I buy hard disks from Amazon pretty often due to the free shipping to SG as well as the price difference between SG and USA Amazon. However, RMA is always going to be a challenge but so far, for Seagate it was not an issue. For the first time, I had to RMA a Western Digital NAS hard disk which as bought from USA Amazon. This was because of this issue described here.
I followed the guide at this link and it worked perfectly. Thought I would just copy and paste here but add in some photos 🙂
You need to create an account at WD Support Portal: http://support.wdc.com/warranty/
After you entered your serial number you will notice that it is OUT OF REGION but no fear…
You will then be submitting your RMA with reasons why it failed. For me, besides just doing that online, I will usually also print out the Extended SMART test results or screen shot the Extended SMART test results (you will do that when your hard disk failed, right… ha)… And then attached it with the RMA sheet so that they know I did my tests and really has a failed drive. Finally, print out the RMA sheet and then follow the instructions to send in the hard disk.
For me as it is really far to go to the location in Jurong, I use Postpac from the nearest Post Office. It costs about $5 and it works nicely. If possible, wrap the hard disk with some good packaging (such as anti static bag and bubble wrap it and then use tape to stick it to the bottom of the box).
REMEMBER to follow the instructions in the RMA if posting the drive! The RMA number must be visible on 3 sides of the box so I am doing it on as many sides of the box as possible. HA.
On top:
By the side:
Another side:
You get the idea 🙂
And remember to just paste the RMA sticker too:
After you sent it, a few days later, you can check online and see that they have received it. The portal is pretty good and very detailed.
And after a few more weeks, ta ta, the replacement WD hard disk arrives back at my place and definitely in a nicer box than I gave them 🙂
