Do I need the original HDD when I RMA?

I need to get a part repaired on the battery lock, and as a result they have to take the notebook apart.

Is it okay if I send it in after I've replaced the HDD and the wifi card? I'm assuming they shouldn't care since they are not related in any way to the problem, but I don't want them to deny me service either.

 

Its hard to say, IIRC there is a warranty void sticker on the Intel wireless card, the HD they can be a tad more lenient.

 

It's pretty easy to put back the HD - dunno about the wifi card. If it doesn't take to long, it's the safest thing to do.

~ Brett

 

I would just put them both back just to be safe. It isn't going to be that long to fix (for you), so you only really risk saving your warranty.

 

If the problem is totally unrelated to the upgrades you made, asus most likely will not even check to see that you upgraded something. If you can, perhaps put in the old hardware, but if not, just hope for the best...

 

I've heard some say that they sent their's back - customized HD included, and it's been fixed.

Depends how daring (lucky) you are.

Take a look at the verbiage in your Asus warranty. I'm pretty sure (but confirm) that it says replacing the HD will void your warranty. Frankly the work to replace it is not worth the trouble IF in fact they do see you changed it, decided to be tough about it, and void your warranty.

 

Here's the problem.... the answer is yes and no, but Asus puts in their warranty that the unit can't be customized in any way. It is a reason to void the warranty - which that in itself should just make you put it back the way you got it. However, in the past Asus has found problems that stem back to user installed ram or a hd swap..... and they can't fix those things and technically they should call you and have you pay for shipping back to you and their time to find out it was really your problem. Because they couldn't find an easy way to do that, they changed the way the warranty reads and simply request only the original parts in the system. If your problem has nothing to do with the hard drive and they need to replace the ram or something - they'll never even look at your hard drive. However, it's always better to play it safe.