I'm doing an RMA on a Hitachi HDD, and according to their site, I need to package it in a very specific way. Where to I get the following?:

Protective Foam Material
ESD Bag: "Enclose each hard drive in an anti-static electrostatic discharge (ESD) bag and seal. The only acceptable bags for packing hard disk drives are ESD-shielded bags constructed with a conductive layer (these bags usually have a silvery appearance). If available, use a wrist ground strap at all times and handle the hard drive carefully."

I want to know where (OFFLINE) I can find these materials. I also would need to know where to find a box that would snugly fit the foam materials. I need to have this stuff in order to have my HDD shipped in and received in under 30 days (or my RMA will expire). The HDD is about an average size. It would probably fit best in a 4"x6" ESD bag.

Hey Rodents,

Does this RMA allow you time to order online, or is this something that you need to have right away?

Looking forward to your reply,

TTFN

LGW

if what ladygreenwitch doesn't apply (in that you are time pressed) I would call some computer store, such as Best Buy or Circuit City, or even one of the mom and pop shops as they will most likely have several just laying around they can give to you. Anytime any company gets one of those, they come in an ESD, so they should have dozens.

Just a thought.

I am pressed for time. I'm going to ask Staples for an ESD bag but I do need the foam material to snugly fit the HDD.

Hey Rodents,

Check with Staples for that as well. The company cannot expect you to have the exact form fitted foam that the item was originally packed in. You can also check with a local UPS store, or Kinkos, as they work with shipping for FedEx.

Let us know what you decide to use, and which companies were helpful to you, it will help other users in the future.

Looking forward to your reply,

TTFN

LGW

If there's a mom and pop nearby-- I'd bet they'd have the form-fitted foam/slide in packages to go with the static bags.

Then I'd write a nasty letter to the president of Hitachi(after you get your replacement) complaining about this nonsense-- to expect joe computeruser to have this stuff lying around is more than a little ridiculous. especially under time-constraints