I recently had one of the drives in my drobo fail. No problem, pulled it out went to the western digital site and filled out the info to send it back, but then I saw the instruction they have for packaging:
After reading all that I thought folks who do this more often must have a good way of doing this. How do you guys normally package hard drives for return when mailing them?
Internal Hard drives: Remove and retain all add-on items (i.e., cables, software, adapters, dongles brackets, installation guides and/or rails) prior to shipment. We are not responsible for these items and cannot return them. We will only return the Western Digital items specified on the RMA. WARNING: Do Not remove the Ice Pack /Sled/Heat Sink attached to the VelociRaptor hard drive(s). If the drive is removed from the Ice Pack the warranty on the drive will be voided. (Only VelociRaptor blade models WD1500BLFS and WD3000BLFS are exempt.)
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Not following these Packaging Shipping procedures to return Western Digital products may void your warranty. Click here to review the WD official warranty policy.
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All products require stable and sufficient packing material, needed to protect the product from ESD (Electro Static Discharge) influences and possible damage during transport. Required Packaging Steps:
A. Place drive in ESD (Electro Static Discharge) Bag (For internal drives only. Not using an ESD Bag will void the warranty on the drive.)
B. Wrap with 2 inches of bubble wrap or non-movable foam cushioning
C. Place in sturdy cardboard box. Do not use chipboard, as it is not strong enough to withstand the rigors of transit. Please make sure the corrugated carton is free from defects and is structurally sound. Note: Returning a WD hard drive in an envelope, will void the warranty.
D. Please print out the RMA Label and affix on the box. Write the Return Material Authorization number on outside packaging, on three sides in bold print.
E. When shipping multiple items, each item must be, packed as above, hard drive must not directly touch each other and cannot move inside the packaging. All products MUST be, packed in individual anti-static bags and in a sturdy cardboard box. Please utilize Western Digital original packaging when available. DO NOT USE peanuts or packing material that can shift or settle during transit. Warning: Returning a WD hard drive in an envelope, will void the warranty.
After reading all that I thought folks who do this more often must have a good way of doing this. How do you guys normally package hard drives for return when mailing them?