Re: List of FreeAgent Products Defective as a Result of "December Problem"

MrClark · ‎02-03-2009

I can confirm that the 1TB FreeAgent Pro external drive is included in the list of faulty firmware related problems. The drive inside is a standard Barracuda 7200.11 drive, model number ST31000340AS. Since this bare drive is affected, the external variant must also be included. Shame on Seagate for not including the external model numbers as affected products. Unfortunately, I do not see a clear way to upgrade the firmware without first removing the bare drive. Also note that removing the drive not only voids the warranty, it physically destroys the enclosure.

jangutter · ‎02-04-2009

Aside from saying "me too!", I have a question: Will Seagate recover my data for me from my three-week old 1.5 TB drive, or are they going to charge me? Also, me being in South Africa complicates matters a bit.

I'm trying to navigate the byzantine structure of tech support currently: it seems Seagate insulates itself with as many layers as possible to prevent users from getting actual service. I would REALLY love any feedback from an actual person, and I would gladly retract my words if anything happens to prove me wrong.

To anybody reading this post, do NOT buy a 1.5TB FreeAgent Xtreme if you expect anything else than an expensive doorstop. You have been warned.

lturika · ‎02-03-2009

I second you. The worst tech support ever encountered. Nice 1,5TB paperweight.

SamCa111 · ‎11-25-2008

jangutter wrote:

To anybody reading this post, do NOT buy a 1.5TB FreeAgent Xtreme if you expect anything else than an expensive doorstop. You have been warned.

Add me to the club. Same product and same problem. Reliability for an external drive surely would be a key factor in a product in this category. I don't see any evidence of QA here by Seagate.

pierre dorce · ‎02-05-2009

I just purchased an external drive 1.5 It's crash on the first try. I tried to call for support, it took me 1 hrs 45 mn, and still was not able to talk to anyone. Can anyone in this forum tells me what's going on with this product?

SamCa111 · ‎11-25-2008

Unfortunately pierre, the product is faulty. They are design flaws so I wouldn't bother trying another one.