Dead Harddrive

The 500GB HD in my DV7t just died. It's definitely dead, as I pulled it out and tested it in a caddy. When the computer goes to initialize the drive, it gets an error in the I/O device. I still believe I'm under my one year warranty from HP. Does it cover dead harddrives? And if so, do they require that I send in the dead drive? I work for a small business, though my boss has a rather strict data policy - all broken, dead, unused or outdated drives are to be turned into them for proper destruction prior to sale, refurbishment or replacement. Even when we send our laptops off for repairs, there are 'stock' harddrives we place in them that have never had sensitive company data on them. A bit paranoid, definitely, but it's company policy.

 

I think HDs are covered. Call HP support to be sure.

 

It covers the whole notebook, which would include the hard drive.

 

Thanks guys. Just to get back, the HD is covered. They'll replace it. However, as a collateral part I have to send the old one into them, and this makes me slightly nervous, as mentioned in my first post there's sensitive company data on the drive. The drive won't initialize either in the machine or in an external caddy, so properly wiping it doesn't seem to be an option. Do I have to worry about the data I have on the drive? Are there any steps I can take to make sure it isn't feasibly recoverable?

 

You could tell HP you've got sensitive data on the machine without mentioning any particulars and are concerned about what will happen with the drive after it has left your charge. See what they say/recommend. If you're that concerned you can always buy another driver and forgo the replacement offer.