My WD Smartware external hard drive won't open the DriveUnlock for My Book Elite. My MAC states this WD needs to update it's driver in order to operate with Monterey 12.6. but I can't find any driver for this external hard drive. I have tons of pics stored and can't access it.
iMac 24″, macOS 12.6
https://support.wdc.com/downloads.aspx?FW&lang=en&family=wdsmartware
The link above has installers for the latest versions of WD software for Mac. I think your problem may be that your software on the Mac needs to be updated to work with Monterey.
These links may also help:
https://support-en.wd.com/app/answers/detailweb/a_id/13880/h/p2
WD Discovery for Mac may be what you need. You may want to contact Western Digital support before proceeding.
What MacOS were using before, when things worked?
If possible, try to find another Mac with that MacOS where you can install the latest versions of the Mac software from WD.
If that doesn't work or isn't possible, consider updating all your WD software on your Mac with the latest versions in the link above.
Assuming this enables you to unlock the drive, immediately copy all content to another drive for safekeeping, a drive that is not utilized with any WD tools. A drive that you have formatted in HFS+ or APFS format (GUID) using Apple's Disk utility and nothing else.
Then, once your files are safe, uninstall completely all WD utilities and software, using an uninstaller from WD. Then with Apple's Disk Utility, erase/format the problem drive with APFS or HFS+ format. Stay away in the future from all third party disk tools and security software. Apple's Disk Utility and FileVault (for password protected encryption) provides rock solid security and is all you need.
https://support.wdc.com/downloads.aspx?FW&lang=en&family=wdsmartware
The link above has installers for the latest versions of WD software for Mac. I think your problem may be that your software on the Mac needs to be updated to work with Monterey.
These links may also help:
https://support-en.wd.com/app/answers/detailweb/a_id/13880/h/p2
WD Discovery for Mac may be what you need. You may want to contact Western Digital support before proceeding.
What MacOS were using before, when things worked?
If possible, try to find another Mac with that MacOS where you can install the latest versions of the Mac software from WD.
If that doesn't work or isn't possible, consider updating all your WD software on your Mac with the latest versions in the link above.
Assuming this enables you to unlock the drive, immediately copy all content to another drive for safekeeping, a drive that is not utilized with any WD tools. A drive that you have formatted in HFS+ or APFS format (GUID) using Apple's Disk utility and nothing else.
Then, once your files are safe, uninstall completely all WD utilities and software, using an uninstaller from WD. Then with Apple's Disk Utility, erase/format the problem drive with APFS or HFS+ format. Stay away in the future from all third party disk tools and security software. Apple's Disk Utility and FileVault (for password protected encryption) provides rock solid security and is all you need.
Here you can try the below fixes to resolve the issue:
1. Check the USB connectivity
2. Enable visibility of external hard drive
3. Update macOS
4. Repair external hard drive by using Disk Utility
5. Repair external hard drive by using Terminal
6. Erase the external hard drive
7. If none of the above works, then the drive needs replacement
Hope it helps!
My WD Smartware External Hard Drive won't open
