Will I get in trouble?

Question

I'm returning an external hard drive back to the company that sold it to me in order to receive a new one because it didn't work. I stored some of my files on there and there's stuff like downloaded movies and music. Will I get in trouble for that if they some how salvage it? The external doesn't read when I plug it into my computer and just displays "There was a problem reading the new hardware, hardware malfunction". Or something like that. I was just wondering if I can get in trouble for the files on my external, assuming they can even recover it.

Answer 1

A reputable company will take care of cleaning the HD.

Answer 2

I wouldn't worry to much, like most have said the company proabably isn't going to take the time to try and recover any data on the drive....most likely they will consider it bad, and either toss it or rebuild it. When your sending old drives back or just tossing one in the trash that doesn't work, I would get a nice magnet like say one out of a speaker and just sit on top of the drive. This will remove any data that my have been left on the drive....especially if you are saving documents that could contain your SSN or other informaton that somone could steal.

Answer 3

I think you will be fine, I worked for an isp and if anyone did anything illegal, we told other companies and the police that they had to have a warrant to get the info from us. So companies usually do alot to protect their customers, but honestly there is some tech out there removing your hard drive and installing another one and he probably has the same things on his hard drive, on top of that, if they do salvage the hard drive, there is so much that they would have to prove by law that you did it, heck someone coulda got it out of the mail and opened it and installed it right? ;) I wouldnt worry one bit if I were you.

Answer 4

You won't. There is something called Privacy , Data secrecy and goodwill. Depends on where you live also.

But then again, what will the company gain for blowing the whistle on you.

In all certainty the disk will be sent for salvage where they will erase all data using automated devices. erasing in that way is non recoverable. They will then try to disassemble and salvage usable components.

I'd say you're the safest right now :)

Answer 5

if u are returning it to a retail store where u bought it they dont check the content of the hard drive they just make sure u have the box the right serial number both on the system and the item and if u are with in the return policy u shouldnt have any problems

Answer 6

Put a magnet next to it..LOL. Um, i wouldnt worry too much. Like the guy below said.

Answer 7

Technically possible, but not likely unless there are children involved. Probably will be repaired and wiped.

Answer 8

no I doubt it...more than likely they will dissassemble it and find the broken part. then replace that part and wipe the drive and resell it as refurbished....I wouldnt worry

Answer 9

I doubt it. You can always say someone else added that stuff.

Answer 10

you you so worried gay porn huh?

Answer 11

probably lol