Western Digital WD SES Driver 12.07 for Windows 64-bit

This article provides information about the Western Digital (WD) SES (SCSI Enclosure Services) driver, specifically version 12.07 for Windows 64-bit operating systems. It addresses the purpose of the driver, its functionalities, and how to resolve persistent prompts for its installation. It is important to note that the Western Digital WD SES Driver 12.07 for Windows 64-bit is not essential for basic drive recognition. If your WD drive is not being recognized by your computer, consult WD’s knowledge base article Answer ID 1708: "I cannot find drivers for my WD drive and/or my Operating System fails to recognize my WD drive" for troubleshooting steps.

Understanding the WD SES Driver

The WD SES driver facilitates communication between your computer and specific Western Digital external hard drives, primarily My Passport and My Book models. This driver is crucial for unlocking certain advanced features offered by these drives. It’s distinct from both the Virtual CD (VCD) functionality and the WD SmartWare software.

Key Features Enabled by the SES Driver:

• Password Protection: The driver enables the password protection feature, allowing you to secure your data with a password.
• LED Control: Some WD drives feature LED indicators. The SES driver allows the operating system to manage the behavior of these LEDs.
• Drive Label Access: The driver provides access to the drive’s label, allowing for easier identification and management within the operating system.
• Enabling WD SmartWare Features: The Western Digital WD SES Driver 12.07 for Windows 64-bit is a prerequisite for the full functionality of WD SmartWare, Western Digital’s proprietary software that offers features such as automatic backup and data encryption.

Important Note: If you intend to utilize your WD drive as a simple storage device without needing the advanced features listed above, you can opt to hide the Virtual CD (VCD) partition. Instructions for disabling the VCD can be found in WD’s knowledge base article Answer ID 3835: "How to disable (hide) the Virtual CD (VCD) for Windows or Mac OSX on a My Book or My Passport drive."

While Western Digital recommends installing the SES driver even if you are not using WD SmartWare, the drive will function as a basic storage device without it. However, without the driver, you may experience persistent prompts from Windows requesting its installation.

The Persistent Driver Installation Prompt

One of the most common issues users encounter is the repeated prompts to install the SES driver every time a compatible WD drive is connected to a Windows computer. This behavior stems from the fact that Windows detects the SCSI communication channel used by the drive for its advanced features. When the SES driver is not installed, Windows interprets this channel as requiring a driver and repeatedly attempts to install it. This can be frustrating for users who do not need or want the advanced features enabled by the driver.

The Cause of the Prompts:

The prompts occur because Windows recognizes the SCSI Enclosure Services (SES) communication channel when the drive is connected. This channel is used to enable features such as password protection, LED control, and drive label access. If the driver is not installed during the initial connection or if WD SmartWare is not installed, Windows will continue to prompt for the driver installation each time the drive is connected.

Solutions to the Driver Prompt Issue

There are two primary solutions to eliminate the persistent driver installation prompts:

1. Install the WD SES Driver: The recommended approach is to install the driver. This will resolve the prompts and enable the drive’s advanced features.

   • Automatic Installation: When the prompt appears, select the "Install the software automatically" option. Windows will attempt to locate and install the driver online. In most cases, this will successfully install the driver and stop the prompts.
   • Manual Installation: If Windows cannot find the driver automatically, you can download it manually. The following link to Western Digital’s knowledge base provides the driver and instructions: Answer ID 5419: WD SES driver download and instructions for recovering the WD SmartWare installer.
2. Ignore the Prompts (Basic Functionality Only): If you only need basic storage functionality and do not require password protection, LED control, or other advanced features, you can choose to ignore the prompts. The drive will still function as a standard USB storage device. However, be aware that the prompts will continue to appear each time you connect the drive.

Driver Download and Installation

The recommended method for obtaining the Western Digital WD SES Driver 12.07 for Windows 64-bit is through the official Western Digital website. However, for added convenience and in case of issues with the official download, an alternative download link from a reputable driver repository is provided below. Please exercise caution when downloading drivers from third-party sources and ensure the website is trustworthy.

Official Download Link (WD Knowledge Base): Answer ID 5419: WD SES driver download and instructions for recovering the WD SmartWare installer.

Alternative Download Link: (Please note that providing a persistent, guaranteed alternative link is impossible as websites change. However, a search on a reputable driver download site such as Softpedia or DriverGuide for "WD SES Driver 12.07 for Windows 64-bit" should yield a working download link. Always verify the file’s authenticity and scan it for viruses before installation.)

Installation Instructions:

1. Download the driver: Download the driver from either the official WD link or the alternative link.
2. Extract the files (if necessary): The downloaded file may be a compressed archive (ZIP or similar). Extract the contents to a folder on your computer.
3. Run the installer: Locate the driver installation file (usually a .exe file) within the extracted folder and double-click it to run the installer.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions: Follow the instructions provided by the installer to complete the driver installation process.
5. Restart your computer (if prompted): You may be prompted to restart your computer after the installation is complete. If so, restart your computer to ensure the driver is properly loaded.

Conclusion

The Western Digital WD SES Driver 12.07 for Windows 64-bit is a specialized driver that enables advanced features on compatible WD external hard drives. While not essential for basic storage functionality, it is required for password protection, LED control, and full WD SmartWare functionality. By understanding the purpose of the driver and following the instructions in this article, you can resolve the persistent driver installation prompts and ensure your WD drive functions as intended.