Click of death ...

I'm still looking for an external hard drive!

After a week or two in which my western digital clicked away to itself (I followed the suggestions on wd's website - no use at all) it finally died. Light was illuminated, but no discernible movement, and vista couldn't find it.

The unit was about 18 months old. I believe it should have lasted longer than that, having only been used for backup purposes on a single pc, but amazon won't help. WD haven't yet had the courtesy to respond. I haven't been able to find any published Mean Time Between Failure data.

But clicking seems tio be a common sympton. Posts on amazon reveal that wd isn't alone. A disproportionate number on one star amazon reports show that folk have had similar on seagate, buffalo and maxtor.

What's it all about, Alfie?

Still don't know where to go ...

seagate and maxtor have always been pretty bad, always thought of wd as the most reliable though.

I believe under UK law the consumer has rights on faulty goods for up to 6 years were faulty manufacture or materials is seen to be the cause.

I would suggest you look at contacting on of the consumer gurus like Computer Active magazine.

Good luck !

In reply to a post by spranglebolt:

I haven't been able to find any published Mean Time Between Failure data.

I suppose that is because once it has failed, they are still timing how long before it fails again.

On a serious note, my general impression of WD discs is not good.

http://support.wdc.com/warranty/index_end.asp?lang=en

I had in fact checked that and found that my unit was out of warranty, but thanks anyway, moto.

As a matter of possible interest to others thinking of buying an external drive, I used the e-mail contact address to wd on Monday. An automated response said I would receive a substantive reply within 24 hours. I'm so glad I haven't been holding my breath ...

But can anyone explain why buying a powered usb external drive is obviously so risky, regardless of make?

BTW (I'd forgotten to mention) wd warranty is, unbelievably, from date of manufacture, unless you cotton on and send a copy of your purchase receipt asking them to amend to date from date of purchase!

Now, just how many folk will pick that up?

I for one will never buy anything from wd.

It may be out of warranty, but it is still covered by Sale of Goods Act that products should last a reasonable time. 18 months for a disk drive is extremely unreasonable; they should last for at least 7 years. You should claim against retailer under Sale of Goods Act.

Thanks for all your thoughts.

If wd's alleged warranty had been from date of purchase I would still be covered by it, but I am pursuing matters with amazon anyway. It's a great pity, because I have always lauded amazon as a brilliant company.

Incidentally, I am told by consumerdirect that the six year business relates to the statute of limitations, rather than the extent of consumer rights.

NM, The Sale of Goods Act is stronger than any warranty.

Then, ConsumerDirect should have also told you that under The Sale of Goods Act, goods should have reasonably lasted until this point in time and that you have six years to make a claim for faulty goods.