Buyer Finds 800GB of Music Software on ‘New’ 1TB SSD

A Reddit user identified as All-Seeing_Hands opened a packaged 1TB solid-state drive sold as new and found roughly 800GB of music-production files already on the device. The folders included names that match commercial products such as Kontakt and Reaktor, commonly priced at $299 and $199, though the post did not verify activation or licensing.

The post prompted other buyers to report similar experiences with storage devices purchased through online marketplaces and raised questions about unchecked returns, counterfeit hardware and unauthorized software installs. The Reddit thread did not identify the seller or confirm whether the unit was counterfeit or previously used.

Repair technicians and storage-forensics hobbyists who commented on the thread described methods that can be used to conceal prior use or misrepresent capacity. Examples include altering SMART data or firmware wear counters, applying counterfeit brand labels to enclosures and fitting electronics that report false capacity. Commenters recalled prior cases in which drives advertised at higher capacities contained empty shells with spoofed electronics.

Files found on drives can reflect several scenarios: residual data from a returned unit that was not wiped, unauthorized copies that still require activation, or content placed to encourage a buyer to run unfamiliar software. Participants warned that unknown executables on an unexpected drive can present activation issues or carry malware.

Forum contributors recommended practical checks for buyers on arrival. They advised verifying the posted model number on the manufacturer’s website, checking serial numbers with warranty lookup tools, running a full format and a surface or health test before storing important data, and photographing packaging, labels and SMART reports to support a return or warranty claim. They suggested purchasing from first-party sellers or established U.S. retailers rather than unknown marketplace listings with few reviews.

The thread included references to lookalike products that mimic familiar brand styling, including units described as Seagate lookalikes. Participants said sellers who manage large return volumes sometimes resell units without inspection and that mislabeling can leave buyers with devices that fail after the return period has ended.

When unexpected software or hardware issues are discovered, forum users advised returning the item promptly and preserving evidence of the device’s condition on arrival.