IBM "deathstar" problems

[placebo139]

I've had my IBM 120GXP 80 Gb hard drive for nearly 5 months without any problems.

Recently however, I've noticed that during operation it clicks on and off... resulting in a weird beep from my tower speaker. It does this occasionally and I don't know if that's a sign that it's about to die.

I run my computer ~12+ hours a day, and have a fan in front of it.

Anyone know what the beeping and clicking mean??

 

[Bug]

I had that happen with 2-3 of my IBM drives. Sent all of `em in for replacement. Needless to say, I got my data off asap, which I recommend you do just in case.

After backing up, try running the DFT (Drive Fitness Tool) from IBM. IBM recently sold its hd business to Hitachi, so don't be surprised if the ibm link takes you to Hitachi.

 

[placebo139]

hmmm... my IBM is OEM... do OEM's have warranty?

 

[bozo1]

Define OEM? If you mean you purchased it from a place like Newegg or a local mom&pop shop, then it is really considered a 'bare' drive and it has the standard warranty. If you are talking about a 'true' OEM drive, one that came out of a pre-built system like a Dell or a Gateway, then the only warranty you get is through that vendor and it will be the same as the warranty on the system it came out of.

 

[placebo139]

"bare" drive that I bought from googlegear....

how is IBM (or hitachi) with their RMA system?

I remember doing an RMA for my older 20 gb Western Digital and that process was really hassle-free.

 

[boomerang]

I'm waiting for my 5th replacement drive right now. It's a simple process through their website. They even send you an email that you can print and cut to make a shipping label.

I spoke to one of their CSR's a week or so ago, and he said that as of now, there are no changes to their warranty replacement policy with the Hitachi buyout.

A link to the Hitachi warranty page.

 

[compudog]

You should have no problem RMA'ing that drive. Save your data, go to the web site and get an RMA. Ship that drive out. In IBM's defense, I have had to RMA at one time or another every brand of HDD except Seagate over the last few years. WD, Maxtor, Quantum, Fujitsu, Samsung, JTS, Hitachi, IBM. I've sent more WD's back than any other, but It seems there are more consumer level PCs out there with WD.