How to confirm my HDD is a dud?

Mark M · 21 Sep 2015 at 10:20

Ordered a WD purple to go in a Hikvision NVR and tried to format it once installed in the box but it just disappeared and the NVR came up with an error that no storage device was installed.

IVe tried to hook it up to my PC using a usb>sata lead and also directly to the mobo and both ways the HDD is not recognised in Windows. I tried a spare/bakup HDD using both methods and it appeared fine in windows so can rule out a problem with the leads etc.

Is there anything I can do before sending it back? Ive never had a dud HDD so just want to be certain.

Thanks.

ED209 · 21 Sep 2015 at 11:14

have you checked disk manager to see if it appears there?

it maybe in a raw format where you need to create a partition on it and then assign a drive letter before windows will allow you to access it

Boogieman_WD · 24 Sep 2015 at 15:18

Hey there, Mark.

If this is the case, that would be a truly unfortunate incident. I'd suggest that you try testing it with DLG (Data Lifeguard Diagnostics), just to be completely sure. Here's how to do that: How to test a drive for problems using Data Lifeguard Diagnostics for Windows. If the program doesn't detect it as well, or if any errors pop-up, I'd recommend that you contact our customer support and ask about RMA: Contact Numbers in United Kingdom (if it's not set to UK by default, please change the country in order to get the correct contact details).

Please let me know how everything goes.
Boogieman_WD

Mark M · 25 Sep 2015 at 12:45

Hi Boogieman_WD,

Thanks for the advice, Ive tried running the DLG and the drive doesnt shown up at all. I tried to use the WD telephone numbers from the link that you supplied but they are all of service?

Ive raised a RMA via the support site but you may want to speak to someone about the numbers.

The only thing I need to source now is a ESD bag and a box as apparently sending them back in padded envelope voids the warranty!

Boogieman_WD · 25 Sep 2015 at 15:02

Sorry for the inconvenience. And thanks for the feedback, we'll check it out.

It sounds like you might have already read this, but I want to be sure of that, so here's a link with the complete instructions on how to send a drive for RMA: Packing And Shipping Instructions, so that you don't void the warranty by accidentally skipping something.