If at all possible, remove the media from the computer. Get expert help if necessary. Send us just the hard drive(s), tape(s), floppy, jaz, zip, optical, flashcard, microdrive etc..
ESD (Electrostatic Discharge), a familiar form of Electrostatic Discharge, often called "static electricity", is the shock we receive after walking across a carpet. In a technical environment, ESD can be very costly by harming devices or components. ESD may cause a catastrophic failure that appears immediately or a latent failure in which gradual degradation occurs during use, resulting in eventual failure.
Before moving a computer, hard drive or other component, discharge personal static build up by touching a grounded metal object, such as a plugged-in metal computer chassis.
Handle a hard disk drive as you would handle an egg. Handle failed hard disk drives with the same care as new drives.
Use the original shipping materials, if you still have them. If not, follow these guidelines.