Recertified Drive Received in RMA

Receiving a recertified drive in an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) from Western Digital (WD) or any major manufacturer is common practice—but it’s important to understand what that means, how to verify it, and your options.

✅ What is a Recertified Drive?

A recertified or refurbished drive is one that:

Was previously returned (often unused or slightly used),

Has been tested, repaired if needed, and

Passed quality control to WD's standards.

It may have:

A new or updated serial number

Firmware restored to factory settings

A shorter warranty than a new drive

🔍 How to Tell If the Drive Is Recertified

Check the label:

Look for markings like “Recertified”, “WD-Recertified”, or “RFB” (refurb).

Sometimes the model number ends in -R, -RFB, or -RE.

Serial number lookup:

Go to WD’s Warranty Check

Enter your drive's serial number

It may display something like:

“Recertified Product – Limited Warranty Applies”

Drive info tools:

Use CrystalDiskInfo or WD Dashboard to see:

Manufacturing date

Power-on hours

Reallocation count

If the power-on hours aren’t near zero, it’s been used before.

⏱ Warranty on Recertified Drives

Brand RMA Warranty on Recertified Drive

WD Typically 90 days – 1 year, even if original had longer warranty

Check your RMA return email or the warranty site to confirm your new warranty period.

😕 Not Happy with a Recertified Drive?

If you explicitly wanted a brand-new replacement or have concerns:

📝 Do This:

Contact WD Support directly:

👉 https://support.wdc.com/

Politely request escalation and explain:

You received a recertified unit.

You expected a new unit based on the nature or price of your original purchase.

You want to know if a new replacement is possible.

Sometimes WD will make exceptions, especially for drives under 3 months old or business-critical models.

🧠 Bottom Line

✅ Pros of Recertified Drive ⚠️ Things to Watch

Fully tested by WD May show minor cosmetic signs

Faster replacement turnaround Usually shorter warranty

Often nearly new in use hours Less confidence for long-term use

Would you like help drafting a message to WD support or checking your new drive’s warranty status? Just share your model or serial number (you can anonymize part of it if you prefer)