Vendor Reviews?

Hi gang,

I've been trying to get a friend's laptop hard disk to replace one that had its hardware password set by gremlins.

I ordered part number ST94019A. When I removed it from the static bag, I noticed that the connector was different from the original disk. Then I noticed the HP tag* that said, "Replace with HP spare 319414-001". The replacement disk had an HP spare 381396-001 tag.

It was the same disk, just different connectors (the original was female, the replacement was male).

I tried to contact the vendor - left voicemails, emails went to the site to procure an RMA. I finally got through on the phone, to speak with someone who couldn't help me. Got the RMA process going - hoping that they could swap the disk for the correct one. No response, no response. Two months go by (November/December) - finally I asked for my money back. They credited my card, and that's that.

The company was ALLHDD.com just for your information.

Maybe the forum could have a vendor review section, so we could determine and patronize the quality parts vendors out there?


*Compaq laptop.


Whadya think?

There is most likely an adapter on the original hard drive that should allow any 2.5" IDE (PATA) drive to work in that laptop. It may not be obvious but should slide off, then insert it onto the male pins of the new drive and install in the laptop. It should look something like this: 📎IDE_adapter.jpg

Where abouts in the world are you ? I don't think a section for reviews would be suited here, although there is a place I have seen, unfortunately I can't recall it, nor have a link, but here it would suggest an affiliation even when none was there, not to mention it's an ever changing market, although I must admit most of us probably stick to 6 or so we know to have a pretty good record, but even good company's can throw a spanner in the works, but long term they usually work out for the better, so if you post your general location, we can link a couple of places that should be able to help then you can choose which you prefer, hope that helps a bit.

Ztruker: You are absolutely correct and I am an rear for not looking closely enough for the adapter. The fault was not of the vendor at all. Mea maxima culpa to them. 8210guy: I forgot about global reach. And was a little hard-headed to boot. I'm in the Baltimore, Maryland USA vicinity. The vendoe I dealt with, was not at fault here, but they didn't communicate with me very well either. If they had clued me in to the adapter, I would have been perfectly happy with them, their part and their service. Thanks for the picture, Ztruker!

You're welcome, good luck.