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Key Details of Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows

  • Test your WD internal and external drives.
  • Last updated on
  • There have been 4 updates
  • Virus scan status:

    Clean (it’s extremely likely that this software program is clean)


Editors’ Review

Download.com staff

Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows is a free utility provided by Western Digital, designed to offer users critical insights into their hard disk drives. Specifically intended for Western Digital (WD) drives that support Data Lifeguard, this tool gives users access to important data like the model, serial number, partitions, capacity, and S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) information of any WD drive attached to the system. The program also allows users to test their drives and view the results to assess the health and performance of their hardware.

Just like CrystalDiskInfo, upon installation, the program immediately scans the system, presenting users with a clear overview of all connected WD physical drives in the upper part of the interface, while logical drives are displayed by letter in the lower view. Users can initiate a test or view S.M.A.R.T. data with a simple click of an icon. There are three test options:

  1. Quick Test, which verifies the Data Lifeguard information.
  2. Extended Test, which runs a full media scan and can take considerable time on larger drives.
  3. Write Zeros, which erases the drive by overwriting all data with zeroes.

When users select the Quick Test, for example, a pop-up appears advising them to close any open files or programs to avoid potential data loss. The test runs with a progress bar, showing an estimated completion time and an elapsed time counter. The process is quick and efficient, providing users with a precise diagnosis of their drive’s health.

Additionally, users can click on a drive's entry under the S.M.A.R.T. section to pull up more in-depth S.M.A.R.T. data. The tool offers straightforward functionality, with easy navigation and simple controls. The Help section brings up concise Western Digital documentation to assist with any questions, although the program itself is designed to be user-friendly, requiring little explanation for most operations.

One of the tool's standout features is its Write Zeros function, which enables users to securely erase a hard drive, making it particularly useful for those looking to repurpose or dispose of their hardware. The Extended Test, while time-consuming, provides a thorough scan of the entire drive, helping identify potential issues early on.

Although Data Lifeguard Diagnostic is geared toward Western Digital drives, users looking for more advanced features might feel limited by the tool’s simplicity. There are no deep recovery or repair features, nor does it offer capabilities like defragmentation or data optimization seen in more comprehensive disk management programs. However, for basic diagnostics and testing, it performs exceptionally well.

Bottom Line

For users of WD drives, whether desktop, laptop, or external drives like the Blue, Green, or Black series, Data Lifeguard Diagnostic is a helpful tool to ensure their hard drives are performing optimally. The quick setup, clear interface, and testing options make it an invaluable tool for maintaining drive health, especially for users wanting to monitor their S.M.A.R.T. data regularly.



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Full Specifications

GENERAL
Release
Latest update
Version
1.24
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Platform
Windows
Operating System
  • Windows 7
  • Windows XP
  • Windows 10
  • Windows Vista
Additional Requirements
None
POPULARITY
Total Downloads
104,357
Downloads Last Week
198

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User Reviews

3.4/5

11 User Votes


Developer’s Description

Test your WD internal and external drives.
Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Windows can provide you with the model and serial of WD drives attached to the system. On the main program screen, there are two windows. In the top window, you will see the drives in your system, that are available for testing. The model number, serial number, and capacity of each drive will be displayed. In the bottom window, the partition information for the selected drive will be displayed. Highlight the drive and select the icon on the top row to test or run SMART status. The DLGDIAG - Select an Option window appears. You will see the following options QUICK TEST, EXTENDED TEST, WRITE ZEROS, and VIEW TEST RESULT. Select the test you wish to perform and click the Start button. When the test completes, you will be notified with a pass/fail message. Click the Close button.

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