Comments on: The Truth Behind Computer Repairs (Geek Squad, Fry’s, and More) http://cybernetnews.com/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/ Technology News Sun, 27 May 2012 02:30:18 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Donhttp://cybernetnews.com/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-159334 Don Sun, 13 May 2012 18:55:29 +0000 http://tech.cybernetnews.com/2007/04/24/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-159334 Situation... got an HP DV6000 which all of a sudden quit working. Press Power button, all lights come on for 1 second then shut off & quits. No sound, no beep, no screen, no fan sound. Tried many times, no difference. Tried several fixes found via search with no results (did not try heating board with heat gun or oven). Did discover via removal of hard drive & hookup to external USB drive adaptor to extract data, that drive appears to be bad as will ot recognize, while beeps and clicks. So... replaced harddrove in laptop, but computer still does same thing - no startup & immediate shutoff. So what do I do now? Replace motherboard...? but laptop has harddrive now with NO OS installed yet. Will I get ripped on repair cost? Situation… got an HP DV6000 which all of a sudden quit working. Press Power button, all lights come on for 1 second then shut off & quits. No sound, no beep, no screen, no fan sound. Tried many times, no difference. Tried several fixes found via search with no results (did not try heating board with heat gun or oven). Did discover via removal of hard drive & hookup to external USB drive adaptor to extract data, that drive appears to be bad as will ot recognize, while beeps and clicks. So… replaced harddrove in laptop, but computer still does same thing – no startup & immediate shutoff. So what do I do now? Replace motherboard…? but laptop has harddrive now with NO OS installed yet. Will I get ripped on repair cost?

]]> By: Ijebushttp://cybernetnews.com/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-153846 Ijebus Sun, 19 Sep 2010 17:25:01 +0000 http://tech.cybernetnews.com/2007/04/24/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-153846 Yup if heard some similar problems from people that have taken their computers to Geek Squad. Usually they had a simple virus and they take it to Geek Squad. What do they do? They simply take the easy way out and format the hard drive and then they re-install the OS. I always tell them to tell me since i know about computer repair (CompTia A+ Certified) but they never listen. They want to take the hard way and spend alot of money thinking that the "Professionals" will do a better job than the real "Professional" Yup if heard some similar problems from people that have taken their computers to Geek Squad. Usually they had a simple virus and they take it to Geek Squad. What do they do? They simply take the easy way out and format the hard drive and then they re-install the OS. I always tell them to tell me since i know about computer repair (CompTia A+ Certified) but they never listen. They want to take the hard way and spend alot of money thinking that the “Professionals” will do a better job than the real “Professional”

]]> By: Justin Baneyhttp://cybernetnews.com/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-153698 Justin Baney Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:01:16 +0000 http://tech.cybernetnews.com/2007/04/24/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-153698 Jimnah,Depending on your clientele, most errors with laptop mainboards can evolve from some type of over-heating. [I'm assuming that you have checked all drivers and BIOS updates before pointing straight to the mainboard as the issue]. Look for discoloration around all electrical components and processing units, as this generally will show strain caused by heat. If this is the case, I usually replace the mainboard in it's entirety, but you could look to see if any of the capacitors are bubbling. Replace those using a low temp electronic soldering gun made for motherboard/mainboards.For overall general laptop repair/upgrading may I suggest Scott Mueller's computer book line, I believe he has a good one on laptops.-Justin Baney CompTia A+, Network+, and Security + Certified(If anyone catches an error in my reply, please feel free to correct my mistake) Jimnah,

Depending on your clientele, most errors with laptop mainboards can evolve from some type of over-heating. [I'm assuming that you have checked all drivers and BIOS updates before pointing straight to the mainboard as the issue]. Look for discoloration around all electrical components and processing units, as this generally will show strain caused by heat. If this is the case, I usually replace the mainboard in it’s entirety, but you could look to see if any of the capacitors are bubbling. Replace those using a low temp electronic soldering gun made for motherboard/mainboards.

For overall general laptop repair/upgrading may I suggest Scott Mueller’s computer book line, I believe he has a good one on laptops.

-Justin Baney
CompTia A+, Network+, and Security + Certified

(If anyone catches an error in my reply, please feel free to correct my mistake)

]]> By: Justin Baneyhttp://cybernetnews.com/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-153696 Justin Baney Mon, 06 Sep 2010 10:51:44 +0000 http://tech.cybernetnews.com/2007/04/24/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-153696 Jim:Try to use 80%+ isopropyl rubbing alcohol. This should break up some of the dander that may be causing your touchpad to not be as sensitive to touch as it once was.It may be a common problem with the driver or mainboard, but I would need to know where you are getting that info in order to assist further.-Justin Baney CompTia A+, Network+, and Security + Certified(If anyone catches an error in my reply, please feel free to correct my mistake) Jim:

Try to use 80%+ isopropyl rubbing alcohol. This should break up some of the dander that may be causing your touchpad to not be as sensitive to touch as it once was.

It may be a common problem with the driver or mainboard, but I would need to know where you are getting that info in order to assist further.

-Justin Baney
CompTia A+, Network+, and Security + Certified

(If anyone catches an error in my reply, please feel free to correct my mistake)

]]> By: Ex-Employeehttp://cybernetnews.com/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-153483 Ex-Employee Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:18:45 +0000 http://tech.cybernetnews.com/2007/04/24/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-153483 Hi there,Justin is right about the issue and I hope you had it solved.I have worked at Fry's in different department and I know for sure the most of the staff is not qualified for the positions, sales or support. I had over 10 years of experience and a degree but I did not tell them that when I applied because they wouldn't have hired someone with degree for min. wages.I was once on the sales floor and a frequent customer walked up and told me he came over to have his laptop fixed. Its not powering up, but all he need is the disc taken out from the optical drive and the support people were asking him to bring the adapter and everything for the unit and would charge $70 (i think) to get the disc out. I simply poked the hole with a pin and got him the disc out in 3 seconds.I have been working on computers since 1993, and have see a lot out there. I run my own consultancy and most of the times I don't charge my repeat customers for minor things or suggestions. Anyways:Here are the possible cause to the problem. When Fry's return stuff normally they don't check the contents (not all staff are lazy btw). So someone could have bought the 500GB and put back a 80GB in there and return it saying its not working or something. The staff probably took it without verifying and resold it to you.But I hope thats not the case, a simple repartitioning and reformatting should solve the problem if the hard drive indeed is 500GB and not defective in any other way.I am not including my info for two reasons: - Possible retaliation from ex-employer, which is not the main reason though. - Don't want to brag or advertise my business for free on someone else's blog there are too many opportunists out there and I am glad to be NOT one of them all of my customers love me and I take good care of them.Cheers Hi there,

Justin is right about the issue and I hope you had it solved.

I have worked at Fry’s in different department and I know for sure the most of the staff is not qualified for the positions, sales or support. I had over 10 years of experience and a degree but I did not tell them that when I applied because they wouldn’t have hired someone with degree for min. wages.

I was once on the sales floor and a frequent customer walked up and told me he came over to have his laptop fixed. Its not powering up, but all he need is the disc taken out from the optical drive and the support people were asking him to bring the adapter and everything for the unit and would charge $70 (i think) to get the disc out. I simply poked the hole with a pin and got him the disc out in 3 seconds.

I have been working on computers since 1993, and have see a lot out there. I run my own consultancy and most of the times I don’t charge my repeat customers for minor things or suggestions. Anyways:

Here are the possible cause to the problem. When Fry’s return stuff normally they don’t check the contents (not all staff are lazy btw). So someone could have bought the 500GB and put back a 80GB in there and return it saying its not working or something. The staff probably took it without verifying and resold it to you.

But I hope thats not the case, a simple repartitioning and reformatting should solve the problem if the hard drive indeed is 500GB and not defective in any other way.

I am not including my info for two reasons:
- Possible retaliation from ex-employer, which is not the main reason though.
- Don’t want to brag or advertise my business for free on someone else’s blog there are too many opportunists out there and I am glad to be NOT one of them all of my customers love me and I take good care of them.

Cheers

]]> By: JIMNAHhttp://cybernetnews.com/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-153038 JIMNAH Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:27:30 +0000 http://tech.cybernetnews.com/2007/04/24/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-153038 I have been employed lately as a laptop technician i know to repair and to service most of laptops if at all they have simple problems. My challenging moments is when i find that the machine has a main board problem and because am not very good in electronics practicals it always emerge a nightmare to please guide me on how to tackle these problems. I have been employed lately as a laptop technician i know to repair and to service most of laptops if at all they have simple problems. My challenging moments is when i find that the machine has a main board problem and because am not very good in electronics practicals it always emerge a nightmare to please guide me on how to tackle these problems.

]]> By: Jimhttp://cybernetnews.com/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-153028 Jim Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:50:49 +0000 http://tech.cybernetnews.com/2007/04/24/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-153028 On this computer the cursor pointer is erratic and the touchpad often is stuck or won't respond to touch. Reviews seem to indicate that this is a common problem, so can this problem be repaired,I wonder.this is on a dell inspiron 1545 On this computer the cursor pointer is erratic and the touchpad often is stuck or won’t respond to touch. Reviews seem to indicate that this is a common problem, so can this problem be repaired,I wonder.this is on a dell inspiron 1545

]]> By: Justin Baneyhttp://cybernetnews.com/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-152599 Justin Baney Tue, 04 May 2010 10:21:32 +0000 http://tech.cybernetnews.com/2007/04/24/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-152599 Hello Anon: I hope somehow/someone has told you the solution to your problem. Many times on Frys.com they sell refurbished units. If this is the case, then someone did not properly run a DOD disk wipe on the hard drive. Usually, this is the manufacturer's mistake and not the site that sold it to you.That being said, someone (Fry's or WD) should gladly replace it for you. If bought on Frys.com, you would need to call them.However, to further answer your question: Yes, if you reformat it you should gain your total of 500GB, unless the drive is mislabeled. This mislabeling most likely was someone ripping off WD on their returned drive (in the case of purchasing a refurbished OEM hard drive.) Again should have been caught by WD.The reformatting will delete the partitions created by the old user. Partitioning the HD is basically breaking 500GB into smaller pieces. I.E. 80 GB to the system drive, and the remainder to a Backup, Multimedia, VM or Encrypted HD partition.Most CMOS setups will see the drive in it's entirety, however, that's most in use today. High end "gamer/multimedia" motherboards actually will see partition by partition. If the other (420GB) of the drive is encrypted, then a CMOS may not see it.I suggest backup it up first should you choose to reformat it, that way you may be able to keep your software you gained by having someone's older drive. Also, when reformatting, make sure you do not bump/hit your computer or turn it off during the reformat. The HD will be pretty busy writing 0's to a 500GB system, and make take awhile to complete.Hope this helps, and I apologize I did not see this thread earlier to help.-Justin Baney CompTia A+, Network+, and Security + Certified(If anyone catches an error in my reply, please feel free to correct my mistake) Hello Anon:
I hope somehow/someone has told you the solution to your problem. Many times on Frys.com they sell refurbished units. If this is the case, then someone did not properly run a DOD disk wipe on the hard drive. Usually, this is the manufacturer’s mistake and not the site that sold it to you.

That being said, someone (Fry’s or WD) should gladly replace it for you. If bought on Frys.com, you would need to call them.

However, to further answer your question: Yes, if you reformat it you should gain your total of 500GB, unless the drive is mislabeled. This mislabeling most likely was someone ripping off WD on their returned drive (in the case of purchasing a refurbished OEM hard drive.) Again should have been caught by WD.

The reformatting will delete the partitions created by the old user. Partitioning the HD is basically breaking 500GB into smaller pieces. I.E. 80 GB to the system drive, and the remainder to a Backup, Multimedia, VM or Encrypted HD partition.

Most CMOS setups will see the drive in it’s entirety, however, that’s most in use today. High end “gamer/multimedia” motherboards actually will see partition by partition. If the other (420GB) of the drive is encrypted, then a CMOS may not see it.

I suggest backup it up first should you choose to reformat it, that way you may be able to keep your software you gained by having someone’s older drive. Also, when reformatting, make sure you do not bump/hit your computer or turn it off during the reformat. The HD will be pretty busy writing 0′s to a 500GB system, and make take awhile to complete.

Hope this helps, and I apologize I did not see this thread earlier to help.

-Justin Baney
CompTia A+, Network+, and Security + Certified

(If anyone catches an error in my reply, please feel free to correct my mistake)

]]> By: Robhttp://cybernetnews.com/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-151617 Rob Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:28:22 +0000 http://tech.cybernetnews.com/2007/04/24/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-151617 Haha great! I live in 90278, North Redondo Beach in case you don't know is right next to Torrance. I wasn't sure what to do about my laptop and googled, "frys laptop repair" to get an idea how frys labor cost compared to the rest. How amazing that you live right here, I will definitely chose Torrance Computer Repair. :) I just hope it is the same Torrance. ;) Haha great! I live in 90278, North Redondo Beach in case you don’t know is right next to Torrance. I wasn’t sure what to do about my laptop and googled, “frys laptop repair” to get an idea how frys labor cost compared to the rest. How amazing that you live right here, I will definitely chose Torrance Computer Repair. :) I just hope it is the same Torrance. ;)

]]> By: MChttp://cybernetnews.com/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-150736 MC Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:44:18 +0000 http://tech.cybernetnews.com/2007/04/24/the-truth-behind-computer-repairs-geek-squad-frys-and-more/#comment-150736 What an ugly reminder. Take the money, take advantage of customer ignorance. What an ugly reminder. Take the money, take advantage of customer ignorance.

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