Samsung HD204UI/Z4 2tb drive failure?

[Shaolin_K]

I'm not sure how to interpret the results after 6+ hrs of running Samsung's ESTool diagnostics software on the above drive.

Without the full surface scan, the drive passes tests OK - code SJ25.

However, with the suface scan (which took 6+ hrs), ESTool reports an AJ41 code - error detected on the RAM Verify Test (but was OK on the short test).

Has anyone else ran the full diagnostics on their drives and found similar results, or do I have a duff drive?

Thanks

[Shaolin_K]

I've now also discovered under HD Tune Pro's Health diagnostics that there's 1 count of Write Error Rate - is this anything to worry about? This after copying around 20 gigs of data onto it.

If I consider it to be a faulty drive over the next week, what's the process of RMAing this back to Scan? Will Scan arrange collection of this?

[jim]

In my experience, it depends how long it is since you bought the drive. Within 28 days, they tend to organise collection, longer than that you usually wind up posting it back yourself.

Either way, they should foot the bill, provided it doesn't magically fix itself on its way there.

[Shaolin_K]

The drive was delivered on Friday, started testing that evening.

I've copied cover another 100gb of data and the write error rate count has now increased to 2.

Is there anything to be concerned about?

All other tests, such as benchmarks seem to be similar to others, except that the access time is around 15.3ms compared with ~13.5ms.

[Shaolin_K]

I can't say I'm particularly comfortable with this drive which I took delivery of on Friday 22nd.

Having performed the full diagnostic test using Samsung's ESTool ver 3.01p on Friday evening, the report failed the RAM verify test with a code of AJ41. This appears to only happen after the long surface scan test, as when this test is skipped, everything else passes - including the RAM verify test. When the long test fails, it recommends to ERASE HDD, which I have done using the Low Level Format option in ESTools.

Running the diagnostic after the low level format (6+ hrs later) also throws up the same error with the RAM verify test. I initially thought it might have been the version of ESTools used, but I understand it to be the latest version offered by Samsung and is the version presented for download under the drive's download utilities page for that drive on Samsung's website.

Note that I have also used this version of ESTools to diagnose my other drive - Samsung HD203WI - everything passes (I was hoping it may throw up the RAM verify test error so I could put it down to the software).

The other problem is under the health page of HD Tune Pro 4.60, the Write Error Rate gives a count of 2 after some data has been copied onto the drive. I have checked my other drives and they report a count of 0 under the Write Error Rate.

As you can appreciate, I'm slightly hesitant to put data on. What is Scan's take on RMAing this drive; how extensive will their tests be to replicate the results I got using the manufacturer's diagnostic program?

See, I'm a little hesitant with RMAing the drive back to Scan if they only perform a basic / quick test and report the drive as being OK, and me being stung with a 'no fault found' fee.

What would others do in my situation?

FAO Scan reps - Lee, Chris, David - what's your opinion?

Currently copying ~ 60gb of data - hopefully, the Write Error Rate does not increase!

[Shaolin_K]

Well, data copied and it's brought another problem - Raw Read Error!



The Write Error Rate has increased by 1 during further data copied



Any thoughts?

[Shaolin_K]

And the Write Error Rate count is rising after more data has been copied onto the drive

Would especially appreciate the thoughts of a Scan rep please?

[Shaolin_K]

Anyone have any views?

[Lee H]

I would advise logging any issues you are having via the OLQ system so that they can assist you further and if required get the ball rolling on getting an RMA sorted out if they deem the device to be faulty and the link to the returns/technical department can be found at the link Here

Best Regards,

[Shaolin_K]

Hi Lee

I've followed your advice and logged the issues I'm experiencing with the drive this morning on the OLQ system.

I've only had an email but that did not indicate what the next steps were; no RMA number, basically what should happen next?

I'm assuming collection wil be arranged?

Please advise.

Thanks

[Shaolin_K]

I've now been issued an RMA to return the drive. I'll be using the original packaging originally shipped to me in (as most know, it's the bubble wrap).

However, does anyone know if the courier will be supplying the consignment pack with the return address, or will it just be a label to stick on the return package?

Also, considering the drive exhibited problems after the first full diagnostic scan from the manufacturer, and read / write errors developing when data is used, I'm guessing the replacement will be a new drive and not a refurb? I'd be surprised if it was the latter.

[jim]

In my experience, pack it as though you're posting it via Royal Mail, with the address and everything else as usual (obviously no postage is required though ). Scan have never sent me a label.

[Shaolin_K]

What happened with today's arranged collection (Thurs 4th Nov - 9am to 5pm)?

RMA233092

[Shaolin_K]

Would anyone be able to confirm the status of this collection?

A day has already been wasted - will it now be collected on Friday?

[Mark@SCAN]

Hi,

DPD have updated the tracking on the website to say the premises were closed when the collection was attempted. I have copied the information below from there website:

Shipment Detail 04/11/2010 RMA 233092 C 0040 826 507 1 Raised Utc - Premises Closed

If you want I can re-book the collection for Monday?

Regards

[Shaolin_K]

Hi Mark

Yes please - re-book.

I had someone waiting at home yesterday for the entire duration. Not even received a card to say they've attempted collection.

Thanks for your help.

edit - on further thoughts, I've not had any SMS messages from either Scan or DPD regarding the progress.
I have now called off the wait at home today, as I thought an attempt would be made today.