WD My Book Duo Desktop RAID External Hard Drive

Introduction

The WD My Book Duo is a high-capacity, dual-drive storage system designed for professional and home users requiring reliable and fast data storage. It comes pre-configured for RAID-0 for maximum speed and capacity, but can be reconfigured for RAID-1 for data redundancy or JBOD for individual drive access. With USB 3.1 Gen 1 connectivity and two USB 3.0 hub ports, it offers versatile connectivity and expansion options. Integrated hardware encryption and backup software provide enhanced data security.

Image: The WD My Book Duo external hard drive, showcasing its sleek black design and compact form factor.

What's in the Box

• Desktop RAID Storage Unit
• WD Discovery™ software (for WD Backup™, WD Security™, and WD Drive Utilities™)
• USB-C to USB-C cable
• USB-C to USB-A cable
• AC adapter
• Disk replacement tool
• Quick Start Guide

Setup

1. Unpack the Device: Carefully remove the My Book Duo from its packaging.
2. Connect Power: Connect the AC adapter to the power port on the back of the My Book Duo and plug it into a wall outlet.
3. Connect to Computer: Use the provided USB-C to USB-C cable or USB-C to USB-A cable to connect the My Book Duo to an available USB port on your computer.
4. Install Software: The drive comes with pre-loaded WD Discovery software. Follow the on-screen prompts to install WD Discovery, which includes tools for backup, security, and drive management.
5. Initial Configuration: Upon first connection, the drive is typically configured in RAID-0 mode. You can use WD Drive Utilities within WD Discovery to change the RAID configuration (RAID-1 or JBOD) if desired. Refer to the WD Discovery software guide for detailed instructions on changing RAID modes.

Image: The My Book Duo connected to a laptop, highlighting its capability for massive capacity storage with auto and system backup features.

Operating

Data Transfer

Once connected and recognized by your operating system, the My Book Duo functions like any other external drive. You can drag and drop files, or use your preferred backup software to transfer data. The USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface provides high-speed data transfer rates.

RAID Configuration

The My Book Duo supports RAID-0 (Striping), RAID-1 (Mirroring), and JBOD (Just a Bunch Of Disks). The default setting is RAID-0 for maximum performance and capacity. To change the RAID mode, use the WD Drive Utilities software included in WD Discovery. Changing RAID modes will erase all data on the drives, so ensure you have backed up any important information before proceeding.

Image: A hand inserting a hard drive into the My Book Duo enclosure, illustrating its internal structure and RAID-0 readiness out of the box.

Automatic Backup

Utilize the WD Backup software (part of WD Discovery) to set up automatic backups of your files and folders. You can schedule backups to run at specific times or continuously, ensuring your data is always protected.

Password Protection and Hardware Encryption

The My Book Duo features 256-bit AES hardware encryption. Use the WD Security software (part of WD Discovery) to set a password for your drive. This encrypts your data at the hardware level, providing robust security against unauthorized access.

Image: A laptop displaying a login prompt next to the My Book Duo, symbolizing the 256-bit AES hardware encryption and password protection features.

USB Hub Ports

The two USB 3.0 Type-A hub ports on the back of the device allow you to connect additional USB devices, such as other external drives, keyboards, or mice, expanding your connectivity options.

Image: A detailed view of the rear panel of the My Book Duo, highlighting the two USB 3.2 Gen 1 / USB 3.0 hub ports for connecting additional peripherals.

Maintenance

• Firmware Updates: Periodically check for firmware updates via the WD Discovery software to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
• Drive Health Check: Use WD Drive Utilities to run diagnostics and check the health status of the internal drives.
• Cleaning: Keep the device clean and free of dust. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. Do not use liquid cleaners. Ensure ventilation slots are not obstructed.
• Safe Ejection: Always safely eject the drive from your operating system before disconnecting the USB cable or power to prevent data corruption.

Troubleshooting

Drive Not Detected

• Ensure the power adapter is securely connected and the drive is powered on.
• Verify the USB cable is firmly connected to both the drive and your computer.
• Try a different USB port on your computer.
• Test with a different USB cable if available.
• Restart your computer.

Slow Transfer Speeds

• Ensure you are connected to a USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 port on your computer. Older USB 2.0 ports will result in significantly slower speeds.
• Avoid running multiple demanding applications during large file transfers.
• Check the health of the drives using WD Drive Utilities.

Cannot Access Encrypted Drive

• Ensure WD Security software is installed and running.
• Enter the correct password when prompted.
• If you have forgotten your password, you may need to reformat the drive, which will erase all data.

Specifications

Image: Visual representation of the My Book Duo's dimensions, showing its height, depth, and width.

Warranty and Support

For warranty information, please refer to the Quick Start Guide included with your product or visit the official WD support website. WD offers various data recovery plans for added peace of mind, including 2-year and 3-year options.

Additional resources, including a detailed User Guide and User Manual in PDF format, are available online:

• User Guide (PDF)
• User Manual (PDF)

For technical support, product registration, and frequently asked questions, please visit the official WD support portal.