Go to Windows 7 Insider Guide
Community Newsletter: Q&A: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade
- 5/31/07 4:54 PM
..I just noticed, it even shows the Date Manufactured!!
by Aardasp - 5/27/07 1:37 PM In reply to: My SiSoft Sandra Shows Memory Chip Mnfgtr, Just FYI... by Aardasp..I just noticed, it even shows the Date the specific memory chip module was Manufactured!!
ie: August 06, 2006... This much information would definitely enable one to detect a switch, IMHO, anyway. 
Checking hardware installed
by Squibbs - 5/13/07 5:46 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Run a program called Belarc Advisor - this will identify hardware and software loaded on your computer.
Good idea to run this program before you send your computer for upgrade - then you can compare the two lists before and after.
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1976
by techtype - 5/13/07 7:14 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I had said in a pervious post that, the computer companies can not void a warranty because a person cracked the case open to change a board or strip of memory and such. I used the example of switching out a factory installed stereo radio of a vehicle for a better one and having the vehicle company telling you that you have just voided the whole warranty on a brand new vehicle. They can not do that. It is just the company will not cover the new stereo radio. Anyway below is the reference:
FTC Magnuson-Moss Act of 1976
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/buspubs/warranty.shtm
Best Buy Technician, Geek Squad? YEAH RIGHT... NEVER AGAIN
by dishymars - 5/28/07 9:17 PM In reply to: Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1976 by techtypeThis being my second computer... I have kept track of everything, and being that I used it every day, I knew immediately if something wasnt working correctly. Constant exposure to your computer and a good sound knowledge of how to fix things yourself, as most people will tell you, will alert you immediately when something is not working as it should.
In anycase.. I decided to upgrade to a larger hard drive... and it never even crossed my mind that Best Buy wouldn't do anything but have it done perfectly.. In fact I was going to do it myself but I decided to pay to have them do it so that it would be done right. Well a week after they installed it, I knew something wasn't right with the computer, so I took it back to them. As it turns out, they cooked the processor by overclocking it. My computer was 2 years old but still very current (P4 2.8Ghz processor, with 1 GB RAM and an ATI Radeon video card X800? Worked VERY nicely) They obviously didnt realize that I knew much about computers, and seeing what excellent shape my computer was in when it was brought in, they took it upon themselves to overclock it which pretty much shortened the life of the processor from what would have been indefinite to about a week. So forget "swapping out components"... You basically have to remember that these guys are a business and they want you to get your new computer every year or two... They obviously thought I didnt know as much about the computer as I ddi.. but I NEVER would have thought that BEST BUY would stoop to such low standards.. But they did and they do.. Being that I never expected this.. I didnt take any precautions.. and as it turns out, I had to buy a new computer. I ended up getting a better one.. but still the old one would have worked indefinitely (with my computer knowledge) had I not let the "geek squad" get their hands on it. Case in point? Do not let anyone touch your computer.. unless its someone like the guy that posted above, who runs his own little shop. These big companies, as well as most of the smaller ones will tell you that parts and components "wear out" till their little geek squad tie falls off... but the truth is that if you know how to take care of your computer and you don't abuse it, they will last indefinitely.
this is my way of knowing i am not ripped off when i upgrade
by dremar1 - 5/13/07 9:01 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.
The best way i find of finding that the equipment i want installed is installed and nothing is taken out is to do a system check.
I am running Windows Vista Basic so these are the steps to follow from whar i can remember Windows XP was very similar.
Done by these steps.
Start, Settings, Control pannel, System, Device manager. View devices by type.
From here you can open each item for a discription and info on all the items that are in your computer.
To make sure you get what you want and nothing is removed without you knowing simply take a note of what you have and compare it with what you have when you get it back.
It works for me.
COMPUTER UPGRADING
by sourbeer - 5/13/07 1:05 PM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
GO TO CONTROL PANEL UNDER SYSTEM INFO.FIND OUT WHAT IS INSTALLED BEFORE SENDING COMPUTER OUT,THEN CHECK AFTER,IF THEY HAVE SWAPPED FOR DIFFERENT BRAND, IT SHOULD SHOW AS SUCH...... CARL S.
WHY WORRY?
by dynamius - 5/13/07 8:35 PM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Yours is probably not the latest, hotest, and greatest box if you are having it upgraded. The sad fact is that a box that is ready for an upgrade has probably not got the latest and greatest components, and is therefore not worth stealing from.
My advice: fa gead aboud it. (I'm sorry but the censors er, 'filters', wouldn't let me do Tony Soprano.)
Checking up on your Computer shop
by colo39 - 5/13/07 10:44 PM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
This question has an easy answer. Install Belarc Advisor from here
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html Run the program and print out the result before taking your computer to your Computer Shop. Tell the Computer shop what you have done and show him the print out. Keep this original printout and then run the program after he has worked on your computer. Compare the two printouts and note any unauthorised changes.
This keeps your Computer shop honest, but also gives you a record of serial numbers of both hardware and software. Many computer shops like to see a Belarc print out as they then know exactly what is inside your computer and it helps them diagnose any problems. This will allay any worries you have.
Colo39
AVOIDING AN UPGRADE STORE RIPOFF
by stonehaven2 - 5/14/07 12:11 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi John,
I'm a 62+ grey-haired computer buff and when I started 18 years ago in the days of DOS, I didn't even know where the on/off switch was!
The only certain way to ensure that you're not ripped off these days is to have a knowledgeable pal do your upgrade or like myself,find time to do an evening course at your local collage for a few weeks and read lots and lots of books on the subject. Also, scrounge any old computer unit from anyone or your local council dump, and take it apart and learn what goes where.
I know that this is not very helpful but it's the only sure way to ensure that you get what you've paid for.
Ask for the Box and all manuals
by jlefler - 5/14/07 4:31 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
John,
I find that with my clients we give them the BOX thier hardware came is as most upgrade hardware comes in a box of some type. This box should contain driver cds and manuals and possibly even your old replaced hardware. To verify this matches the hardware that is in you pc a simple application called Belarc Advisor (It is a Free Download) can verify the hardware that is in your pc. It will also tell you what patches you are missing. With some simple follow up after the visit you can protect yourself from being ripped off.
Thanks - Tom Fronza
Updated repair varification
by skipreb - 5/14/07 9:16 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Have the facility download and run www.belarc.com and it will show all components, software installed, etc.
Hope this helps
by boonsongb - 5/14/07 9:48 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Try a good system identifaction software such as Belarc Advisor. It gives not only hardware info but also checks security (Windows updates) and licenses. It can be helpful to print a hardcopy for referance
If you are afraid of being ripped off....
by Kaideb - 5/14/07 10:42 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Other than opening your computer and examining each periperial you can use a program such as the Belarc Advisor to give you a detailed listing of video cards, sound cards, and other installed equipment. Do a before and after scan to determine if you got what you paid for.
Three ways to make a note of your computer's hardware
by plogue87 - 5/14/07 11:55 AM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If I were you and concerned about the integrity of your system after it had been upgraded by a company or service that you're skeptical of, There are three ways that you can check the before and after configuration of your computer: 1) If you still have the original manifest that came with the computer when you originally purchased it, you should have a sheet with the specifications of the computer, including all installed hardware. 2) If you don't have the specifications sheet, and assuming that you're running a Windows OS, you can open up the hardware configuration utility on your computer by right clicking on My Computer, selecting properties, selecting the hardware tab, and then clicking on device manager. This utility has a list of all of the hardware components and their respective software information. You can then make a note of what you have installed on your system. Last but not least, you may opt to physically open the computer chassis by yourself or by a tech-savvy friend that you trust, and make note of the internal components.
Ensure you received what you requested.
by mbenezra - 5/14/07 12:03 PM In reply to: Don't get ripped off when your PC is out for repair or upgrade by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Short of opening your computer to inspect the hardware, which may invalidate any warranty on upgrades/repairs, avail yourself of the free software diagnostic and benchmarking utilities to reliably check installed hardware as well as software.
Two very useful utilities are SiSoft Sandra and Belarc Advisor available free for personal use at www.overclockers.com.au and www.belarc.com respectively. Simply download,run and keep a copy of the detailed reports for comparison.
Other utilities which may assist are Fresh diagnose (www.freshdevices.com)and Karen's computer Profiler (www.karenware.com)- Sandra and Belarc however are intuitively user friendly,accurate,comprehensive and not too Geeky.
I suggest too that you request receipt of old parts replaced,with CD's, containers or manuals for new programmes or installed software.
| Forum legend: | |
 |
Locked thread |
 |
Moderator |
 |
CNET staff |
 |
Samsung staff |
 |
Norton Authorized Support team |
 |
AVG staff |
 |
Windows Outreach team |
 |
Dell staff |
 |
Intel staff |
