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JoshuaZ · Jun 24, 2005, 11:10 AM

So I take my 12in Rev C Powerbook into my local Apple Store because the Superdrive is going bad. I have Apple Care so its no problem. This is Wednesday. I get it sent back to me at like 10 O'Clock Friday morning (today). I'm thinking three day turn around, great! But low and behold, Apple's repair center reinstalled my OS. Whipped my drive. Luckily I think I have everything backed up, but its annoying. Plus I had 10.4 installed on the computer, and they installed 10.3! What the deal Apple! My computer did not call for an OS installed! Not warranted at all! HAd this cost me money, I would have been really pissed off. Had this been my parents, who clearly would not have backed anything up, I would be extremely angry.

DarwinX · Jun 24, 2005, 11:12 AM

Sorry about that. Hope the backup goes well. However, I'm pretty sure it's well documented here that this happens and should come as no surprise. (Not being an a$$, just stating a few facts for your future knowledge).

Randman · Jun 24, 2005, 11:12 AM

When you fill out the forms, you're supposed to sign something that acknowledges that the hard drive contents may be lost if the repairs deem it.

turtle777 · Jun 24, 2005, 11:12 AM

Sometimes, these Apple service "specialists" act like dumb morons. I've heard that before (complete HD format, OS reinstall for no reason), and I still can't believe that they do this all the time...

-t

JoshuaZ · Jun 24, 2005, 11:32 AM

Yeah, I saw the form, and I signed the form. It was just completely unnecessary in this situation. I'm happy I did make my backups, but what gets me is how they tell you they can back up your hard drive.... for a cost.

JoshuaZ · Jun 24, 2005, 11:36 AM

I'm a bit relieved now. The backup I had was from the end of May, and .Mac has a bunch of my info as well. I guess the only thing I have to do now is reinstall EVERYTHING, as well as change my settings, icons, and whatnot back to their fun filled selves.

Randman · Jun 24, 2005, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by JoshuaZ

Yeah, I saw the form, and I signed the form.

So, it wasn't a surprise.

RAILhead · Jun 24, 2005, 11:36 AM

I understand your frustration, but don't hold it against Apple. They said they might and it's up to them.

Maury

turtle777 · Jun 24, 2005, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by RAILhead

I understand your frustration, but don't hold it against Apple. They said they might and it's up to them.

But come on, it's gotta be reasonable. And often, it's unnecessary.

Read the iBook forum. Someone had the logic board replaced, and Apple formated the HD. BS. I had my logic board replaced by a third party, and a reformat was not at all necessary.

-t

RAILhead · Jun 24, 2005, 11:44 AM

I'm not saying it was necessary, the point is that it was a known potential -- since we're always supposed to read what we sign -- so the "blame" falls not on Apple, but tot he end user.

That's all I'm saying.

Maury

OptimusG4 · Jun 24, 2005, 11:51 AM

Maybe they do a clean install in any repair situation to make sure their base OS configuration is working. You wouldn't want to call Apple 30min after getting the computer back from a logic board replacement would you?

turtle777 · Jun 24, 2005, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by RAILhead

so the "blame" falls not on Apple, but tot he end user.

Well, I sort of disagree. Just because Apple puts out the disclaimer that they might be doing something really stupid and unnecessary, what's the user supposed to do ? He paid for Apple Care, and needs something to be fixed. Not really a position to have a choice...

-t

olePigeon · Jun 24, 2005, 11:56 AM

Reasons they will reformat the HDD:

Can't login
Can't turn off custom screensavers
Can't run default Apple software

But I have a different question. Did they give you the newer SuperDrive that can be firmware patched for Dual-Layer burning?

turtle777 · Jun 24, 2005, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by olePigeon

Reasons they will reformat the HDD:

Can't login
Can't turn off custom screensavers
Can't run default Apple software

Fair enough. But.

Wait, can't you just reset the password if you boot up from the install disk ?
And don't come me with OF, takes 3 minutes to circumvent.

-t

JoshuaZ · Jun 24, 2005, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by olePigeon

Reasons they will reformat the HDD:

Can't login
Can't turn off custom screensavers
Can't run default Apple software

But I have a different question. Did they give you the newer SuperDrive that can be firmware patched for Dual-Layer burning?

I turned on auto-login
They had my password written down
My screen saver was not set to 'password mode'

They did not give me a new superdrive, they gave me the same old one I had before. I mean, had they given me a new one, that would have been different. I'd be slightly happy for an 'upgrade'

On that note, anyone know of a good firmware hack for the Superdrive on a 1.33 Ghz 12in? One that will let me be region free for a change?

olePigeon · Jun 24, 2005, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by turtle777

Fair enough. But.

Wait, can't you just reset the password if you boot up from the install disk ?
And don't come me with OF, takes 3 minutes to circumvent.

-t

Yes, and yes. But that takes time. It's easier to just grab the next laptop and work on it while you wipe/install on the other.

I used to work for Solectron repairing ThinkPads. You're not going to fumble with something for 10 minutes trying to get the password to work. Whenever we got a laptop it should come with some paperwork with the login/password. If there isn't one, we yank out the HD and have it formatted (they had an automated machine that pops out HDDs with Windows preinstalled.) While it's at the "Mag" we'd grab another laptop and work on that one.

Cody Dawg · Jun 24, 2005, 12:22 PM

Actually, I was just chatting with a friend who works as a tech at Apple and read your thread to him.

He said, "We sometimes have to reinstall the OS as part of a repair and we do not put an upgraded OS on it. If they guy has a legitimate copy of an upgraded OS on the machine then it's no big deal because he can reinstall it when it comes back to him."

That said, my computer is having one kernel panic after another since installing Tiger. I hate it. I have to take it off but I'm working so much that it's a pain to do it right now. I have SO much stuff to do today and a meeting at 2:00 also.

On that note, have a good one!

olePigeon · Jun 24, 2005, 12:32 PM

Originally Posted by Cody Dawg

He said, "We sometimes have to reinstall the OS as part of a repair and we do not put an upgraded OS on it. If they guy has a legitimate copy of an upgraded OS on the machine then it's no big deal because he can reinstall it when it comes back to him."

You have to have some sort of common ground to work from. A technician doesn't know what's installed on what, or if something's been removed. Some hardware features will not work properly without the correct software and/or drivers installed, or if there's a conflict in software. It may be required to install a factory/OEM OS to ensure a repair has been successfully completed.

turtle777 · Jun 24, 2005, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by olePigeon

You have to have some sort of common ground to work from. A technician doesn't know what's installed on what, or if something's been removed. Some hardware features will not work properly without the correct software and/or drivers installed, or if there's a conflict in software. It may be required to install a factory/OEM OS to ensure a repair has been successfully completed.

I agree. This, I would consider a reasonable re-install. It just seams that it's not always reasonable and necessary, but done "just because".

-t

FulcrumPilot · Jun 24, 2005, 01:09 PM

I don't get it. You signed off saying they could reinstall and you still complain?

turtle777 · Jun 24, 2005, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by FulcrumPilot

I don't get it. You signed off saying they could reinstall and you still complain?

Yeah, you really don't get it. Nevermind.

-t

JoshuaZ · Jun 24, 2005, 02:12 PM

Arg...... still having issues burning DVDs... lets see how many coasters I get before I drive back over to the Apple Store to be even more pissed off, seeing how I just did a whole lot of reinstalls today.

CreepingDeth · Jun 24, 2005, 02:45 PM

Well, I had this G4 iMac for about a year and the screen went dead. They told us it was the Logic board, so we payed ~$500 for that. We get it back and it turns out the neck was the problem, which would have costed another $500. So right now, I have to use this old Mitsubishi monitor.

Apple does act stupid every once in awhile. Genius bar my ass.

FulcrumPilot · Jun 24, 2005, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by JoshuaZ

Arg...... still having issues burning DVDs... lets see how many coasters I get before I drive back over to the Apple Store to be even more pissed off, seeing how I just did a whole lot of reinstalls today.

hmm perhaps now you should erupt and spew hot lava all over that apple store!!

Chuckit · Jun 24, 2005, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by FulcrumPilot

I don't get it. You signed off saying they could reinstall and you still complain?

He signed a standard form acknowledging that the hard drive might be reformatted. That does not mean Apple should reformat his drive for no good reason at all. Just like if you go on a wilderness group hike, you generally sign a form acknowledging that you might get injured, but that doesn't mean the guide should shoot you.

Chuckit · Jun 24, 2005, 03:05 PM

[stupid database error double post]

FulcrumPilot · Jun 24, 2005, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by Chuckit

He signed a standard form acknowledging that the hard drive might be reformatted. That does not mean Apple should reformat his drive for no good reason at all. Just like if you go on a wilderness group hike, you generally sign a form acknowledging that you might get injured, but that doesn't mean the guide should shoot you.

That's a retarded comparison!

turtle777 · Jun 24, 2005, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by FulcrumPilot

That's a retarded comparison!

That's why YOU should get it !

-t

Chuckit · Jun 24, 2005, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by FulcrumPilot

That's a retarded comparison!

That's a very insightful analysis of my demonstration that signing a consent form does not mean people should take a harmful action for no reason at all.

FulcrumPilot · Jun 24, 2005, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by turtle777

That's why YOU should get it !

-t

Look who's talking!

turtle777 · Jun 24, 2005, 03:29 PM

-t

FulcrumPilot · Jun 24, 2005, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by Chuckit

That's a very insightful analysis of my demonstration that signing a consent form does not mean people should take a harmful action for no reason at all.

We are talking about panthers, tigers and leopards in the wilderness so what else do you expect?

turtle777 · Jun 24, 2005, 03:33 PM

^^^ Oh that was funny.

NOT.

-t

FulcrumPilot · Jun 24, 2005, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by turtle777

-t

Close enough!

osxpinot · Jun 24, 2005, 03:42 PM

I believe Apple backed up your drive free of charge. They did that for my iBook. It might be worth giving them a call.

turtle777 · Jun 24, 2005, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by FulcrumPilot

I'm the turtle. So YOU are in training !?!

-t

FulcrumPilot · Jun 24, 2005, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by turtle777

I'm the turtle. So YOU are in training !?!

-t

Thats a tortoise you nitwit!

turtle777 · Jun 24, 2005, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by FulcrumPilot

Thats a tortoise you nitwit!

So what's it have to do with me then ? You posted it in reply to my post.

-t

FulcrumPilot · Jun 24, 2005, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by turtle777

So what's it have to do with me then ? You posted it in reply to my post.

-t

Yeah, you really don't get it. Nevermind.

OptimusG4 · Jun 24, 2005, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by osxpinot

I believe Apple backed up your drive free of charge. They did that for my iBook. It might be worth giving them a call.

Good luck. Most will tell you they are not responsible for data loss.

JoshuaZ · Jun 24, 2005, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by osxpinot

I believe Apple backed up your drive free of charge. They did that for my iBook. It might be worth giving them a call.

No no no! They told me it would cost to backup the drive. I had already backed up some of my data, but not all. Honestly, I didn't lose anything important. I'm not going to spew hot lova all over the apple store. The DVD drive is working fine, I'm burning stuff right now.

The ONLY reason I complained was because I thought the reinstall was unneccessary. No reason what so ever at all to do it. Thats all.

If you need me, I'll be burning and installing all night. Except when I go see 'Land of the Dead'!!!

el chupacabra · Jun 24, 2005, 06:52 PM

Anyone who fixes your computer should have the resources to back it up for free. That said everyone should back up their drive before sending it off to ssomeone else...this happens all the time.

Some people I know never back up their computer then when somthing go wrong they get very angry and I say "get used to backing stuff up". It take practice to back stuff up often in a quick organized manner. My computer is in such a condition I can wipe it any day I want if it has a problem with no worries.

Oneota · Jun 24, 2005, 06:53 PM

Yeah, that's why I always do a CCC or NetRestore image of my HD before I send it anywhere (or before I go on a flight). That way, I can be right back where I started easily enough.

Superchicken · Jun 24, 2005, 07:08 PM

Holy frick I never realized how freaking mindless some of you can be? "You signed the form that said they COULD do it, sure they shouldn't have had to or anything... but they did and you're pissed off?" Of course he's pissed. They just treated all his work like it didn't matter. What if everything hadn't been backed up? I might send a PowerMac in for repairs some day, remind me to wipe the HDs and install a small one with the boot OS. I wouldn't want them just wiping my HDDs for no reason, especially since not everyone has another place to store all their stuff. Fortunately for me my iMac have a bigger HD than my PowerBook. If it didn't I wouldn't have a regular backup.

This is stupid and Apple's tech support people should be a lot more careful with their repairs. I could never see the U of M who I normally take my Mac to ever treating it that badly.

JoshuaZ · Jun 24, 2005, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by Superchicken

Holy frick I never realized how freaking mindless some of you can be? "You signed the form that said they COULD do it, sure they shouldn't have had to or anything... but they did and you're pissed off?" Of course he's pissed. They just treated all his work like it didn't matter. What if everything hadn't been backed up? I might send a PowerMac in for repairs some day, remind me to wipe the HDs and install a small one with the boot OS. I wouldn't want them just wiping my HDDs for no reason, especially since not everyone has another place to store all their stuff. Fortunately for me my iMac have a bigger HD than my PowerBook. If it didn't I wouldn't have a regular backup.

This is stupid and Apple's tech support people should be a lot more careful with their repairs. I could never see the U of M who I normally take my Mac to ever treating it that badly.

I love you chicken. チャイコンがすきです！

tie · Jun 24, 2005, 08:01 PM

Apple is never wrong. I love Apple. You shouldn't have signed the form if you didn't want Apple to erase all your data when they took out and reinstalled the Superdrive.

osxpinot · Jun 24, 2005, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by OptimusG4

Good luck. Most will tell you they are not responsible for data loss.

I'm giving you first-hand information here. When I took my iBook to the Apple store to repair a broken backlight, the lady said that my data would be backed up as an image on Apple's servers. She said that if there was any data loss problem, all I had to do is call. I'm not making this stuff up...

Chuckit · Jun 24, 2005, 08:22 PM

Originally Posted by JoshuaZ

チャイコンがすきです！

Chai Con?

Footy · Jun 24, 2005, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by Chuckit

He signed a standard form acknowledging that the hard drive might be reformatted. That does not mean Apple should reformat his drive for no good reason at all. Just like if you go on a wilderness group hike, you generally sign a form acknowledging that you might get injured, but that doesn't mean the guide should shoot you.

LOL... Thank you Chuck!

Superchicken · Jun 24, 2005, 08:53 PM

Originally Posted by JoshuaZ

I love you chicken. チャイコンがすきです！

Wait wait... someone... nice... in lounge...

Holy crap it must be hotter in here than I realized...