"Warranty void if removed"

ejmaztec

Having just bought an Asus netbook with a 160gb hard-drive, I'm itching to fit a larger one into it. The only problem is that the netbook has to be taken apart in order to do it, and some way through the dismantling process, there is a sticker with "warranty void if removed".

I was always under the impression that no-one could lay a finger on the innards of a device without voiding the warranty, but I came across this on an Asus website:


http://wiki.eeeuser.com/warranty

ASUS Computer International (“ASUS”) recently received feedback from one of its valued customers with questions concerning the purpose of a seal stating, “Warranty Void If Removed” over the access door to the single SODIMM slot on some models of the ASUS Eee PC. ASUS wishes to assure its customers that merely breaking or removing this kind of seal will not void the ASUS Limited Warranty. Although ASUS recommends that customers use ASUS-approved service facilities and components, ASUS is committed to honoring the terms of its Limited Warranty and making sure that its customers are free to make appropriate hardware and software modifications and upgrades, regardless of whether the service is performed by an approved facility, a non-approved service provider, or by the customers themselves. ASUS will replace the warranty label with a label to warn users that ASUS will not be responsible for the damage caused by improper hardware change.

ASUS is taking steps to make sure that the seals in question are no longer used in its products that are intended to be sold in any country where these stickers are not permitted.

ASUS has also modified its written Limited Warranty policies effective immediately to eliminate any provision stating that the ASUS Limited Warranty will be voided simply because the product is serviced by a non-ASUS-approved service facility, or if non-ASUS-approved components or software are installed or used. Current Eee PC customers are advised that ASUS will honor all other terms of its Limited Warranty and that it will not refuse warranty service simply because a customer has either broken a warranty seal, installed non-ASUS components or software, or because the customer’s unit has been opened or serviced by a non-ASUS-approved service facility or by the user.

ASUS customers are reminded that ASUS computer systems, like all other computer systems, contain delicate and complex components that may be easily damaged if not handled correctly. Also, ASUS systems are tested and certified for compatibility and performance to product specifications based on their original configurations using ASUS-approved hardware, components, and approved, factory-installed software.

As with all computer systems, some added hardware, components and software may not be compatible with the product. Also, as with all computers, attempts by persons who lack sufficient knowledge or who are not properly trained to upgrade, repair, or maintain the product’s internal components or hardware configuration, or the installation and use of non-approved or untested hardware components or accessories, may result in damage to the product or severe degradation of the product’s performance and functionality that may not be covered under the ASUS Limited Warranty. Also, as with all computer software, attempts to change, alter, or modify the factory-installed software may result in damage to the product or a severe degradation in the product’s performance or functionality that may not be covered under the ASUS Limited Warranty.

ASUS customers may contact ASUS Customer Service at: 888-768-3688 option 3 regarding ASUS Limited Warranty.

What This Means to You

You or any third-party may perform hardware and/or software modifications on your EeePC (meaning, you can open it up), but if you cause damage in the process or as a result of these modifications, you will not be able to seek warranty repairs for this damage. Causing damage, replacing a sticker, and then sending the unit in for in-warranty repairs may be considered fraud.
You should know your rights as a consumer, but also know that any damage you cause is your responsibility. Don't modify what you can't afford to break

So it looks to me that you can upgrade anything that can be upgraded, as long as you don't damage anything else in the process.

Does anyone know whether the same situation exists with other items, and not necessarily just computer hardware?

axer

ejmaztec wrote: »

So it looks to me that you can upgrade anything that can be upgraded, as long as you don't damage anything else in the process.

Does anyone know whether the same situation exists with other items, and not necessarily just computer hardware?

Under statutory law it is like that for everything in that you are free to replace parts etc but if you damage something as a result or incorrect part or faulty part etc then you will lose your right to breach of contract. Even if you replace parts etc and dont damage anything then you do have a harder battle to fight when the seller claims you did damage something.

Manufacturer guarantees/warranties are different though as they are set by the manufacturer and can contain terms such as "if you break the seal then we won't cover with warranty" etc. since they are on top of existing rights and once they cover basic information as set out by the sale of goods act etc then the terms they contain are up to the manufacturer themselves.

the groutch

buy a portable external hard-drive?

ejmaztec

axer wrote: »

Under statutory law it is like that for everything in that you are free to replace parts etc but if you damage something as a result or incorrect part or faulty part etc then you will lose your right to breach of contract. Even if you replace parts etc and dont damage anything then you do have a harder battle to fight when the seller claims you did damage something.

Manufacturer guarantees/warranties are different though as they are set by the manufacturer and can contain terms such as "if you break the seal then we won't cover with warranty" etc. since they are on top of existing rights and once they cover basic information as set out by the sale of goods act etc then the terms they contain are up to the manufacturer themselves.

I think that, with a hard-drive change, any future problems would be mitigated if the only difference was that the hard-drive was of a larger capacity. In my case I'd be replacing a Seagate with a Seagate.

the groutch wrote: »

buy a portable external hard-drive?

I'd rather have it in than out.:D