Seagate 200GB HD died... need help with RMA

[irave2002]

Hey guys, I recently bought a new Seagate 200GB HD to build an external HD and it died on me the second day. I already filed for RMA but noticed that it requires special packaging (which I didn't get, I only got the anti-static bag which I through out already :(). Anyways, I just have 2 quick questions:
1. Does anyone know how or where I can get the necessary packaging material?
2. I heard of a pre-approve RMA deal with Maxtor but was wondering if Seagate has the same deal? (this would be best 'cause then I can just mail the drive back to them in the packaging that came with the new drive :D )

Thanks alot to all of you in advance, appreciate it.

Jack

[tmpz]

Why don't you go back to the store for some package stuff. They usually have lots. Or, if you can you could get the store to RMA for you. It might be faster, it might be slower...

[v00d00]

I would just bring it back to my point of sale and say it didn't work out of the box... exchange it for another one. (and don't break the new one!)

[irave2002]

Why don't you go back to the store for some package stuff. They usually have lots. Or, if you can you could get the store to RMA for you. It might be faster, it might be slower...

I bought the drive at Pacific Mall in Toronto when I was there visiting my aunt and I live in Waterloo, LOL. And also, I'm not sure if they sell any retail HD's, only OEM I think. Do you think if they might have any of the original packagin stuff if they only sold OEM? I don't think they'll be willin to do the RMA for me, LOL, it's a computer store in Pacific Mall! :lol:

[irave2002]

I would just bring it back to my point of sale and say it didn't work out of the box... exchange it for another one. (and don't break the new one!)

First of all, I left the recipet at my aunt's, I'm not sure if she threw it yet (maybe not). And I'm not quite sure if they'll allow me to exchange it. It's like, how can I prove that it was dead on arrival right?

[tmpz]

Go buy some bubble wrap and find a small box to fix the hdd. Wrap the hd with bubble wrap. Then take newpapers and bunch them up in the box. Then put the drive in and add more newpapers. Fill it up so it cusions the hdd. Or you can use styrofoam instead of newspaper.

That should handle shipping.

[Gee]

If you ever get into the Mississauga area, I can give you the packaging materials.

[v00d00]

So if you don't have the receipt, how can you prove you are still within the warranty period? (for an RMA)

[jerryhung]

should've picked the Advanced RMA option
then there's no need to worry about package since you can just use theirs to send the old HD back

But ask like Canada Computers in Loo to see if they have any HD package material

[irave2002]

Go buy some bubble wrap and find a small box to fix the hdd. Wrap the hd with bubble wrap. Then take newpapers and bunch them up in the box. Then put the drive in and add more newpapers. Fill it up so it cusions the hdd. Or you can use styrofoam instead of newspaper.

That should handle shipping.
LOL, the packaging instructions specifically said "Don't use bubble wrap, peanuts, or newspaper" and you got 2 of them, heh.


If you ever get into the Mississauga area, I can give you the packaging materials.
Sure, if this doesn't gets solved and I need to drive into Toronto to see my aunt, I'll be sure to drop you a PM before I do, thanks in advance.


So if you don't have the receipt, how can you prove you are still within the warranty period? (for an RMA)
Dunno, LOL, it never did ask me for my reciept. All I did was check the S/N online, found out the warranty was still valid and filed in for RMA. Never mentioned anything about a reciept :).


should've picked the Advanced RMA option
then there's no need to worry about package since you can just use theirs to send the old HD back

But ask like Canada Computers in Loo to see if they have any HD package material
I didn't see any "Advanced RMA" option when I filed it. Is it equal to the "pre-approved RMA" from Maxtor where you give them your Visa # and they will mail you the replacement first? If so, would it be too late if I called customer support and asked them to redo my RMA?


BTW, big thanks to all the replies, didn't expect so much in such a short time. Thanks again all !!

[v00d00]

I didn't see any "Advanced RMA" option when I filed it. Is it equal to the "pre-approved RMA" from Maxtor where you give them your Visa # and they will mail you the replacement first? If so, would it be too late if I called customer support and asked them to redo my RMA?
Probably too late TONIGHT.. but never too late to try!

Give them a call tomorrow and see if you can find a human who will help you straighten everything out.

[Gee]

So if you don't have the receipt, how can you prove you are still within the warranty period? (for an RMA)

The only manufacturer that requires a receipt is Samsung. Everyone else (Seagate, Western Digital, Hitachi, et al) does not require a receipt. If you look on the drive itself, you will see a sticker with the manufacturer date. It is exactly 3 years and one month after that date, and 5 years for Seagate drives (if they are OEM)

You get the RMA from their web site. Go to the Seagate site, enter in your serial number (also on the sticker) and they will email you an RMA number. Pack it in the box and ship it back to Segate, you will have a new drive in 7-10 days.

I have done this several times, that is why I have all the packing materials. The only bad experience I have had is with Samsung.

[irave2002]

The only manufacturer that requires a receipt is Samsung. Everyone else (Seagate, Western Digital, Hitachi, et al) does not require a receipt. If you look on the drive itself, you will see a sticker with the manufacturer date. It is exactly 3 years and one month after that date, and 5 years for Seagate drives (if they are OEM)

You get the RMA from their web site. Go to the Seagate site, enter in your serial number (also on the sticker) and they will email you an RMA number. Pack it in the box and ship it back to Segate, you will have a new drive in 7-10 days.

I have done this several times, that is why I have all the packing materials. The only bad experience I have had is with Samsung.

Do you know if Seagate's got those "Advanced RMA" or "Pre-approved RMA" options where I can give them my Visa # and they will send me the replacement first and then I mail them back the dead drive with their packaging?

[Gee]

Do you know if Seagate's got those "Advanced RMA" or "Pre-approved RMA" options where I can give them my Visa # and they will send me the replacement first and then I mail them back the dead drive with their packaging?

In order to receive an advanced disc drive replacement, you must call the Seagate Warranty Service department at 1-800-468-3472, reference your RMA number from the web, and request the advanced replacement option. You must return the broken unit within 30 days after receiving your advanced replacement.

[irave2002]

In order to receive an advanced disc drive replacement, you must call the Seagate Warranty Service department at 1-800-468-3472, reference your RMA number from the web, and request the advanced replacement option. You must return the broken unit within 30 days after receiving your advanced replacement.

Great to hear!!! I just woke up, I'll be giving them a call ASAP. Thank you so much!! :)

[v00d00]

The only manufacturer that requires a receipt is Samsung. Everyone else (Seagate, Western Digital, Hitachi, et al) does not require a receipt. If you look on the drive itself, you will see a sticker with the manufacturer date. It is exactly 3 years and one month after that date, and 5 years for Seagate drives (if they are OEM)
Ahh news to me.. I've never had to RMA a harddrive back to the manufacturer before.. I got burned MANY years ago on some other brands (Seagate and Quantum's).. just exchanged with the retailer.

Since then I've been buying Maxtor's (probably past 8-10yrs now) and have yet to have one of mine or one from a system I built for others go bad..

From what I hear, Maxtors do like to run hot.. but I always make sure each case has proper ventilation, maybe that compounded with luck adds to my success with Maxtors.

*Shrug*

Other RMA's I've done for various electronics, the manufacturers have always requested a copy of the receipt.

[irave2002]

Doh! I just tried callin and the support told me the advanced disc replacement option is only available to United States ONLY??? Do any of you think it would work if I kept callin and tryin different CSR's? LOL

[Gee]

Ahh news to me.. I've never had to RMA a harddrive back to the manufacturer before.. I got burned MANY years ago on some other brands (Seagate and Quantum's).. just exchanged with the retailer.

Since then I've been buying Maxtor's (probably past 8-10yrs now) and have yet to have one of mine or one from a system I built for others go bad..

From what I hear, Maxtors do like to run hot.. but I always make sure each case has proper ventilation, maybe that compounded with luck adds to my success with Maxtors.

*Shrug*

Other RMA's I've done for various electronics, the manufacturers have always requested a copy of the receipt.

All drives run hot. My Western Digital Drives are so hot, you will burn your hand if you touch them.

But the disc manufacturers are really good about receipts. The only manufacturer that wants a receipt is Samsung, so I recommend you stay away from them.

No matter how many bad experiences I have had with the drives, the RMA process was always painless.

Go online, fill in the form, the give you an RMA number, pack the drive, drop it off at Excel at Derry and Dixie and the drive is returned within a week.

Doh! I just tried callin and the support told me the advanced disc replacement option is only available to United States ONLY??? Do any of you think it would work if I kept callin and tryin different CSR's? LOL

It should be available in Canada, after all, they have your credit card number.

[irave2002]

It should be available in Canada, after all, they have your credit card number.

Exactly what I thought, but somehow the CSR didn't seem to want to give the advanced disc replacement option to me. Any suggestions as to how I can talk them into givin it to me? LOL. Or do you know anyone who's actually got the option in Canada?

[jed]

According to the website, they're talking the truth:



In order to receive an advanced disc drive replacement in the United States only, you must call the Seagate Warranty Service department at 1-800-468-3472, reference your RMA number from the web, and request the advanced replacement option. You must return the broken unit within 30 days after receiving your advanced replacement.

[irave2002]

Well, after goin through 3 different CSR's, I finally found one that was willing to do it for me. But when I asked him why I couldn't get the option, he just said there was an error with the computer system or something like that and never mentioned anything about the option not being available to us Canadians. Anyways, I told him I didn't really wanna go through the hassle of gettin the proper packaging and all that stuff and he put me on hold to see what he can do for me. After 10 mins, he came back and said he could do it! Well, I finally got this problem out of the way.

Thanks for the help everyone, appreciate it!!

[Case Closed :)]

[duckdown]

Usually just tell them that the drive in question that failed is a vital component to one of your business computers, and thats why you need the A-RMA option..

Creative Labs are biatches when it comes to RMA'ing their soundcards, they even charge $25USD if you misplace the silly driver CD!

I went through hell and back trying to get an advanced RMA from them, and the business technique was the only one to work..

[Gee]

Usually just tell them that the drive in question that failed is a vital component to one of your business computers, and thats why you need the A-RMA option..

Creative Labs are biatches when it comes to RMA'ing their soundcards, they even charge $25USD if you misplace the silly driver CD!

I went through hell and back trying to get an advanced RMA from them, and the business technique was the only one to work..

How did you convince them that a sound card was a critical part of your business computer?

Why didn't you just stop by the Creative Labs office in Etobicoke?

[WLJ101]

i found out that Seagate HDDs is not very good for external HD Enclosure. It seems like they require more power than WD and Maxtor. Correct me if I am wrong.

WLj1O1

[Gee]

i found out that Seagate HDDs is not very good for external HD Enclosure. It seems like they require more power than WD and Maxtor. Correct me if I am wrong.

WLj1O1

It should be the same. All the power connectors in your computer provide the same amount of power.

So if you are using an external enclosure, it should provide the same 12 Volts that an internal connector would use.

[ZenOps]

I would say take it back to the place of local purchase if you can... Bigger stores usually do bulk shipments of defective drives (8 to 20 at a time) and more reputable ones should eat the shipping cost for you.

Many will even replace the drive for you right there, not even making you wait for the RMA return.

If you have to RMA it yourself you have to sign up and get a RMA number before you can send it back, luckily Seagate has an UPS redirector service so you won't be paying extra to ship it to the US directly (should cost you less than $12 anywhere in Canada, if you ship the proper big box padded with foam)

The address is:

Seagate Technology Intl c/o UPS-SCS
2905 Bristol Circle
Oakville, ON L6H6Z5

Remember, you must have a proper RMA# before you can send it.

[mexanh]

Bubble wrap is a BIG NO NO!!

Wrap in antistatic bag --> insert within 6 foams for 6 sides. Each foam should be at least 2 in. thick. ---> put in a carton box ---> mail or drive to the place

[mrmoe]

My maxtor just came in today.

anti-stais bag
then packed in a anti-static box ( PACKING SLIP ATTACHED TO THIS )
then 3 inches of foam all around the box.

Maxtor actually took a week before they shipped it back to me ( they are in Mississauga ), I also shipped it to them from Mississauga.