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Thread ID: 80589	2007-06-28 21:30:00	ZCOM are useless	pctek (84)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
564149	2007-06-28 21:30:00	I used to have an account with Zcom but stopped using them due to abysmal customer service and their refusal to RMA anything over 1 year old. Unfortunately I have a Seagate 200Gb from them that has now developed problems. Its 2 years into its 5 year warranty. They did actually send me an RA number for it but sent it back straight away saying it was fine. Its symptoms were clicks. And when I wiped it and reinstalled Windows it failed to copy files then hung. The 2nd attempt was successful and which point it was sent to Zcom. Its come back and clicks are more frequent and it BSODs now too: Error Message When You Install Windows XP: "STOP: c0000218 {Registry File Failure}" SYMPTOMS CAUSE RESOLUTION Step 1: Make sure that the hardware Is compatible with Windows XP Step 2: Use the recovery console to confirm that the hard disk or file system Is not damaged Step 3: Replace the hard disk SYMPTOMS When you try to install Microsoft Windows XP on a new hard disk that is formatted with the NTFS file system, you may receive the following error: Stop: c0000218 {Registry File Failure} The registry cannot load the hive (file): \SystemRoot\System32\Config\SOFTWARE or its log or alternate This error occurs after Windows XP copies the installation files to the hard disk and the computer restarts. CAUSE This problem may occur if either of the following conditions is true: • The hardware where you are trying to install Windows XP may not be compatible with Windows XP. • The hard disk where you are trying to install Windows XP may be damaged. I could RMA direct to Seagate but why should I have to?	pctek (84)
564150	2007-06-28 21:59:00	CAUSE This problem may occur if either of the following conditions is true: • The hardware where you are trying to install Windows XP may not be compatible with Windows XP. • The hard disk where you are trying to install Windows XP may be damaged. I could RMA direct to Seagate but why should I have to? What happens when you run SeaTools on it which is probably what Zcom are doing rather than using a Windows install to diagnose disk failure? Have you checked that Zcom sold you a disk with a Seagate warranty? There have been recent cases in the UK where wholesalers have supplied OEM disks into the retail channel without the manufacturers warranty.	PaulD (232)
564151	2007-06-28 22:50:00	the old OEM disk warranty thing has rreared its ugly head a few times, however most hardrive manafactures will honour the warranty. they might just need a little poking with a sharp stick ;) the other thing is to check the power supply side of things, poor powersupply can cause the HD to click on/off repeatedly. also make sure the pc bios is IDing it correctly.	tweak'e (69)
564152	2007-06-28 22:57:00	They say Seatools passes. Could do, I ran the quick diagnostic which passed it, didn't bother wth the full one. but its hasn't got bad sectors. Its just knackered. Its definelty the drive, in my PC, in his, makes no difference, it fails. I've had that once before - Morningstar just replaced it, no arguing or waiting for total death. Its just Zcom. The did this to me before. One: A dead Intel CPU - they told me I had to send it back overseas. I won because I was in Auckland then and refused to leave until I got the replacement, had a big argument with them. Two: Scroll wheel fault on a MX510. They refused outright as it was over 1 year. I rang logitech in the end. They said I could RMA through anther of my suppliers, who were happy to do so. Logitech now don't supply Zcom. In the end I just pulled it apart and fixed it, as it was mine and not a customers, I took the wire out so its wheel works, its just lost the positive movement it used to have. They always argue. Had another Seagate once, instead of 200Gb it reported itself as being 47. New. Out of the box. Had to stand over the RMA tech and insist he try it. As he was tryiong to make out WIndows limits, BIOS limits etc. As for OEM its 5 years warranty - I checked on Seagates website. SN: 5ND0JCYL	pctek (84)
564153	2007-06-28 23:00:00	the other thing is to check the power supply side of things, poor powersupply can cause the HD to click on/off repeatedly. Its not clicking on/off, its that kr-chk noise they do before death. At random, idle, writing, whenever. I know how to tell a sick HDD.	pctek (84)
564154	2007-06-29 00:32:00	Chat with a Seagate Technical Support Agent Please Note: • Chat support is available: Monday - Friday: 06:00 AM - 08:00 PM MDT Saturday - Sunday: Closed • It is currently Thursday, Jun. 28, 2007 05:25 PM MDTime David TS179: Thank you for contacting Seagate Support. How may I help you? Helen: I have RMAed this drive to supplier. Supplier tested with Seatools and says no fault. It has the click of death. It also fails to copy files during Windows install, several attempts and install complete but BSODs now. David TS179: Who is the supplier? Helen: zcom. Helen: BSOD: "STOP: c0000218 Helen: Its worse now. David TS179: You can do an RMA threw Seagate Helen: Yes but that would take ages. I want confimation its faulty as they deny it. I know its on its way out. Helen: Do you agree? David TS179: Yes. Helen: Perhaps if a Seagate tech emails me confirming the drive is faulty and I forward it to Zcom would get them to RMA it. David TS179: This chat will be sent to your email. Helen: So: Your diagnosis of the clicks, faliure to copy files and BSOD "STOP: c0000218 is? David TS179: The drive has failed and needs to be replaced. Helen: Even though Seatools passes with no bad sectors found David TS179: What version of Seatools? Helen: I don't know which one they used. David TS179: Even if the drive is passed by Seatools this drive should be replaced. Helen: Thanks. Can you foward this statement to my email address please.	pctek (84)
564155	2007-06-29 00:35:00	That just comfirms what u were saying earlier.. :groan: ZCOM are a bunch of pot smoking hippies.	wratterus (105)
564156	2007-06-29 00:37:00	nice one pctek :) hope you get it sorted quickly.	tweak'e (69)
564157	2007-06-29 01:22:00	Bugger them . I should take them to the Disputes Tribunal but I can't be bothered . I bought the person a new one from Morningstar and I'll RMA it to Seagate in Singapore . When I eventually get the replacement it will be for sale . For cost price . Customer gets an upgrade as there are no 200GBs, so I got him a 250GB .	pctek (84)
564158	2007-06-29 01:33:00	OT I'm still using a 30G IBM Deathstar that has the "click of death" which in the case of the IBMs is the drive repeatedly trying to read a faulty sector. Windows didn't care but the Drive Fitness Tool could provoke it. The full test on 30GB took around an hour so I can understand why no one's keen to do it on a 200GB.	PaulD (232)
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