Need RMA info on hard drive

[Biafra]

I was at a computer show today in New Jersey and there was a lot of people selling items from auction. Of particular interest were some hard drives. They are sold as is, $30 for a 40 gig western digital or $35 for a 46 gig IBM. The manufacturer dates were mostly 2000, so if I buy one of these and it doesn't work can I RMA it and get a working one? Which of these companies is easier/better/faster to deal with for this? I need some quick answers so I can decided if I should take a gamble on this. I believe they would all fall under the warranty period. So anybody experienced with this please give me your insights.

 

[Dan]

If they are still within the warranty period you should be able to RMA them with no problem. For instance, Western Digital has a utility at their site you download and run on the hard drive. If it can't repair the drive (e.g., with a low-level format) it gives you a code that you tell the customer service folks when you call for an RMA number. WD will cross-ship a replacement drive if you give them a credit card number. Otherwise they get the drive from you and then ship you a replacement.

 

[redhatlinux]

If they were originally shipped as OEM drives, sorry you will be SOL. The OEM owns the warranty not the manufacturer.

 

[Biafra]

Alright, I think I might just take a chance with this. I assume there is no way to tell if they are OEM by the model/serial #? There is always a possibility that these drives will work when I get them home anyway. Thansk for the input.

 

[Tominator]

I've never sen an OEM drive that did not say it on the label. Don't buy one if the label has been tampered with in any way. That voids the warranty.

 

[corkyg]

If they were originally shipped as OEM drives, sorry you will be SOL. The OEM owns the warranty not the manufacturer.

Not necessarily. I just got four OEM drives from NewEgg, and there was a specific note on the invoice advising me that any RMA would be handled by the manufacturer, and a phone number was provided.

But, since all 4 work, it is moot.

 

[Biafra]

Well I got a Western Digital EB200 20Gig for $20. It worked as soon as I plugged it in, so I think I made out OK. Thanks for the info.