Hi,

I have the same Maxtor OneTouch III drive, and I'm running it fine in Windows Vista.

The Vista Update that is available on Maxtor.com is primarily for updating the bundled Retrospect Express Backup Software that comes bundled with the OneTouch III drive. It requires you to have the original installation disk, that came with your hardware available to verify that you qualify for the upgrade.This update makes that software fully compatible with Windows Vista.

There are also drivers included for both 1394 and USB conections, as well as security drivers. The install process is, as far as I can remember, a two stage process;

1st. The drivers are installed, after which a

2nd install wizard starts for installing the Retrospect Express Backup Software. I've always cancelled this second installation as I use Norton Ghost to perform backups of my system, so I've never particularly wanted to have the Maxtor bundled Retrospect Express software on my system. It doesn't do any harm, so far as I've seen to do this.

So, to give a concise answer to your question; NO you do not need to install the original software before running the Vista Update. So long as you do have the original disk available to confirm you qualify for the update, you can go right ahead and install the Vista Update Software.

HTH,

Jonathan.

Technical Director,

PQSA Services.

"Assisting NGO's with IT Support Services."