Manufacturers Packing Instructions

HT^MFAQ, General Packing Notes & Instruction:

Carryout data backups before shutting down and disconnecting the unit. Use the original supplied packaging or a sturdy cardboard box 5cm larger in each dimension than the unit to be returned. NOTE: Carry Cases are unsuitable. Fill the space between the unit and the box with bubble wrap or screwed up newspaper or other shock absorbent material. Include the Compaq Return Form. NOTE: Flow pack materials like polystyrene chips are unsuitable. Do not shrink wrap if transporting at high altitude.

If these are rack mounted servers - please remember NOT to try moving them in the racks. The systems should all be removed from the racks, and the racks shipped separately to be reassembled at the new site.

As to wrapping the systems, if the customer did not keep the packaging, you should make a list of the models involved and contact a service provider for "return kits". These will provide good packing material for the systems. Then simply stack these boxed systems on a pallet and use shrink wrap to strap them together for shipping.

Don't stack them too high (I'm assuming a fork lift will be involved) and make sure all people involved in that process are aware that they must take their time moving the pallets (we've had reports of systems being "skewered").

DELL Servers

The basic rules of thumb for caring for a hard disk are 3 Don't drop your computer. 3 Unless you have a laptop or other computer designed for travel, don't move it any more often than you have to. 3 If you're relocating to another office or building, try to pack the computer in its original packing materials to cushion it during the move. 3 Most important, back up your data regularly. Operate on the assumption that sooner or later, your disk will fail (probably a day or two before some crucial deadline).

Static electricity can harm delicate components inside the computer. To prevent static damage, discharge static electricity from your body before you touch any of the computer's electronic components, such as the microprocessor. You can do so by touching an unpainted metal surface on the computer chassis.

As you continue to work inside the computer, periodically touch an unpainted metal surface to remove any static charge your body may have accumulated.

In addition to the preceding precautions, you can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):

When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component's antistatic packing material until you are ready to install the component in the computer. Just before unwrapping the antistatic packaging, be sure to discharge static electricity from your body.
When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an antistatic container or packaging.
Handle all sensitive components in a static-safe area. If possible, use antistatic floor pads and workbench pads.

Gateway Computers

The packing is originally molded to each system, do if they are
different systems, there could be many different configurations of
packing. Depending on what systems they are, the servers are going to
be most likely to weigh the most. As much as 120 lbs., depending on the
server. The servers are going to be the most critical when moving. I
would recommend not stacking the computers on top of each other without
some type of padding in between them for cosmetic reasons. If you are
looking at boxing each system, I would not recommend packing peanuts.
Systems have a tendency to move around quite easily with packing
peanuts. I have seen a lot of damaged computers when they are shipped
with the peanuts back to us. I would recommend a high impact packing
foam or air inflated packing foam around each side of the computer,
especially if you are planning on stacking the boxes. If you have boxes
that use thicker cardboard, I would also recommend those type of boxes
as well. I do have some specs on one of the servers. It would be on a
7250R server with an average weight of 30 lbs. The polypropylene
packing that is used for this server is 1.3# 2" thick and the box is
23.25# Another example of a GS-400 server on the type of packing is we
used 1.7# polyethylene and 200# cardboard. Personally between these two
examples, the second of the two faired much better in reusing. Hope
this helps.

Do not move your server while it is on. Always turn the server off before you move it.

Normal shipping and handling can cause loss of data from a hard disk. If your server has a hard disk drive, take the following precautions:

Back up all files and data from the hard disk. Operating systems can vary in the way they perform backup procedures. Some operating systems save only data files, while others make copies of application program files and data files. Refer to your operating system documentation for information about software backup.
Remove all media (diskettes, compact discs, tapes, and so on) from the drives.
Turn the server and all attached devices off. Your hard disk drive automatically parks the read/write heads in a non data area. This process prevents damage to the hard disk.
Unplug the power cords from electrical outlets.
Note where you have attached your cables to the rear of the server; then remove them.

Caution

Caution
Use safe practices when lifting.

If you saved the original shipping cartons and packing materials, use them to pack the units. If you are using different cartons, cushion the units to avoid any damage.

Please utilize Western Digital original packaging when available as it has been specifically engineered to optimally protect the drives during transit. Place the drive in the original ESD (electro-static discharge) protective bag prior to shipment. If the ESD bag is not available, please use an equivalent anti-static bag. Use an outer carton that is made of corrugated paper. Do not use chipboard as it is not strong enough to withstand the rigors of transit. Please make sure the corrugated carton is free from defects and is structurally sound.

The disk drive is a sensitive precision instrument. To protect the drive from shock, you will need to use a cushioning material. Foam may also be used as long as the drive cannot move when box is jolted and foam is covering all sides of the drive. To ensure the drive does not move inside the corrugated carton, make sure that you have secured the drive snugly with the same amount of cushioning on all sides due to the fact the carton could be dropped on any side during shipping.

When shipping more than one drive in a single carton, ensure that the drives do not touch and they are both cushioned individually. If utilizing foam, a minimum of 2" in all directions should be used. DO NOT USE peanuts or flowables as they will not support the drive in all directions during shipping. Seal the corrugated carton firmly using adhesive backed tape. Make sure all carton edges are sealed also to prevent any tearing. Please utilize Western Digital original packaging when available.

Proper shipping for individual drives:

The drive must be placed in an anti-static bag, similar to the silver bag that the drive originally came packaged in.
The drive must be surrounded on all sides with solid foam cushioning, a minimum of two inches thick. Do NOT use Styrofoam peanuts or bubble wrap.
The drive must be sealed in a sturdy cardboard shipping container. The original retail box the drive came in would be an ideal shipping container.

The drive must be sealed in a sturdy cardboard shipping container. The original retail box the drive came in would be an ideal shipping container. Examples are shown below:


Figure #1	Figure #2
Retail Box	Single Pack

Shipping Container

IMPORTANT: Clearly write the RMA Number that you received on the outside of the box/container that will be used to ship the drive to Maxtor.

Proper shipping for multiple drives:

Each drive must be placed in an anti-static bag, similar to the silver bag the drive originally came packaged in.
The drives must be sealed in a sturdy cardboard shipping container with a padded separator to prevent adjacent drives from touching. (An example of this type of box is shown at the top of the next page.)
If you require packaging, Maxtor will provide it at a nominal cost. Please contact Maxtor to request proper return shipment packaging.

IMPORTANT: Clearly write the RMA Number that you received on the outside of the box/container that will be used to ship the drive to Maxtor.

FAILURE TO MEET THESE PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT WITH A
VOIDED WARRANTY.

Packing and Shipping Materials

Packing your drive is simple...if you kept the original box and packing materials. However, if your drive came in an anti-static bag only, or was part of a desktop system, packing is not so simple. Seagate has specific guidelines listed below for shipping a drive. If they are not followed your warranty could be compromised. Please follow the guidelines below as closely as possible when you pack your drive. (To read Seagate's Online Tape or Disc Drive Return Policy, click here.)

PLEASE NOTE: You may ship via carrier of your choice, but it must be able to provide tracking and proof-of-delivery information.

Enclose each drive in an antistatic bag**.

Secure drive in Seagate-approved packing: sturdy cardboard box** with thick foam rubber** inside to allow no movement; do NOT use peanuts, bubble wrap, or newspaper as packing.