I'm wondering if WD are able to tell if an Elements Desktop EHD has been opened prior to its RMA? The case was opened carefully, has no damage or obvious markings to suggest it's been opened and functions exactly as it did prior to being opened.

The Elements Desktop warranty document states "WD shall have no liability for any Product returned if WD determines that the asserted defect... is attributable to misuse, improper installation, alteration (including removing or obliterating labels and opening or removing external enclosures, unless the product is on the list of limited user-serviceable products and the specific alteration is within the scope of the applicable instructions"

As the defect with the disk was present prior to opening the enclosure, I'm comfortable that it is not attributable to the subsequent opening of it and that the warranty still stands, regardless of whether or not the enclosure is a user-serviceable part. That said, I'd like to ensure a return that goes without any dispute, so I'm wondering if there are any things that WD check for to see if an enclosure has been opened, other than obvious signs of damage or markings to it. There were no tamper stickers or one-time-use parts.

I have seen many cases at WD's forum where users report that they have been given authorisation by WD Tech Support to open their enclosures for data recovery purposes.

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A backup a day keeps DR away.

Even EHDs that aren't meant to be user-serviceable?

That might be worth a try - thanks.

I think you'll be fine, WD seem to be very forgiving for warranty claims in our experience.

Just don't take the p*** and go for an advance replacement

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PC Image Data Recovery
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I'll be just fine with a like-for-like replacement!

(I managed to get my EHD to spin up again, BTW! Pulling everything off it at the moment, wiping it and then returning it. Wave of relief like I've never felt before...)