How to claim warranty for a faulty Seagate drive (return merchandise authorization or RMA)

Please refer to the 2018 version here.

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Recently noticed a ticking sound coming from my desktop so when I used Seatools to check my drives, it failed a specific test.  If your drives are in good condition, the test status will show "Pass," but since one of the drives showed a fail, clicking on the "Fail Info" at the top showed the error code (see photo).  Take note of the Seatools Test Code by writing it on the RMA form you're going to create later.

Not all drives that failed Seatools tests show an error code, and some can be repaired using Seagate's repair tool.  If it cannot be repaired, you can opt to send in the drive for replacement provided it's within the warranty period.  You can check if your drive is still under Seagate warranty using this link.  You can also find your hard drive's model and serial number using SeaTools for Windows.

Or if you bought your hard drive from a store, you can also opt to take it there for replacement, assuming it is still within the store's warranty period.

If you still can, back up all your data from your drive.  Your old drive will not be returned to you and Seagate will not be liable for any of the data contained in your drive.

If your drive is still under warranty, click on the "Create Return" button.

Click "Continue" on the right side of the screen and fill out the Billing/Shipping Address.

Then click on "Review Order/Payment" below.  Select UPS SCS -- the one with the Philippines address.  Review the fee, it should be "0."  

Click "Submit Order" and you'll be shown your Order Confirmation page.  Make sure to double check you shipping address.  You'll also receive the same order confirmation in your email.

Review the packaging instructions on how to send your drive to the UPS SCS Philippines location (click here).

Sending in your drive

You will need to wrap your drive in bubble wrap (can be purchased at National Bookstore) and a sturdy padded or lined box (rectangular ice cream tubs worked for me).  Remember to pack only what is required (see link above for Seagate's packing instructions).

Print out the RMA form you created and also copy or print the shipping label.  Write the SeaTools Error code on the RMA form if you have one.  

You have 30 days to send in your drive or the RMA will be void.

Send in your drive using a local courier like Xend, Air21, LBC, 2Go, or JRS Express.  I use Xend for most of my shipments within Metro Manila.  Other couriers include cliqnship and metrowide courier express. You will shoulder the shipping charges to send your drive to the UPS address but when Seagate sends your replacement drive it will be free (you don't have to pay anything when you receive it).  

Another option (if you have all the time in the world) is to bring your drive to the UPS SCS Philippines office.  Just look for the Agility Center /warehouse (logo of orange fox) along NAIA road.  It's on the right side if you're coming from Sucat Road, before the pedestrian overpass and Multinational Village.

If you're coming from NAIA airport, it's on your left side and there's a U-turn slot right after you pass Jollibee and Puregold.  When you get there, just tell the guard by the rightmost gate that you're dropping something off at UPS SCS and they'll let you in.  You can also walk through and it takes less than 10minutes, medyo malawak lang yung place.  Once inside the gate, just drive/walk straight ahead and park near the 2nd gray gate and ask the guard there to point you to UPS SCS. They're located in a building on the corner on your left before the 2nd gate.  Make sure to wear proper attire since they don't allow shorts and slippers inside.  

After sending in your drive, allow 1-2 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) to wait for Seagate's email notice that they have received your drive.

The replacement drive will be sent to you within 3-7 business days.  You will be notified by email when Seagate Singapore has already received your drive.

For Maxtor, Samsung drives, or other info, you can also try reading here or post related questions at the TPC forum.

I have no experience with claiming warranty for Western Digital drives but they also have an office in Makati.