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Ask HN: Returning faulty hard drive with sensitive data, would you?
I have a hard drive loaded with sensitive data that has failed. It is within it's warranty period and made by a very well known manufacturer. The problem is, do I send it back for a replacement and trust the drive in their hands? Even if the drive is inaccessible to me, I'm sure at least some data could be retrieved by them.
Any insight from anyone that has been in this situation before would be appreciated.
- jerf 16y agoHave you talked to the manufacturer? Once they agreed to replace it they may not care what state it is in. They may agree that you can physically destroy it and ship them the remnants or something. You're probably not the first to ask. Alternatively: What is the value of the data, measured by the cost to you if it is lost? If it is greatly in excess of a few thousand or something, and my first paragraph didn't give you satisfaction, why not just eat the cost of the drive and just replace it? Yes, I know not everybody has tons of money but if you're looking at real losses if the data leaves your hands, well, sometimes life hands you lemons.
- xd 16y agoSorry for the late reply. My main gripe is the draw next to my desk is now pretty much full of lemons, and 90% of them where within the warranty period but I done nothing as the drives contained sensitive customer data. I'll have a word with the manufacturer, but really don't see them letting me smash the drive up before sending it to them :D Otherwise I'll take your advice and just eat the cost of another lemon.