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Curious question:
I RMA'd a Compaq 10 Gig Drive, they sent me back a Western Digital 40gig drive that comes up a a 10gig drive in Bios and other HDD check utilities. They somehow locked the capicity to 10 gig instead of 40 which is what the drive is. Is there any way to unlock the capacity to take advantage of the full storage capicity of the drive?
Compaq didn't lock the capacity.Quote:
Originally Posted by TheCardMan
What model Comcrap and what OS?
I believe it is a Deskpro EN 933Mhz P3. We use Win XP Pro.
Doesn't matter what machine it's in, it always comes up as a 10gig drive. I tried it in a Dell as well as a custom built machine I have. Fdisk sees it as 10 gig only, no partitions, etc.
Most drives have a GB limitation jumper.....check it out.
It is possible it could be an exchange drive that has been "refurbished" by having faulty platters excluded with a firmware patch. I have a Fujitsu MPC3043 4.3GB drive this appears to have been done to - by all diagnosis it resolutely appears as 2.1G (there is no 2.1GB model in the series). If you force the correct parameters in the BIOS and try to LLF the drive etc, there is 100% failure reported beyond 2.1G.
Ruslan would probably be the best one to comment on this, but if this is what has been done, I would think even though technically it could be reversed with a re-flash of standard firmware, it would probably yield a faulty drive.
Got a picture of the drive from top, connection side and controller?
Just thinking, 40gig drives, even with the limitation jumper usually only limit down to 32gig don't they? Oh, if you have the model number handy, please post also.
That's what you'd expect. 10G doesn't seem to be a very helpful size for a limit jumper, as the major size limit below 32G is of course the 8.4G CHS translation limit. I guess anything's possible though.Quote:
Originally Posted by Garak
Compaqs "nothing for nothing" policy :sad:
Wow, is that something.Quote:
Originally Posted by Platypus
So is this what Compaq and others are doing now?
I stand corrected.Quote:
Compaq didn't lock the capacity.
What model Comcrap and what OS?
Who would have thunk such a thing.
Compaq never fails to surprise or disappoint.https://forums.windrivers.com/images.../2005/03/1.gif
Sorry, but it is not completely true - I have seen a lot of refurbished Compaq drives with limited size... mostly with reduced number of logical cylinders to hide errors in the end of the disk... I sometimes even been able to restore full capacity and remap those bad sectors... :DQuote:
Originally Posted by TripleRLtd
Also many of HDD manufacturers during factory repair electrically (by reflashing firmware from lower model) "disconnect" faulty heads/platters, reducing drive's size...
Your "10 gig" drive could be one of them... I did it also many times, by the way - I used especially designed software/hardware for that...
For quick check of your harddrive you can use mentioned many times at Windrivers forums (by me ;) ) MHDD test/repair utility from http://www.mhdd.com/products_en.shtml
Just create DOS bootable diskette (just only command.com, himem.sys, and few other basic files (like autoexec.bat ;) ) are needed) and unpack all the files to this diskette... the diskette should not be write-protected!... it needed for creating LOG report files... How to work with that MHDD you can find in my posts regarding this utility...
I just would like to add to my posts, what MHDD util can also hide/unhide some parts of the disk (from the end of the disk to be exactly)... It called work with "Host Protected Area" - HPA... If you will see yellow "HPA" mark between status register and errors register "LEDs"- it means, what HDD manufacturer used HPA method for hiding errors... and it also means what you can unhide it back and restore full size of the drive... ;)
BUT! where are absolutely no warranty what it will be possible to fix these bad sectors...
Good luck! As always, I'm open for questions... ;)
I already said as much Ruslan.Quote:
I stand corrected.
Who would have thunk such a thing.
Compaq never fails to surprise or disappoint.https://forums.windrivers.com/images.../2005/03/1.gif
What I mean is I am really disappointed by Compaq...as always, only it's getting worse.
RMA a 10- gig drive, and of course they don't have any anymore, so give the dupe a 40 gig which is failing, and hide the bad parts and hope the warranty runs out before it fails completely.
This is what they are doing, is it not?
It's a damn shame, too.
I don't care what you want to do to a failing hard drive, what utilities you want to use, in my xp once it starts going bad, it is on it's way out.
There are times when you will find a bad section of a hard drive which was caused by power failure or whatever just when the head was writing to a particular sector, and then are marked as unusable, and the drive will last, but, is this what Compcrap is doing now?
No, they receive bad drives and give them back as RMA replacements with the bad parts hidden and unusable.
An absolutely horrible business practice, if you ask me.
My initial thought was that 10gig drives were no longer available so they instaed use 40gig drives at probably the same price point as the 10gigs were and lock out the size somehow. It would bother me that they would do such a stunt as your saying with used faulty drives. I am going to see if there is a date stamp on the original WD label on the replacement drive. I know the model said WD400.
Yeah, there will be, and let us know.Quote:
Originally Posted by TheCardMan
Really really disappointing.
WD400 is actually 40 Gig harddrive... I would check this drive with another, "standard" (i.e. custom buit) system surely supporting large harddrives... Besides, make sure you're using fresh enough version of fdisk - older versions (from win95, for example) could work incorrectly with large drives...
And probably worth to check this drive also with DLGDIAG utility from Western Digital - it should show the size of the drive...
If it factory (WD) repaired drive, don't blame just only Compaq for doing that - almost every major PC manufacturer do it as well... (IBM, for example)... If you will try to RMA an old drive to Maxtor, for example, you will receive (most likely) factory repaired drive with just a bit extented warranty (it is Maxtor's policy)... I did RMA recently to Maxtor 60 gig HDD and received back "re-certified to Maxtor's specifications" drive... another time I RMAed another 30gig Maxtor drive and received brand new 40 gig drive instead... So, you never know...
But every HDD manufacturer has something to do with drives coming back...
Yeah but.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruslan
I have been in this business for years, too, Rus.
And, I have never experienced that:
bad drives with hidden platters/sections as a replacement!!!
Come on now.
If that is there "policy" I will take my business elsewhere thank you.
I am sorry, but this is the first I have heard of or seen this "practice" in action...and it is horrible.
And, almost against the law.
I think everyone is forgetting something here. If the drive is defective, which seems apparent, why not send it back as a DOA RMA, and get a replacement, or at least an explanation from the source as to why the full amount isn’t seen. And the explanation should come in writing, and from a creatable echelon of Compaq, not the first level techs.
I too have never heard of this type of referb, so again, seems to me like it is a defect and should be replaced...bottom line.
Yes indeed, it would be very interesting to hear what they have to say.https://forums.windrivers.com/images.../2006/04/1.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by Ya_know
Well,about policy...Quote:
Originally Posted by TripleRLtd
Following letter from Maxtor's support I received every time I applied for RMA (confidentional information excluded):
READ CAREFULLY OR YOU MAY VOID YOUR WARRANTY
This Shipping and Packaging document is provided to help clarify the
step-by-step process of returning a product to Maxtor. Please follow
these instructions carefully to avoid voiding your warranty by improper
shipping or packaging methods. Once you have read these instructions,
please acknowledge your responsibility by checking the checkbox and then
select the "Next" button at the bottom of this page request the issuance
of an RMA.
Basic Return Shipping Information
IMPORTANT: Be sure to back up the data on your drive before sending it
to Maxtor.
If your drive is not in service and your data is no longer retrievable,
please contact a data recovery service before shipping the drive to
Maxtor. Once the drive is mailed to Maxtor, you should consider the data
irretrievable.
Before returning a drive to Maxtor you must obtain an RMA number.
Please remove all accessories including cables, brackets and
faceplates from the drive (send only the bare drive).
To obtain warranty service, you must return the drives in
Maxtor-approved packaging.
It is very important to ship all returned drives via a traceable
carrier who can provide you with a proof of delivery. Examples of traceable
carriers are Federal Express, Airborne, DHL, UPS, TNT, and U.S. Mail
Priority (we do not recommend non-traceable first, second or third class
mail).
You are responsible for the freight costs of shipping the returned
drive to Maxtor. Maxtor pays the freight costs for shipping the
replacement drive to you as a part of a covered warranty service.
Purchase of insurance is at your cost and discretion.
Maxtor does not take responsibility for drives lost or damaged in
transit.
Maxtor is not responsible for any contents received other than the
Maxtor hard drive.
Proper Shipping Of Individual Drives
The drive must be placed in an anti-static bag, similar to the silver
bag provided in the original drive packaging.
The drive must be packed with the original drive inserts that came
with the retail package (Figure 1) OR surrounded on all sides with solid
foam cushioning which is a minimum of two inches thick (Figure 2). Do
NOT use Styrofoam, peanuts or bubble wrap.
The drive must be sealed in a sturdy cardboard shipping container.
The original retail box the drive came in would be an ideal shipping
container.
If you require packaging, Maxtor will provide it to you at a nominal
cost. Please contact Maxtor at 1-800-2MAXTOR (800-262-9867) to request
proper return shipment packaging.
IMPORTANT: Clearly write the RMA Number issued by Maxtor on the outside
of the box or container used to ship the drive to Maxtor. Maxtor may
refuse receipt of packages which do not have a clearly identified RMA
Number. In any case, processing will be delayed.
Important Customs Invoice information:
If you are returning a disk drive from a location outside of the
United States, U.S. Customs requires that a Commercial Invoice be attached
to your shipment for importation. If this requirement is not met, your
shipment may be returned to you, or held by U.S. Customs until the
required information for clearance is provided.
To retrieve a copy of an invoice template, please perform the
following:
Download the Invoice Template to your desktop or other location such
as C:/documents for future reference and retrieval. For future
reference the invoice can be located at:
http://www.maxtor.com/en/support/ser...a_template.xls
Open the file and select "File" from the toolbar and "Save As".
Rename the file to a unique name before typing in any information or you
will lose all input. (e.g. invoice_maxtor -OR- your company's name
inserted in the title). Note: This is a read only file until saved and
renamed.
Complete all the required fields and print the form.
Please note that you do not need to pay any invoice sent out with your
replacement drive. This paperwork is sent to explain at customs that
the hard drive is merely an "in-warranty" replacement.
Method Of Shipment
Please be sure to ship your drive to Maxtor via a traceable carrier
that can provide you with a proof of delivery if necessary (e.g., Federal
Express, Airborne, DHL, UPS, TNT, and U.S. Mail Priority).
Maxtor-approved packaging may be purchased from a Maxtor Customer Support
representative at a minimal cost (please reference the above section).
Please note that you do not need to pay the commercial invoice sent out
with your replacement drive. This paperwork provides customs with a
value for the hard drive. For insurance and legal reasons it is not
possible to change the value shown on the invoice. However, the invoice
states clearly that the contents of the shipment are In Warranty
Replacement hard drives. Please be aware that Maxtor will not pay local custom
charges.
About Your Replacement Drive
If your hard drive qualifies for warranty services, it will be replaced
with a factory re-certified hard drive, which has passed the same
quality standards as our new drives of the returned model. Maxtor seeks to
provide replacement drives of the same model. If the same model drive
is unavailable, the drive will be replaced with a comparable model.
NOTE: Any drive that fails within the first 30 days will be replaced
with a new build drive. Proof of Purchase may be required.
Replacement Warranty Period
The warranty period for your replacement drive is the remainder of the
warranty period for your original drive or 90 days, whichever is
longer.
The Maxtor Limited Warranty does not cover any of the following
conditions:
Abuse, unreasonable use, mistreatment, or neglect
Unusual physical or electrical stress or power fluctuations
Damage caused during installation of the Product
Damage caused by the equipment or system with which the Product is
used
Damage caused by modification or repair not made or authorized by
Maxtor
Products whose Maxtor Serial Number has been removed or defaced
Damage caused by use of non-Maxtor packaging
Damage caused by improper or improperly used packaging
Damage caused by lack of ESD protection
Products that are determined to be stolen
By way of example, drives received from customers evidencing any of the
following conditions are NOT eligible for in warranty replacement:
Damage caused by improper or improperly used packaging. Some examples
of damage caused by inadequate packaging are:
Multiple drives packed into a single box without separators, allowing
contact with adjacent drives;
Drives packed in envelopes or boxes without protective cushioning;
Drives shipped in Styrofoam, peanuts or bubble wrap and drives packed
without ESD protective bags.
If present, the Head Disk Assembly seals broken or tampered with. The
HDA seals are the stickers that wrap around the drive from the topside
to the side opposite where the printed circuit board assembly is
mounted.
Physical damage to the drive. For example, a broken or dented housing
or printed circuit board assembly.
Components added or removed from the printed circuit board (except for
jumpers and socketed termination resistors).
Contact Information
Please contact us if you require further information. In North America
telephone 1-800-2MAXTOR.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think another manufacturers are having something very similar...
TheCardMan needs to bring this up with Compaq.Quote:
About Your Replacement Drive
If your hard drive qualifies for warranty services, it will be replaced
with a factory re-certified hard drive, which has passed the same
quality standards as our new drives of the returned model. Maxtor seeks to
provide replacement drives of the same model. If the same model drive
is unavailable, the drive will be replaced with a comparable model.
NOTE: Any drive that fails within the first 30 days will be replaced
with a new build drive. Proof of Purchase may be required.
Remember, Rus, this was a Compaq issue, not the hdd mfg.
He started with what, a Maxtor, and ended up with a WD.
By the way, TripleRLtd ...
I can send some pictures of the refurbished drives to you, if you want... ;)
Besides obvious stickers on the harddrives, there are few more ways to distinguish new and factory repaired drives...
For example, older factory repaired WD drives were having letter "S" after manufacturing date or "R" in model numbers... newer are having bit different sticker clearly saying saying "refurbished"...
Maxtors are "re-tested and serviced to Maxtor specifications"...
Fujitsu refurbished drives are having serial numbers like "200000096", "130000234"... besides, sometimes sticker says for example, 8,4Gig, but actual size is 10Gb... ;)
In your case with "2,1 gig" MPC drive - you're right, there is no such a model in MPC serie (3,2Gig min - 1 platter, two heads)... So, it means what this drive most likely has used HPA method for hiding errors (as I have already said, it can be checked by MHDD utility)...
Sorry, TripleRLtd, I cannot get you... For Compaq (as well as for IBM or HP) there is no difference between Maxtor, WD, Samsung or any other drives - for PC manufacturers, they are all having the same value, the same (or almost the same) price...Quote:
Originally Posted by TripleRLtd
Exactly the same Compaq or IBM model can be coming with WD, Seagate or Maxtor drive (approximately the same speed drives are having the same description - "value drive" or "perfomance (i.e. high speed) drives"). So, according to Compaq (or HP) it is "normal" to send WD drive instead of Maxtor... You like it or you don't like it... :(
The only problem is to find out - is this drive "castrated", refurbished version of WD400 (most likely) or is it actually 40 Gig drive, which is just not properly detected by BIOS...
In the first case I would try to safely "kill" the drive :D and return it back... by the way, mentioned MHDD util can do it :D (there are even few different special "Kill" commands :) )...
Yeah, now we're talking!!!https://forums.windrivers.com/images.../2006/04/1.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by Ruslan
Are you listening Cardman?
Yes, I got it. I am going to try to return it as bad. I will find a way and will let you all know what they say.
I have seen this many times. The company I work for has hundreds of these en series computers and extended warrantys on all. They all came with 10 gig hd's and whenever one fails, we get a wd400 that is locked at 10 gigs. I don't beleive these are refurbs. I have been told that compaq loads a different firmware on these that limits them. I have been searching for a firmware upgrade to fix this "problem" but have been unsuccessful. I would love to hear if someone comes up with a fix for this.
I have some more information about this issue, and a tool which may help fix the problem. I found it at http://www.altruists.org/projects/hw/hr/
- James.
The previuos post by J741 is a good one. The HDAT2 utility found at: http://www.hdat2.com/ worked for me. I have a 40GB Maxtor drive that was capped by HP to 20GB. The reason they do this because basically the smaller drives are no longer produced, or are hard to aquire. And the bigger drives are readily available. Why the cap or limit them I have no idea. Dell doesn't cap thier drives. I know this as I work for a reseller/service provider of HP and Dell systems and I'm a certified tech. I even tried to get a "fix" for this via my channels, but they wouldn't budge. But like I said, the hdat2 utility worked for me on at least the one drive I tried today. Note though, if you u-cap the drive, then it goes bad later on, HP may not take it back because it was a 20GB instead of a 40GB.