Apple offers to replace some 1TB Seagate iMac drives
updated 08:00 pm EDT, Fri July 22, 2011
Sold between May and July of this year
Apple is offering a free replacement for a "very small" number of 1TB Seagate drives used in 21.5- and 27-inch iMacs sold between May and July of this year, the company notes. The drives can be replaced free of charge by bringing the unit in to an Apple Retail Store, Authorized Service Provider or other options. Apple has set up a webpage for users to enter their iMac serial number to determine if they qualify for the program.
The recall runs for just over a year, until July 23rd of 2012. Apple says the drives "may fail under certain conditions" and recommends users replace the drive as soon as possible, even if it is currently functioning normally. The company notes that users are responsible for backing up their data prior to bringing the iMac in for service.
Users who are located in areas where no Apple Retail Store or Authorized Service Provider are nearby can contact Apple Technical Support to arrange other options. Users will need to have their original OS installation discs or a Time Machine backup or a bootable cloned drive in order to re-install the operating system, applications and other user data. The program, which does not otherwise affect the warranty on the iMacs in question, is in force worldwide.
