>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hi,
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>I have a Flash USB drive. I could plug it into a computer (tried on 2 computers), first it worked and I could copy files to this flash drive. But then it stopped working; showed no information. Even though when I was plugging it into the computer, a letter drive was assigned and I could see it in the Windows Explorer. I tried to format but formatting would fail.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>So I decided to destroy all information on this USB. I put it in the microwave for about 5 seconds, 3-4 times (I didn't want it to melt). Now when I plug this flash drive into a computer USB, it won't even show in the Windows Explorer. Was I successful? :)
>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>....
>>>>>>Hrm... Let me get this straight... You've taken the trouble to *destroy* the product (at least the innards, but leave the outside intact) so you can take it back to the retailer for a refund (or replacement) so that you can express your disappointment with the product? Or are you simply going to simply return the item (without asking for refund or replacement) -- to express your displeasure?
>>>>>
>>>>>Wouldn't returning for a refund a bad product express the displeasure? What would you do?
>>>>
>>>>If I don't like the car that I just purchased, should I run it into the wall -- then have it towed back to the dealership for a refund?
>>>
>>>You are comparing an ass to an elbow :)
>>
>>Microwaving and then asking for a refund might be seen as fraud if you cannot prove the other failure...
>
>In this country you can return a product FOR ANY REASON and you don't have to prove anything. You can return your pants because you changed your mind on the color. Re-read my post as to why I need to destroy the data on this USB.
>
>I think this thread that started with the simply question, will go on as one of the HRC vs. Trumps ones :)

I remembered and can fully understand your position. We have similar return options, with a few items exempted, like software, read newspaper and so on.
If producer / seller wants to analyze&fix (big if, but seen from lawmakers POV it needs to be considered) thi item needs to be unchanged.
Willfull destruction seems to be out of refund, otherwise you would not need to keep the exterior intact ;-)

So the question itself shows that you are walking a legal borderline, even if moralic border is not in question.
For me the correct avenue would be to pulverize, send back pulver with explanation and publicize destruction with video+explanation if they do not refund ;-)
If it gets viral, they might have bigger problems than $30. But sometimes I am a mean SOB ;-)