Question 1

Install/driver setup fails?

Accepted Answer

The WD600U017 is a USB mass-storage external HDD and normally needs no proprietary driver. If a WD installer fails, disconnect other USB drives, use a rear USB 3.0 port, try a known-good cable, and install WD utilities only if needed for basic disk access.

Question 2

Device not detected?

Accepted Answer

Check the power adapter and USB cable first, then open Disk Management. If the disk shows as “Not Initialized” or unallocated, initialize/partition it only after confirming no data is needed. Rescan disks and test another PC/port.

Question 3

Version conflicts?

Accepted Answer

Remove older WD Discovery/SmartWare or conflicting USB 3.0 controller drivers, reboot, then let Windows install its native USB storage driver. Avoid installing multiple WD utility versions.

Western Digital WD600U017 Driver