ChatGPT on RMA for SMART errors

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ChatGPT told me this:

ChatGPT 3.5

User:
are SMART errors good enough reason for RMA?

ChatGPT:
SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) errors are indicators that a storage device, such as a hard drive or SSD, has detected potential issues with its health or performance. SMART errors can cover a range of issues, including bad sectors, high temperature readings, and other abnormalities.

Whether SMART errors are considered a good enough reason for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) depends on the severity and type of errors, as well as the specific policies of the manufacturer or seller. Here are some general considerations:

Severity of Errors: Some SMART errors may be relatively minor and not immediately indicative of a catastrophic failure. Others, particularly those related to critical components like bad sectors, can be more serious. If the errors suggest a high risk of imminent failure, it could be a valid reason for an RMA.

Warranty Status: If your device is still under warranty, the presence of SMART errors is often a reasonable cause for an RMA. Warranty policies vary between manufacturers, so it’s important to check the terms and conditions provided by the company.

Manufacturer’s Policies: Different manufacturers have different policies regarding what constitutes a valid reason for an RMA. Some companies may require a certain threshold of errors or specific criteria to be met before they authorize a return.

Backup and Data Loss: Before seeking an RMA, it’s crucial to back up your data, especially if the SMART errors suggest potential drive failure. Some manufacturers may request proof that you’ve backed up your data before processing an RMA.

Communication with Support: If you’re experiencing SMART errors and are considering an RMA, it’s a good idea to contact the manufacturer’s customer support. They can provide guidance on whether the errors are within acceptable limits or if they warrant a replacement.

Remember that not all SMART errors are equal, and some devices may continue to function adequately despite certain types of errors. However, if you’re concerned about the health of your storage device and it’s under warranty, it’s generally a good idea to reach out to the manufacturer for guidance on whether an RMA is necessary.

ChatGPT on dd block size

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I was pretty impressed by this:

ChatGPT 3.5

User:
if you’re going to use dd to write random data over a hard drive device what block size is best?

ChatGPT:
When using the dd command to write random data over a hard drive device, the choice of block size can impact the performance of the operation. The optimal block size can vary depending on the specific circumstances, but there are some general guidelines you can follow.

A common recommendation is to use a block size that is a multiple of 4 KB (4096 bytes), which is often the physical sector size of modern hard drives. This alignment can improve performance because it matches the underlying hardware.

Here’s an example of using dd with a block size of 4 KB:

$ dd if=/dev/urandom of=/dev/sdX bs=4K

Replace /dev/sdX with the actual device name you want to overwrite, and adjust the block size (bs) according to your needs.

However, keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all answer, and performance may vary depending on your specific hardware and use case. You might want to experiment with different block sizes to see what works best for your situation.

Additionally, when overwriting a hard drive for security reasons (e.g., before decommissioning or selling it), consider using tools specifically designed for secure erasure, such as shred or wipe. These tools often implement more sophisticated algorithms to ensure data is thoroughly and securely overwritten.

RMA WD Purples

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I got two Western Digital 8TB SATA Purples which arrived from Amazon today. When I plugged them into my first computer the BIOS hung for a few minutes then powered off the computer. Huh? So I took the drives out and put them in another computer, and before the BIOS screen I got this:

Western Digital Purple drive asking for password

I tried a few passwords (blank, “admin”, etc) but nothing worked. I searched for the default password, couldn’t find one. I installed the WD Security software on my MacBook Pro and tried connecting the drive with two different USB adapters, but nothing worked.

I’m just gonna send these back and never buy Western Digital purples again.

My RMA note are:

Why are you returning this? Item defective or doesn’t work

Comments (required): It asked me for a password, but it didn’t give me the password. I wasted a lot of time on this trying to find and fix the problem.

Six sigma blister pack

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When I signed up for distance education a decade or two ago they wouldn’t let me use my normal username ‘jj5’ (from memory at three characters it was too short) so I had to pick something else on the spot while I was signing up and in the heat of the moment I picked ‘sixsigma’, mostly as a bit of a joke.

In statistics sigma is the standard deviation, and six sigma with regard to a normal distribution is six standard deviations from the norm which is very very unlikely. It was just me being cute and not particularly humble but at the same time just tongue in cheek.

Anyway. The thing is that I think very very unlikely events/things are cool. Because when they happen they shake everything up. And today a very very unlikely thing happened to me, which in my whole life has never happened before, and will probably never happen ever again:

Today one of the blisters in the blister pack that my medicine comes in didn’t have a tablet in it!

I mean, wow, right? :)

Empty blister pack