Well I went with your guy's advice and got me a drive that still has a year of manufacturer warranty on top of the eBay 1 year warranty, but a bit of a sketch seller ngl. The drive itself seems legit visually with matching serial numbers, but womp womp it doesn't work. At least it fails to initalize, data error (cyclic redundancy check) on windows and some kinda fsync error iirc using "Disk" on Linux, both errors are relating to hardware. I used both a tested enclosure and connected it via sata cables on different machines and the same problems, hehe. I'm just wondering how the limited warranty with WD (the manufacture of my drive) works and what you're experiences are getting a replacement from them? I keep reading horror stories that they won't help since it was brought from an unauthorized reseller, etc... Also is it worth even sending it in? I read the replacement is another refurb with no warranty afterwards. The alternative would be going the eBay route and getting a replacement that's also used but will retain the warranty from the seller. Which is the better option? BTW don't worry about data loss still practicing the 3,2,1 method this is purely about the best bang for my buck.
Goddamn wall of text, I'm sorry...
TLDR: Wants to know about the warranty and replacement process of WD and concerned about receiving assistance from WD if the drive was purchased from an unauthorized reseller. Also considering whether it is worth sending the drive to the manufacturer which means receiving a refurb drive with no warranty or if getting a used replacement from eBay seller, which comes with a warranty, is a better option?
I've had this happen a couple times, and contacting the seller directly has gotten it sorted out. Even if they seem sketchy, they don't want to take a hit to their reputation. If they don't want to help, I'd escalate to eBay support.
If neither of them work out, then I'd try contacting WD. A refurb with no warranty is better than nothing at that point.