This is interesting because I didn't need the Maxblast code.  I returned it
based on the SMART error alone.  They had no problem sending me a replacement.

Tony Mayer

At 06:05 PM 4/16/2004, you wrote:
>Thank you to all that responded to my query. As some suggested, I checked
>with Maxtor support. Indeed they make returning a bad drive easy, BUT - you
>need a diagnostic code from their PowerMax diagnostic software. That was the
>catch. The SMART error came up ONLY during the boot process, but never
>through any diagnostic tests. The PowerMax did report that the S.M.A.R.T.
>flag was set, but did not find any real errors and certified the drive to be
>good. At the suggestion of the Maxtor tech support, I replaced the IDE
>ribbon cable. Problem went away!
>
>The cable that I removed appears to be good, and worked fine with several
>drives. Apparently, there can be a subtle defect or variation in the cable
>that will trigger an S.M.A.R.T. error. Though this might help others.
>
>Peter

               The NOSPIN Group Promotions is now offering
              Mandrake Linux or Red Hat Linux CD sets along
             with the OpenOffice CD...  at a great price!!!
             http://freepctech.com/goodies/promotions.shtml