Community Newsletter: Q&A: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade
- 5/31/07 4:54 PM
Recognizing your contents
by jancawa55 - 5/12/07 2:04 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
OK, you select components for your computer and don't install them yourself for whatever reason, so how do you know they are what you asked for? BELARC advisor comes first to my mind. When you run the advisor it will inventory your computer and print out a list of all components and software.
Simple and straight to the point
by mikebest - 5/12/07 2:23 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Belarc Advisor.
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
How to tell if you got what you ordered?
by derekhark - 5/12/07 2:39 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Well the easiest ways I can tell are:
1) ask for the box(es)for the new parts
2) ask for the origonal driver disk (cd, dvd)
3) right click on my computer, click on properties, then click on hardware devices, then click on the device(s) that was to be changed, that will tellyou exactly what is installed on your computer.
4) Finnally, open it up amd look inside and seee for your self
How to know if they changued your Hardware
by garausa - 5/12/07 2:45 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Programs like Sandra, will tell you what type of "Guts" your PC has
computer software
by dhancox.922 - 5/12/07 3:09 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
hi john k,
before you try anything technical, open up every application(one at a time) with a right click then go to properties, this should give you all the info that you need if this leaves you in any doubt, then go to a PRIVATE EXPERT, he should be able to tell you if your computers hardware/software is adequate.
best of luck dave
Hardware Verification
by RDTech - 5/12/07 3:29 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My advice to you John,
Before you take your computer in for whatever repairs or hardware installation, you need to install some free system auditing software. This will enable you to retrieve the exact hardware model and specs that is installed on your machine for each hardware device. Some really good freeware programs that won't cost you anything are programs like: Everest, SIW, Fresh Diagnose, Sisoft Sandra, and Belarc Advisor. You can download these by doing a search on Google. Using a combination of these audit programs you should be able to gather and list all of your hardware model numbers, serial numbers in some cases, and other identifiable information for your hardware.
Now after you have this information, then take your computer in for repairs. When you pick up your computer after the repairs are done, simply run these system audit programs again to compare any differences of hardware that was installed. If you really look at the data available to you, you will quickly find out if anything is suspicious or questionable.
Hope this helps you some.
How to check if any physical modifications have been made !
by arworley - 5/12/07 4:27 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My suggestion is: download a "Belarc Advisor" from www.belarc.com run it on your computer,save the resulting report and use it to check it against a new "belarc" report on your "repared" unit. By comparison you will soon confirm if any changes were made to your equipment. QED.
-submited by arw.
How to varify Upgrade service's work & your results?
by sailnow - 5/12/07 4:43 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
This is a favorite topic for me (from some bad and good experiences)
First: Back up your data files (letters, emails, photos, documents - things you want to be sure don't get lost!) I bought a 400 Gig Western Digital USB external Hard Drive on sale. It's been one of the most practical & important additions to my computer set up.
If you want to try, back up other things from your computer also.
Be sure to save all CD/DVD sources for programs you have on hyour computer. Remember, Tech services, are staffed by people, and sometimes people make mistakes. (not often - but prevention is a lot happier state than disappointment.)
Second: download (unless you have it already)a neat freebee: [BeLarc www.belarc.com ] It is a small utility that searches your whole computer system and lists all the hardware, software in an amazing detail, often including the registration codes of your software. I find it invaluable and quite adequate in detail. Run the utility and SAVE the web page to a secure place (on and off your computer) I'd recommend printing out the results. AFTER your upgrade, re-run the software, it will reveal ALL that is on your computer, and by comparison with the previous scan, you can identify the changes made by the Tech service who upgraded your computer.
Third: print out (insist on it) a detail listing of what will be done to your computer. Have the list include manufacturer, model number, maybe even the spec sheet for each upgrade you ask for. And get a hard copy (on paper) of that listing. Show your interest and appreciation for their services, but by asking for these details, it will alert them that you are aware and will be watching the results of their work. It sometimes helps insure better quality of service.
And they are human too, they like to be appreciated!
Fourth: Ask them (inside politely) that they SAVE and give you the packing boxes, the instructions, the software CD/DVD, and extra stuff left from the installation. Then you will have the original 'stuff' that you can read over, save if you wish. (Be sure to save the instruction manuals, and the CD/DVD resources that came with your new upgrades.
Fifth: Enjoy the new results, run your computer when you get home, make sure it works well. If there are questions or problems, let them know immediately.
Hope this is a help for you and others.
sailnow@bluefrog.com
checking upgraded devices
by fat tommy - 5/12/07 4:53 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
the simplest way is to navigate through the control panel and then to click on system, now you should see a smaller window. all you have to do is click on hardware then device manger and you should find a list detailing every item of hardware on your computer, hope this helps and good luck.
fat tommy.
Question from John K.
by zman17084 - 5/12/07 4:57 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Well John, there are a couple things you can do . Both are relatively easy also.
1.) Before you pull the plug to take your computer for a ride do this. Go to Start, Programs Accessories, System Tools, System Information. When this window opens it will read System Summary. On the right side is the tree and you can obtain all the info on each component of your computer. As you open each one , print the page. When you get your computer back check the info on your computer against the printouts you made before you took it in. (Take into account for new hardware installed of course!)
2.) Before I go any farther, I must tell you that in this paragraph I will be telling you to open your computer. IF, you are retuning it to a company that built it for you or returning it to the manufacterer, DO NOT OPEN THE CASE. The people that assembled your machine get very angry if you open it and they put little sticky tags where the covers meet the rest of the case. When you open it those little stickers tear and they know you were inside. Worse yet it will violate your warranty. Be forewarned.
All that aside lets move on. Now John when you have pulled the plug(s) and have you best friend sitting on the kitchen table, remove the cover. Each unit has (usually) four to five hex heads or flat tip screws on the back holding the cover on. Some have larger thumb screws and there are an increasingly larger number with quick release latches. Either way look at it, figure it out and remove the cover. When that is done touch nothing inside! If you don't understand it DON'T TOUCH!. Now take a camera and snap away. This way you can compare the pics to the finished product when you get it back.
Hope this helps. Good luck
Know the federal law
by tech_no_man - 5/12/07 7:56 AM In reply to: Question from John K. by zman17084It will not null and void a warranty if your case is opened. DO NOT be afraid to crack the case! No matter what a tech tells you. Computer manufactures like to tell you that because they want you to send it or take it into an "APPROVED" service center so that a fee can be assessed.
Anecdote: It is like replacing factory installed stereo radio in a car and having the car manufacture voiding your warranty on your car, they can not do that. Same with replacing parts on your computer, they just do not have to warranty the replaced or upgraded part.
Belarc Advisor Free Download
by phillrw - 5/12/07 5:05 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
There's a free product called Belarc Advisor (http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html)that scans your system and returns a page showing everything you need to know from CPU model to Motherboard make to software versions and Windows updates. The only thing it doesn't show is memory and HD make/speed. You can also go into your system set up when you boot (follow your mfg instructions for that) and scan the various tabs. Just make sure you select "Exit without saving changes" so you don't mess anything up.
A little confidence please...
by pjpendleton - 5/12/07 5:18 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi John,
You have a good question, one I hear occassionally from my clients. I've learned that these clients proved to be generally untrusting of most everyone in their life.
If you are concerned with getting ripped off by guys who are installing hardware (probably much less powerful than what is in their personal machine), then you can do at lease one of two things:
1. Before leaving the repair shop, have them walk you through the box and identify your upgrade (show and explain what they've done). Once you've recognized your specific upgrade - you are good to go.
2. Some upgrades (Video Cards for example)will show in your hardware resourced of a Windows operating system. However, there is nothing like identifing the hardware with your own eyes.
What you are talking about has never happened to me. In fact, in 15 years, I've never heard of anything like this happening - where the consumer buys an upgrade and the installer pulls a switch.
Frankly, this would be the equivalant of buying a top of the line GPS system with DVD and internet connectivity for your car and getting a cassette tape deck instead. You would definately find out and end up back at the store demanding the right stuff.
If you know what you are buying - then you will be able to recognize it once the parts are in your computer case.
At prices what they are for new computers, it sounds as though you might be better off buying a new box (unless you knew how to install the components themselves).
Good luck.
Upgrade PC
by angeles75 - 5/12/07 5:36 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Do it yourself. Cnet has classes on this subject. They are great!!!!
Use Belarc Advisor for detailed report of your computer.
by beachkid - 5/12/07 6:22 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I would recommend Belarc Advisor. It is a free download from http://www.belarc.com/ba5.html?B and can only be use for personal home use. From the website is one of their paragraph: "The Belarc Advisor builds a detailed profile of your installed software and hardware, missing Microsoft hotfixes, anti-virus status, CIS (Center for Internet Security) benchmarks, and displays the results in your Web browser. All of your PC profile information is kept private on your PC and is not sent to any web server." Run this before you take the computer to the shop and print it out. Do the same when you get the computer back and compare. If I recall correctly, the printed report is dated and time stamped. I usually get approximately five pages of a detailed report detailing my hardwares and softwares installed. Good luck with your upgrade.
| Forum legend: | |
 |
Locked thread |
 |
Moderator |
 |
CNET staff |
 |
Samsung staff |
 |
Norton Authorized Support team |
 |
AVG staff |
 |
Windows Outreach team |
 |
Dell staff |
 |
Intel staff |
