Warranty on external HD

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#1
Joan TB  
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Here is my situation. My external HD (that I use as one of my back-up sources) now has a problem. It is only 6 months old, so still covered under the warranty. I feel sure that we are going to get a replacement but then they are going to want the first drive returned. What do I do about all the confidential data (tax info, etc.) that resides on this back-up drive? I can't erase it because the drive doesn't respond - which is why I need a replacement. Is my only choice to NOT return this drive and forget the warranty? Anybody else encountered this dilemma?
 

#2
Coddington  
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If it's not your only back-up option and you don't need the information from it, you could have it degaussed.
-Brian

Director of Tax Accounting Methods & Credits
SourceAdvisors.com

Opinions my own.
 

#3
ATSMAN  
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If your HD is made by Seagate they may send you in a CD whatever data they are able to recover, if you make a request. Mind you that it will not be usable from any practical perspective because it is raw data and you just can not import it into your software.

I would not be too worried about that data because those defective Hd will be shredded by the company for the recycled materials.

I had a similar situation about 8 years back and got a replacement HD of same capacity under warranty but kiss the data goodbye! Hope you had another backup source.
 

#4
makbo  
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This illustrates one reason why my backups of client information are encrypted. I use a combination of TrueCrypt (*) and WinZip to backup up in several formats in several physical locations.

(*) Yes, I know TrueCrypt is no longer supported as a really solid security option, but I still need to figure out a good replacement, my understanding is that MS BitLocker is not included with basic Windows 7 systems.
 

#5
Joan TB  
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Update: I am getting a replacement HD from Seagate. It will be a new unit. They provided me a copy of their "Overwriting process for returned products" policy and their "Media Sanitization Practices during Product Return Process" (which includes degaussing - a term I had to look up when Coddington mentioned it!) Since this is merely one of my backups, I am not concerned whether I have access to the data. Seagate also offered to give me a "certificate of destruction" for the unit where I can take it apart and return "all but the plates". Thanks to everyone for the feedback!
 

#6
Coddington  
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BitLocker is only included on Windows 7 Ultimate and that makes no sense. I buy a machine with Win 7 Pro and then have to upgrade to get what should be the standard encryption on a business machine?
-Brian

Director of Tax Accounting Methods & Credits
SourceAdvisors.com

Opinions my own.
 

#7
chris  
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If you are worried about it, that option they gave you to send back everything but the spinning discs (inside the unit), is the best option. It can be a little tricky to extract them but someone with a set of jeweler's screwdrivers and some patience can do it.

I offer a data destruction service to friends/family. It involves an old oak tree stump on my property and a 20 pound sledge hammer. So far I have not had any data breaches.
Site admin and software developer for TaxProTalk.com and https://TheSiteFactory.com
 

#8
Joan TB  
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target practice at the deer lease works well, too.
 

#9
Joan TB  
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UPDATE: I received a "certificate of destruction" from the manufacturer. It gave me permission to take apart the hard drive and remove the "platters" (the disks that contain data). It was actually quite fun - and very interesting - to take it apart. One piece that I couldn't figure out why it wouldn't come out - was actually held on by a VERY strong magnet. (I thought that magnets couldn't get close to the disks without messing up the data, but obviously I was wrong!) After I took off the actual disks, I put the whole thing back together (and even used all the screws!) and shipped it off to the warranty return department yesterday. A meticulous job, but not hard, except for finding a tool for the very small torx screws. (managed to borrow one from a client who is a jeweler.) Now I get to take out all my pent-up frustrations by destroying the disks!!!! Anybody else want to join the sledge-hammer party?!?!?!
 

#10
chris  
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8-) Cool, glad to hear that worked out for you.
Site admin and software developer for TaxProTalk.com and https://TheSiteFactory.com
 


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