Community Newsletter: Q&A: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade
- 5/31/07 4:54 PM
Again look up Magnuson-Moss Act of 1976
by tech_no_man - 5/14/07 12:35 PM In reply to: Ensure you received what you requested. by mbenezraThey can not void the warranty on a part because you opened the case of the computer. It is likened to that of a person that just bought a new vehicle. That person does not like the factory installed stereo and buys and replaces it with a better stereo. The vehicle company can not void the whole warranty on the vehicle because you replaced the factory stereo or if you bought new spark plugs for the engine. But the vehicle company does not have to warranty the stereo replacement or the now replaced spark plugs.
Source: http://www.ftc.gov/
From: Bilby23
by R. Proffitt - 5/14/07 3:40 PM
In reply to: Again look up Magnuson-Moss Act of 1976 by tech_no_man
"From: Bilby23
Subject: CNET Forums Offensive Content
Users Comment: The submission from Bilby23 was placed for the benefit of John K. in good faith. The presumptuous response to Bilby23 in post 101 misreads the "opening of the case" itself voids the warranty, whereas the intention is that by opening the case and tampering with newly installed components MAY incur peripheral damage by eg electrostatic discharge; puncturing or removal of seals or stickers(albeit accidental)
The Law misquoted by the way is U.S.in jurisdiction and has no force here in Australia.
Even though I agree with the statement made, it is misleading, out of context, doesn't help John K. and is tantamount to a "edited word here" personal attack. Please remove it?"
My comment. I think this is a fine example of where you are makes all the difference in the world. It's also not a personal attack.
Bob
System Information
by angelo325 - 5/14/07 7:44 PM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
John,
Starting from your desktop, go to all programs, accessories, system tools, system information. Click on it and you will get every single piece of information about your computer (software, hardware,etc.).
Make a copy (print it out). When you get your computer back from the shop make another copy and compare it with the original. You will notice any changes!
Angelo
How can you tell if products yo purchase are installed
by rochagomes - 5/15/07 5:56 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
John:
First of all you must have trust. I believe, big box stores, whether they are: Circuit City, Best Buy, Frys or Comp USA would not rip you off because they do charge a good fee for their services. I know I use to trust no one, especially auto mechanics since I am from NYC but as I have become older, I am more willing to trust. But, neverless, here is what you can do, if you brought a graphics card or sound card, and sometimes but not always a hard drive go into control panel, click on System and click on
device manager button, usually the device is identified, you will see the company name, hopefully model number and sometimes, what I believe is the serial number. Highlight device, right click on properties and you can see the driver, which usually has the drivers date listed. The final thing you can do when you do not get enough information from device manager is to open the box and do your "visual inspection.". I am sure there are other things you can do but I am a novice, just like you.
Not getting ripped off
by fb2000x - 5/15/07 7:25 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
There are no foolproof solutions but here are some suggestions that you could try.
You can ask to be present when the components are installed. If all you are adding is one hard drive or a few sticks of RAM, it's my experience that they generally wouldn't not object (and I would really be concerned if they did).
Get acquainted with your machine. Look inside the case. If you fear problems take photos before and after. Research the components you have selected, find online pictures that you could use as references. You can also use a diagnostic software to check out the specifications. I recommend SiSoftware Sandra Lite
http://www.sisoftware.net
http://www.sisoftware.co.uk/index.html?dir=dload&location=sware_dl_3264
Depending on the store, you could also ask to inspect the machine before leaving the shop. Nice salespeople/repairmen will also take the time to answer your questions about the hardware that was sold to you. Perhaps it might be best to inquire if this is even an option before entrusting your computer to them.
Otherwise, you can always take the new hardware home with you and install it yourself. Ask a friend to help you out with the details. It is generally not only the easiest and safest solution but you'll also have the chance to learn from the experience.
Are you Getting what you paid for?
by waytron - 5/15/07 10:11 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have never really thought about the possibility of someone swapping out some of your existing parts or not giving you the ones that you actually ordered, but I guess it could happen. For peace of mind, simply take an inventory of what you have installed in your computer before sending it out for service. There are several ways to get this information:
1. DEVICE MANAGER - Look though your Device Manager by RIGHT Clicking on MY COMPUTER > Click on PROPERTIES > Select the HARDWARE tab > Click on DEVICE MANAGER and click on the “+“ beside each component and write down the Information.
2. SYSTEM INFORMATION - You could also access System Information by Clicking on START > ALL PROGRAMS > ACCESSORIES > SYSTEM TOOLS > SYSTEM INFORMATION and then Click on COMPONENTS to view what items are installed in your computer.
3. SOFTWARE - There are also many available programs like Belarc Advisor that will give you a complete print out of all the hardware and software currently installed in your computer.
4. PHYSICAL INVENTORY – You could open the case and physically check the part numbers of all the components. However, if you were willing and able to do this, you would probably be performing upgrades and repairs yourself.
NOTE: Before you send your computer out for any service or upgrade, make sure you have backed up your data, requested the return of damaged or defective parts and read and understand any and all service contracts.
Dana
Wayland Computer
: Are you Getting what you paid for?
by tbaltd - 5/22/07 1:30 PM In reply to: Are you Getting what you paid for? by waytronWhen you have work or a repair performed on an Automobile or a home appliance like a washing machine or dryer and a P.C., it's always wise to request the old part be put into the new box from the relacement part that is being installed for you to take it home or to throw out! By going to my computer and clicking on properties you will be able to get the ID or Key codes of your installed software. When you pick up the system check the ID or Key Codes to make sure that they are correct? If not, while your in the store get out your cell and call Microsoft in front of the manager or sales manager and I can assure you that they will correct the problem on the spot! If MS gets involved because of fraud the store will go out of business and they don't need problems with MS.
Harvey7
Are you Getting what you paid for?
by wisemanstudios - 5/25/07 6:30 PM In reply to: Are you Getting what you paid for? by waytronmy anwser would be That when you take it in watch them work like taking your car in for repairs if they say we cant do it now i say call me when you can and ill bring it back or take it eleswhere and that way you can see them Rip You Off And kick The Tires TOO!!and you never know You might learn something so you dont haft to take it back. see We can even teach old dogs :+}
Some adtl comments on are you getting what you paid for?
by photogbob - 5/25/07 11:26 PM In reply to: Are you Getting what you paid for? by waytronI did not see in the replies that just like it is preferably to make & maintianing an inventory of your PC before hand & backing up your data - that you should protect any personnal & sensitive data before hand, in case you do not have the chance before submitting a PC for an unscheduled repair. If during repair, upgrade or replacement [in lieu of repair] your HD is accessed or replaced, it is preferable that you password protect & encrypt any personnal & sensitive data [or if option is available after data backup to 'shred' {write '1's & '0's several times over} the old personnal & sensitive data - see download.com for freeware that can perform this.]. As an example my Form Filler software [also inserts my web site user names & passwords] personnal data file is password protected & encrypted. Another program that I maintain a copy of software install user names, passwords & keys - the data file is not only password protected & encrypted' but, is on/in an external drive media [e.g. CD-R, Floppy, HD, etc.]; so, even if my PC w/internal HD goes in for repair/upgrade this data isn't there! So it can not be compromised.
Second, another item is that, if it is not the HD that has gone bad, even if the PC will not 'boot', you can remove the HD & install it as a slave in another PC & recover the data off it. I have done this several times for myself & friends before sending a PC in for repair. {But be aware of/check for potential vilolation problems if PC is under warranty.}
Third, if technican/shop replaces, upgrades or installs new software, not only do you want the installation CDs; but, probably those CDs are out of date - so, check the hardware/software manufacturer's website to see if more current software patches, drivers & updates are available to download & install to bring your PC back up to date.
[NOTE: This maybe true even if tech/shop only reinstalled existing software from install CDs - like reinstalling OS, e.g. WinXP, does it have all the Service Packs & post latest Service Pack patches & updates?]
Forth, is difference in easy of removal/replacement of components in Desktop versus Laptops. Relatively Destops are very standard with interchangable components & connections & mountings that are relatively accessable & easy to remove & replace. Laptops on the other hand can be like a 'Swiss Watch' & if you open it up things may pop-out! In most cases you want to be very experienced & confident before you attempt to replace anything inside a laptop by your self [Again remember to check for & consider the impact of Warranty violations!].
The reason that never occurred to Dana
by lsilvero - 5/26/07 6:14 AM In reply to: Are you Getting what you paid for? by waytronThe reason that "the possibility of someone swapping out some of your existing parts..." never occurred to you Dana, is that you are obviously among the honest and legitimate computer repair people that ARE out here. In addition to your suggestions, I would look for:
1. a personal reference from someone who has used this company
2. any certifications this company may have
3. How long have they been in business?
4. Will they back up your data FIRST? (like a lot of us do)
5. Will they confer with you with respect to what hardware upgrade you are seeking, and discuss all the options?
Will they be willing to return your old parts if you want them?
6. Will they put an ID label on your machine when you FIRST bring it in? Even so, WRITE your name and phone # on the bottom of the case somewhere with a magic marker.
It can be a scary thing to have to send your computer out for repair/upgrade. And even if you take all the precautions possible, the bottom line these days, in most cases, is the preservation of your data. Learn how to back it up if you don't know how.
My own child works at a big box store and brought her laptop in to increase the memory- a supposed no brainer.
She told me afterwards and so I insisted on checking everything out. Why they had to turn off System Restore is beyond me. Why they had to change anything having to do with software she had installed is a question that can never be answered.
Moral: Even ask the chain stores these same questions. And Back up, Back up, Back up!
On the flip side, if a customer brings in a machine with notable damage, document it with photos, and have the customer sign something to attest to the fact that they are aware of the problem.
I recently opened a case of a relatively new machine and found swollen encrusted capacitors. Photographed it immediately and informed the customer so he could make an informed decision as to what he wanted to do in light of this serious condition.
Be an informed consumer so that when you do need to hire someone to service your computer, you can assure yourself that you left it in good hands.
I have had that problem
by TiaLia - 5/15/07 2:03 PM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I bought my PC from a local IT business and everything was fine for about 6 months until Windows online detected that I had a pirate version of Windows XP. I had to pay £80 to get the real software pack. It turns out the con-man Computer salesperson had just been copying the whole thing onto every PC from the one serial code.
I would also like an answer about how to avoid this in the future.
Very Good Point
by waytron - 5/16/07 3:46 AM In reply to: I have had that problem by TiaLiaSoftware is a different story. If you are purchasing and having software installed by a service shop, make sure you are given all the original installation CD's. When you get the computer back, go into each program that you purchased and register it with the manufacturer.
I have had that problem-by TiaLia
by biggeo65 - 5/24/07 7:40 PM In reply to: I have had that problem by TiaLiaTiaLia, the answer is simple. When you buy a new PC ,ask the store if the price include OS softwARE, OR NOT. If the operating system price including to PC price then demand the CD of the O.S. (windows,linux,or whatever O.S. you choosed),bringto you with it's serial number and it's guide. You pay for it, you must have it.
Sometimes though stores install the so call OEM version of the software (original equipment manufactureres) cause is cheaper, but OEM in no way mean it's pirate. OEM means a single licence for every new PC. For example a store pay for 10 licences of software,but just one copy of it, so it can install it to 10 new PCS.
In this case though you can have a copy, and every problem you have with software, or for any support you must call the store you bought the PC and not the company made the software.
So the best way is to ask if software included in the PC price, or not. If included then you demand the CD of softwarfe and serial number,as you pay for it. If not then you buy the software you want.
George
P.S. Where "software" above you can put windows in your case.
Rip Off when upgrading/repairing via shops
by marvinstorm - 5/16/07 3:32 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Backup everything.
Keep serial no list of components and a digital photo if possible.
That's it!
Nick
send it off for repair?
by dufusizer - 5/17/07 2:43 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Personally there is noway i would ever consider sending my computer in to anyone to work on. granted some of the new systems try to make it complicated just to get to the hardware inside the box , but once there i have always found it to be very simple and basic to upgrade/change out every part on it including the motherboard itself. you mite want to get all the information from the internet that you can on your particular mobo before you do that but as far as ram and or hard drives or sound cards or graphic cards modems etcetc , cd roms floppy drives,, its all really easy to do yourself, after you get into the box which can take up to a half hour it usually will only take you 5 minutes to install or exchange whatever part your upgrading, theres noway i will ever send any of my computers in to be worked on and i cant see any reason anyone should have to in my humble opinion.
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