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How to install Dynamic Drive Overlay (DDO) on a hard drive

Answer ID 1101   |    Last Updated 01/19/2012
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Important: As of 9/30/09, we no longer provide download support for Data LifeGuard Tools. We are now making Acronis WD Edition software available as the replacement for Data Lifeguard Tools. Download Acronis WD Edition here.

IMPORTANT: If your system BIOS is 48-bit LBA compatible, or supports the capacity of your hard drive by itself, this software will not be needed. The only purpose of this software is to overcome a system BIOS limitation if your BIOS cannot recognize the full capacity of the hard drive(s) you wish to install. Western Digital recommends using the Dynamic Drive Overlay software only as a last resort. If possible, you should upgrade your system BIOS or purchase a controller card to obtain the BIOS support you need to support your new hard drive.

To install the Dynamic Drive Overlay (DDO) software onto the master boot record of your hard drive you must setup your drive using Data Lifeguard Tools 11 for DOS (CD). Please follow the steps below to setup your drive and install Dynamic Drive Overlay.

  1. Create a Data Lifeguard Tools 11 for DOS (CD) disk. For more information on how to create the disk please see Answer ID 1094: How to create a Data Lifeguard Tools 11 for DOS disk.


  2. Boot your computer and set your BIOS to boot to a floppy disk first. Save the setting, insert your Data Lifeguard Tools 11 for DOS (CD) disk into your disk drive, and continue to boot your computer to the disk.


  3. Click on I Agree to accept the License Agreement.


  4. You may see a screen informing you that your drive is not yet setup for use in your system. If you see this screen, click on the YES button.


    • If you do not see that screen, click on the Set Up Your Hard Drive button.


    • Select the drive you wish to setup by clicking on it and then click on Next.


  5. Choose the operating system and service pack you are using, or plan to use, on the computer, and click Next.


  6. Select Advanced Installation and click Next.


  7. Select on I'll run Data Lifeguard for Windows next time I enter Windows. and click on Next.


  8. Click on Add and select your partition size(s). Then click OK.


  9. Click on Next two times.


  10. The drive will be partitioned and formatted and the software will install Dynamic Drive Overlay onto the hard drive if it is needed.


  11. Click on Done and reboot the computer after removing the floppy disk from the floppy drive.


  12. When you see the blue Dynamic Drive Overlay window press the spacebar to boot to a floppy disk or press the C key to boot to a CD.
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