How do hard drive warranties / RMA's work?

[sygyzy]

Do they almost just replace the drive? How strict are they during the process? Do you have to somehow prove the drive is defective or broken? How would you do so? Do they analyze the data and do anything to try to "repair" it upon it's return?

Any insight would be helpful.

Thanks,
David

 

[jaqie]

There is a full walk through of the RMA process on every brand's website. follow it and all your questions will be answered.

 

[hclarkjr]

first thing you need to do is download the diagnostic utility from whomever made your drive and run it. once that is done if it determines the drive is bad it will give error code which you then give to them and then the RMA will be setup. i have also had western digital and maxtor return drives without doing this process. look up the phone number for the tech support and give them a call

 

[Mondoman]

You should also be able to enter the serial number on the web site to determine whether or not the drive is still under warranty.