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peeb · May 18, 2007, 06:11 PM

I know that, in theory, if I replace my hard drive in my 1.67 15inch pb, it will void my Applecare. However, I have heard mixed reports about whether Apple actually refuses unrelated warranty repairs based on this. What experience do people have with this? Thanks!

ghporter · May 18, 2007, 10:04 PM

Read here. However, this page does not list the hard drive as a "user installable" part. That tells me that the hard drive isn't user replacable, so it probably would void the warranty.

I can't speak to the issue of whether or not Apple quibbles about this sort of thing in dealing with unrelated problems.

peeb · May 18, 2007, 10:07 PM

Thanks! I know that it would void the warranty, I was interested in whether people had had experience about whether this is a sticking point for warranty claims in practice. Thanks for the links though!

chabig · May 18, 2007, 10:33 PM

I've had warranty service after replacing my own hard drive. They didn't give me any problems at all. YMMV.

mduell · May 18, 2007, 10:53 PM

Unlike some other OEMs, if you void the warranty on one part, Apple considers the warranty to be voided on the entire machine [I have first-hand experience with this]. That said, they may overlook it if you do a 'clean' job of the swap.

JKT · May 19, 2007, 05:50 AM

Personally, I wouldn't be looking to give them an excuse for not dealing with any serious issues you might suffer down the line. Why save a few pounds now if it could cost you several hundred later? If you must upgrade, get an authorised retailer to do it.

peeb · May 19, 2007, 07:00 PM

Yep, the only thing is that I use the machine for work, and will have to send it away to get it done. That's at least 4 days. Which is expensive for me.

MrNo · May 19, 2007, 07:42 PM

I've sent my MBP for repair twice with the swapped drive, and they did not complain.

peeb · May 19, 2007, 08:19 PM

I think the drive on an MBP is a user replaceable part.

ghporter · May 19, 2007, 10:07 PM

Originally Posted by peeb

I think the drive on an MBP is a user replaceable part.

I'd like to find that stated somewhere on Apple's site. I can't find the typical "this is how you change out" DIY documentation that you DO find for the MacBook's hard drive. And I wouldn't mind going larger with my MBP's drive either.

uicandrew · May 19, 2007, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by peeb

I think the drive on an MBP is a user replaceable part.

i have to strenuously disagree. on the macbook (13") it is a user replaceable part. on the macbook pro, it is FAR more invasive, and you have to take the whole macbook pro apart.

kevcbacon · May 19, 2007, 11:04 PM

My question would be, as long as you do it right and don't damage the machine how would they know it wasn't done by an authorized service center?

I think your only concern would be if you damaged the machine while performing the upgrade. They are obviously not going to fix that under warranty and they would probably void your warranty at that point.

Kenneth · May 20, 2007, 01:32 AM

My friend bought a MBP weeks ago at the Apple retail store. He's a switcher and pretty computer savvy, he later told me that performing a hard drive upgrade by himself will void the warranty.

fisherKing · May 20, 2007, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by Kenneth

My friend bought a MBP weeks ago at the Apple retail store. He's a switcher and pretty computer savvy, he later told me that performing a hard drive upgrade by himself will void the warranty.

when i had the hard drive replaced on my previous powerbook, i was told (by apple support) that having it replaced by an authorized technician only would NOT void the warranty...

peeb · May 20, 2007, 03:27 PM

To reiterate, I know it will void the warranty, I was wondering how much of a stickler for this Apple was...

majordude · May 20, 2007, 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by peeb

To reiterate, I know it will void the warranty, I was wondering how much of a stickler for this Apple was...

"I know that there is gravity but do all things fall towards earth?"

Peeb, seriously, are you going to take the words of perfect strangers? "I'm sorry Ms. Apple Genius, majordude said you were cool with me voiding the warantee." Duh.

rach · 04:53 AM

If when you upgrade you cause damage then Apple will not cover it but if you upgrade without an issue then i do not believe that you will void your warranty.
Your HD warranty obviously will be voided though and if anything happens to it you will be responsible for it in the future and not Apple.
I asked this question before and like what is being posted here i was told that people had upgraded in the past and that their Applecare was honoured.

I upgraded myself and then i put the drive back in when i wanted to change it to a another drive and get my laptop looked at. All i got for my work was an invoice for the upgrade. It does not go on any Apple records.

If you want peace of mind though have an authorised technician to do it. Also, if you do not feel confident in upgrading it maybe best to leave it.

analogika · May 21, 2007, 06:19 AM

Originally Posted by rach

If when you upgrade you cause damage then Apple will not cover it but if you upgrade without an issue then i do not believe that you will void your warranty.

This is correct.

If you **** it up, you've lost your warranty.

If you know exactly what you're doing, the machine is still under warranty.

Swapping the hard drive in the ProBooks and Alu Powerbooks is a total bitch, though.

Xarthan · May 21, 2007, 10:59 AM

an easy solution is to become an authorized technician yourself.

wubrew · May 21, 2007, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by rach

I upgraded myself and then i put the drive back in when i wanted to change it to a another drive and get my laptop looked at. All i got for my work was an invoice for the upgrade. It does not go on any Apple records.

Ingenious, I upgrade PRAM, HDD even OD multiple times using thie guide:
PowerBook G4 Al 15" 1.5/1.67 BT 2.0 LR Disassembly: Installing Hard Drive - PowerBook Parts
Good for 15" 1.67 HR as well.
Cheers

peeb · Dec 18, 2007, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by kevcbacon

My question would be, as long as you do it right and don't damage the machine how would they know it wasn't done by an authorized service center?

I think your only concern would be if you damaged the machine while performing the upgrade. They are obviously not going to fix that under warranty and they would probably void your warranty at that point.

Well, the original drive is Apple labeled - I assume Apple service centers leave a sticker or something in there.
Anyway, I bit the bullet and did this last week with no issues. I'll let you know if I have warranty issues!

jogi · Dec 20, 2007, 03:41 AM

In UK the warranty is voided even if the replacement is made by an apple authorized service point...

I've asked a couple and their response was that the hard drive was not made for the macbook pro, hence they cant guarantee that it will work and it will void the warranty. However, both offered to replace it, if I wanted.

chabig · Dec 20, 2007, 10:19 AM

Can't guarantee that it will work? That's funny!