So sending the Word document isn't
verification that the external HD is
working?

However there are other folders/files
on the drive so it must have worked at
some point.

When talking about Spindown and cooling.
I have never removed the external HD from
it's plastic sleeve it came with and
leave it in the clear case.

To use it; I open the end of the sleeve to
insert the USB interface cable but now I'm
thinking maybe it would be best to take the
sleeve off to cool it?

It seems from what you say, to move
forward to test the external HD I would need
a updated Seagate download for Sea Tools and
the Dashboard. Can you point me to a download
link or is this something I have to buy?

Thanks,
Robert