Dell sent a REFURBISHED 60GB HD replacement for my i8600 ...

[Abhi]

Uh... wasnt there a firmware update for hitachi drives and their 'ticking' issues?

 

[toshgeek]

Originally posted by: Abhi
Uh... wasnt there a firmware update for hitachi drives and their 'ticking' issues?

http://support.dell.com/suppor...&os=WW1&osl=EN

There is indeed the firmware patch, but it did nothing to my laptop. Same behaviour before and after. It automatically checks firmware version and prompts you to install new microcode after that. I fif it using bootable floppy, but no effect. Could that be different issues?

 

[kwo]

Originally posted by: Abhi
Uh... wasnt there a firmware update for hitachi drives and their 'ticking' issues?

Same resuls as ToshGeek.....no difference. I wonder what the firmware patch actually did..... 🙂

 

[frodrick]

hrm, i guess it helps to read the second page of a thread before posting a dupe. oh well.

 

[kwo]

Originally posted by: frodrick
hrm, i guess it helps to read the second page of a thread before posting a dupe. oh well.

Heh, that's ok. You would *THINK* that would be the exact fix to the problem, now wouldn't you..... 🙂

 

[ActuaryTm]

Refurbished drives are quite common replacements by warranty/service houses. The definition of refurbished can run the gamut - from new and simply returned, to a working pull from an otherwise scrapped machine, to a drive that has had minor repairs performed, etc. Be certain to find out explictly the extent of the warranty of the replacement (stand-alone warranty, under the umbrella of the original warranty, etc).

Fairly common practice; though, surprising a new drive was not utilized in a machine still so relatively new.

As always, back up your data often.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: kwo
OK,

This has me confused..I put it in today (both are 5400rpm Hitachi drives - identical, I think except for *supposed* capacity).

Anyway, I find that they've formatted this 60GB as *ONLY* a 40GB drive. I checked under fdisk, and it sees a 60GB drive, but for some reason, they only did their typical 3partition format:

1. Non-DOS (~40MB partition)
2. NTFS C: system partition (~35GB)
3. CP/M "Hidden" system restore partition (~3.5GB)

Yet, In between 2 & 3 is an extra 20GB of **UNFORMATTED** disk space. What the.....?????

the service guys probably saw that you'd bought and paid for a 40 gig drive so they probably put the 40 gig image on it at the image farm.

 

[kwo]

Originally posted by: ActuaryTm
Be certain to find out explictly the extent of the warranty of the replacement (stand-alone warranty, under the umbrella of the original warranty, etc).

Hmm...That's a good point..I should call them and confirm that.... thanks!

 

[PC8Chem]

Hey, kwo!
I got completely same situation. My 40Gb Hitachi was clicking noticeably ? ones in 1-2 seconds. I thought its fan starting noise in the beginning. Then read forum notes about Hitachi parking its heads. Did not have time to try a fix ? the drive has died. First Windows gave me some error, then next reboot it took 30 minutes to boot into OS. The hard drive was gracious enough to let me burn all the vital info on a CD. That was the last time Hard Drive could be used. Called Dell, we ran Diagnostics and made sure that reading test was failing. Next day I had 60Gb Hitachi replacement, partitioned exactly the same way as yours. Mirrored installation did not work, I had to call Dell tech support, and we reformatted hard drive and installed system from supplied CD. I asked why my replacement HD had ?refurbished? label ? they said they tested HD, and since it is tested, it?s not new anymore, so they put ?refurbished label?. Do not know how much truth in it. The biggest problem now is with my new 60Gb HD I have a constant buzzing sound, like the fan is on. In Diagnostics package you can stop HD, and the sound goes away. So I know it is HD. It gets warm too, 40Gb Hitachi was cold. Damn, I simply don?t know what to do! They offered to replace the whole system, but I don?t want to get failing 40Cb HD + dead pixels LCD (my current is clean). Kwo, do you have the same noise coming from you 60Gb HD? Also how you guys know the manufacturer of LCD panel (tests show ?generic? brand)?

 

[kwo]

Originally posted by: PC8Chem
Hey, kwo!
I got completely same situation.

Well, it sounds like you're in worse soup than I. The 60GB does in fact still make slight clicking noises....but has otherwise worked fine.

I did the format/reinstall myself and have had no problems since. My drive certainly does not make a "buzzing" sound, more like a "tssk..click...click...............tsssk...click...click...." but again it's not bad enough that I want to try to go through the "return" dilemma again. Also, the extra 20GB is a bonus. I install a "spare" XPPro OS on there for "testing" purposes and backup purposes if the primary OS fails.

As a suggestion, you can try to download the firmware fix from the dell website for all the Hitachi 5400rpm drives. It may take care of the problem. As mentioned earlier, it didn't take care of my 40gb, and I haven't botherered to install it on my 60GB (even though it has the older BIOS)...so.....

It does get warm under my left palm (where the HD is), around 30-40oC according to I8kFanGUI - but I'm more concernced with my GPU temps right now..which are around 70oC - just in plain Windows..seems rather hot, as the CPU is only at ~35-40oC. 🙂

Keep us posted! 🙂

 

[merkinofbaphomet]

There is nothing inherently sinister about Dell's refurbished equipment. I believe the majority of returns are not because of serious hardware issues, just fickle customers. As far as I know, all refurbished equipment is tested and known bad parts are scrapped. For better or worse, refurbished Dell systems and parts are not significantly different from the "new" stuff.

I don't really like their return policy. I think they should replace new parts with new parts, but I don't own Dell, so my opinion is worth about $0.03 on a good day.

From the Dell site:

During the 90 days of the 90-day limited warranty and the first year of all other limited warranties: During the 90 days of the 90-day limited warranty and the first year of all other limited warranties, we will repair any Dell-branded hardware products returned to us that prove to be defective in materials or workmanship. If we are not able to repair the product, we will replace it with a comparable product that is new or refurbished. When you contact us, we will issue a Return Material Authorization Number for you to include with your return. You must return the products to us in their original or equivalent packaging, prepay shipping charges, and insure the shipment or accept the risk if the product is lost or damaged in shipment. We will return the repaired or replacement products to you. We will pay to ship the repaired or replaced products to you if you use an address in the United States (excluding Puerto Rico and U.S. possessions and territories). Otherwise, we will ship the product to you freight collect. If we determine that the problem is not covered under this warranty, we will notify you and inform you of service alternatives that are available to you on a fee basis. NOTE: Before you ship the product(s) to us, make sure to back up the data on the hard drive(s) and any other storage device(s) in the product(s). Remove any confidential, proprietary, or personal information and removable media such as floppy disks, CDs, or PC Cards. We are not responsible for any of your confidential, proprietary, or personal information; lost or corrupted data; or damaged or lost removable media. During the remaining years: For the remaining period of the limited warranty, we will replace any defective part with new or refurbished parts, if we agree that it needs to be replaced. When you contact us, we will require a valid credit card number at the time you request a replacement part, but we will not charge you for the replacement part as long as you return the original part to us within 30 days after we ship the replacement part to you. If we do not receive the original part within 30 days, we will charge to your credit card the then-current standard price for that part.

Yup, Dell can and will substitute refurbished parts when possible. I know only a handful of people read the warranty information before they make a purchase. Kind of a nasty surprise for some, I'm sure.

Now the funny part: Dell does not enforce their policies evenly, and will cut you a break under many circumstances.

A few random points on Dell's return policies:

-If you stick to your guns, you can return a Dell system. Even after the return period has expired. Persistence is the key. Do not take no for an answer.

-Dell are required to replace parts/systems with "like kind and quality or better." Hold out for a "sweetener" whenever possible. Upgrades happen. I returned a 3.0 Ghz machine and received a 3.2 Ghz machine with a RAID array!

-I purchased a recent XPS system (not recommended, build your own computer) and returned it for a full cash refund over six months later. Again, do not take no for an answer. Do not allow them to charge you for depreciation!

-If you are not satisfied with customer service, ask to speak to a supervisor. The customer service will generally refuse at first, so keep at it.

-Call the US tech support guys and have them help you instead. They were able to get me in through the "back door" more than a few times.

-Bone up on state consumer protection laws. If you feel Dell is in violation of state or federal consumer laws, tell them so. Don't threaten them. Instead, put them on the defensive.

-Be assertive, but not rude.

No, I am not suggesting you rip anyone off, but when you receive non-working equipment, hold the responsible party's feet to the fire. Keep in mind, my dealings with Dell were long and unpleasant process. I spent a week or more returning my last XPS system. I don't plan on going with Dell again in the future. Let them know you will never rest until you are a satisfied customer.

There are less ethical ways of returning Dell machines, but I will not speak of them here.

 

[merkinofbaphomet]

Just a few ideas, in case it isn't the drive...

Do any of you with the ticking noise have Dell M992 monitors? They have a crazy clicking noise at higher refresh rates.

Have you all updated your chipset drivers? I had some odd sounds after a OS reinstall. Updating the chipset drivers took care of it straight off. This was more of a high pitched whine, however.

 

[kwo]

Originally posted by: merkinofbaphomet
Just a few ideas, in case it isn't the drive...

Do any of you with the ticking noise have Dell M992 monitors? They have a crazy clicking noise at higher refresh rates.

Have you all updated your chipset drivers? I had some odd sounds after a OS reinstall. Updating the chipset drivers took care of it straight off. This was more of a high pitched whine, however.

Thanks for racking your brain, merkinofbaphomet. As to monitor, nope just the LCD on the notebook. Chipset drivers - yep the latest.

🙂

 

[WobbleWobble]

What's the process of getting your drive? My 8600 also has the same ticking problem and has a 60GB Hitachi. Thing is, this laptop was ordered through the US and I'm in Canada. That's why I want to know how the procedure works.

You call Dell and tell them about your problem. They ship you your drive ahead of time and then you ship your old one back? Is postage paid?