not connecting to anything.

The sleep mode can be disabled through the "smartware" software that came with the WD drive under the settings tab. The function is to spin down the drive when not in use. Turning it off makes them work with the Wii but it also means whenever power is going to the drive it is spinning. Could wear it out faster. Although some say spin down is what kills the drive.

mikefor20, on 11 January 2012 - 07:52 AM, said:

No, smartware doesn't help, it just configure the drive idle example: 10min, 15min, never.
The problem with some models is they go idle almost like 3min after.
You can check this setting with CrystalDiskInfo, if your drive is 80h or more performance you're good.

FIX94, on 11 January 2012 - 07:20 AM, said:

Didn't know that section exist, heh, will try contact a mod.
Thanks

Quote

This tool just fix the spin down setting, if your drive doesn't connect to anything it has another problem.

Edited by OriginalHamster, 11 January 2012 - 03:33 PM.

OriginalHamster, on 11 January 2012 - 03:15 PM, said:

Isn't what the user wants? never stop the drive.


I can move this topic to Faqs and Guides section.
But I think it could be a general computer's faq, not only for Wii.
I'll move it to Wii's faq as it's more problematic with the Wii than a computer.

Nice guide OriginalHamster! .. That's why I always stick with $4 sata cases

So how exactly do you run this app?

EDIT: Alright well I ran the app and it detected my WD Mypassport and it said this "Drive Update Not Applicable" below "Firmware"
So was it supposed to tell me something like "disable sleep mode"? or what???

Edited by hybrid -x1, 11 January 2012 - 08:57 PM.

hybrid -x1, on 11 January 2012 - 08:54 PM, said:

Did you check your HDD condition with CrystalDiskInfo?
If the app aplied the fix, it should appear 80h in the APM setting.

AH yeah it did appear that way with crystaldisk!! Dude thanks a lot man!!! xD

Glad it worked for you =D

I tried running WDIdleDisable Tool but whenever I do so, the app crashes before it even reads the Western Digital HDD.
but when I unplug the Western Digital HDD and start running the WDIdleDisable Too it doesn't crash.

so what should I do?? ;__;

mae, on 13 January 2012 - 12:54 PM, said:

Did you check your APM setting with CrystalDiskInfo? We need check if you really need this fix.
Also, what model is your HDD?
Try connect the drive after and before run the app, maybe that way it works.
Remember this was designed for some WD HDD, not everyone is compatible though.

My APM setting is just fine. It's above 80 actually.
WD Elements 1023 with 1TB.
I've tried to connect the drive after and before I run the app, still had the same effect.
maybe it doesn't support the model...