Took the laptop to Best Buy to find my warranty had run out.
Bad:
They want to charge me $89.95 to tell me if my computer is fixable or terminal.
Bad:
If it's not under warranty--and the airline won't reimburse, do I want to be out $89.95 MORE on a laptop that isn't worth fixing??
Unlikely the airline will reimburse that fee even if they did replace the lap top.
Good:
After letting it run a long time and hooked to the big monitor---we heard it actually boot up and at least I can get my files off of it.
It's running rough like it isn't happy.
And that's all I know from here for now.
If you can boot it and get your files, it's surely not terminal. I'd save the $89.95. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, that is a good reason for me not to purchase at the big box store! To charge before you know if it is dead.....save your dollars.
ReplyDeleteBonnie, you can buy a hard disk enclosure that you hook to a new computer with a usb cord. It acts like an external hard drive then. Mine is a Dynex 2.5 pata hard drive enclosure. You can take your hard drive out of the laptop and take it to the store with you to be sure. I got mine at Best Buy and also got the new laptop there. Then you can access the drive any time you want and get the info. So sorry to read about your calamites with the airline. Joan
ReplyDeleteSo happy there is something good here! Good luck! ~Jeanne
ReplyDeleteMy mantra is "backup, backup, backup." At least that way you don't lose much if anything at all. Sorry it's not cooperating, you've had enough heartache over that one bag already.
ReplyDeleteAMEN!
DeleteI've worked in the Computer field for over (mumble) years. Let's just say I started when punch cards were in vogue. One early job I had was swapping tape reels out daily from backups. When a system went down we were happy to have that backup - tought me a lesson I've never forgotten!
DITTO, although I know it is hard to back up to a outside driver when you are traveling. Bummer.
DeleteHoly Patchwork Batman! I hadn't heard the term PunchCards in years! I actually learned to use them too!
DeleteHope everything gets worked out...technology is a major pain.
the airlines did reimburse my husband for his damaged laptop. they weren't happy about it but the attendent took full responsibility for the problem. She had put i9t in the overhead and when the next time it was opened, the laptop fell-damaged the screen-it was non-existant. But I would make sure they will reimburse before doing anything.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about the computer issues. It is always so frustrating dealing with those problems....can't be fixed with a hot iron??
ReplyDeleteI feel for you. I was using my laptop in the livingroom and my grandbabies like to "help" with the computer. Well, when I went to sit in my rocker/recliner, I heard a loud crunch. My laptop had been "put away" for me and had slipped under the chair. My screen looked like yours. My hubby pulled the hard drive and put it in an external case and I use it as my "extra" hard drive. It comes in really handy.
ReplyDeleteWanda
http://wandas-quilts-crafts.blogspot.com/
My husband travels just about every week on business and he couldn't believe that the airlines won't reimburse for your laptop or featherweight.
ReplyDelete$89.95 just to take a look to see if it's fixable?? That's ridiculous!! Even worse than when I took a VCR to a repair place & they wanted $25 just to look at it. I went to Wal*Mart and bought a new one. Can't you at least take it somewhere else for an opinion since it's out of warranty anyway? Why does it have to be looked at by Best Buy? A small private shop might at least charge less to take a look.
ReplyDeleteMy opinion is that either the airline replace your computer & your sewing machine or you make public their name so everyone knows they abuse customers' luggage and don't take responsibility. Make that clear to them. I don't think they realize how far a reach you have.
Good luck.
Reason #1 NOT to buy anything at Best Buy, if you decide to return it for ANY reason, they charge a restocking fee. We won't even buy DVDs there. Plain, simple Walmart has easier return polices.
ReplyDeleteI bought my boys each a laptop for Christmas at Best Buy one year. The sales person took so long that the store was closing by the time they got them out of inventory. The boxes weren't damaged, so we took them home. Next morning, when the boxes were opened, one of the screens was shattered in the box. Best Buy was going to charge me a restocking fee for taking back their broken computer. I don't even go in their door anymore.
DeleteSorry to hear you're having problems. I love how airlines have a zero accountability policy when it comes to damaging things. I will say Best Buy has a pretty awesome warranty when things are covered. I needed a new phone, and they offered a protection plan where the phone would be fixed or repaired free for a year, no matter what happens.
ReplyDeleteIf you have an Office Max nearby, they will check it out for free!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's easier to dust yourself off and move on......
ReplyDeleteYou can take the hard drive out of it, and buy a case off ebay for around $5.00, and use it as an external hard drive, and get all your stuff off of it too. That is what I did with my last laptop, sure beats buying an external hard drive for $80.00
ReplyDeleteI was telling my husband about your computer and the deal with Best Buy. He said that you should contact the manufacturer.
ReplyDeleteHi Bonnie - just a happy bit of news to compensate a little from all this 'broken computer' mess. Go to Amazon - they have 'A Time To Heal', Book 2 of the Lancaster Quilts series, free at the moment. I hope it still will be for you (and others) when you get there. Enjoy. Jenny
ReplyDeleteI worked for Best Buy for 12 years until I quit this month. If that is the screen and it's cracked that bad it will cost more to get it fixed than a new one. DO NOT pay them to tell you the same thing. If you can get your files transferred over to an external hard drive or even to a flash drive do that and then transfer them to the new computer.
ReplyDeleteAfter you transfer them to the new computer be sure and back them up on a cloud service and/or DVD and an external hard drive so you don't lose them in case the new computer ever crashes. I don't trust using external hard drives as the only back up because I've had them fail on me.
Then remove the hard drive from the laptop and recycle it. Be sure the hard drive is out before you recycle it. The two words I always told my customers were - Back Up - Back Up - Back Up.
They also will not tell you that you need to make a set of restore disk for the new computer as they do not come with them.
Good luck
It is nuts that the airline won't cover the laptop if it isn't under warranty. I took my DGD's laptop to Best Buy when it was under warranty and the first question out of their mouth was "did you buy the protection plan?" Then they proceeded to tell me how much it would cost to look it even when it was under warranty.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame that you can't call the manufacturer and get a repair estimate (worse case) from them to turn in to the airline.
Donate the putter and take the tax deduction. Buy another as a business expense. Not worth any negative energy.
ReplyDeleteBonnie the computer store by AC Moores is great for computer parts like a hard drive enclosure. I believe they fix computers too. They are a NC small business and the guys are always great at answering questions. Plus a bonus is its practically next door to the Popcorn Phanatic. Yum.
ReplyDeleteStaples here had a coupon here at their check out for a free computer review to check for something (like optimal running and viruses)--I must have thrown it away. You might ask there if they have the same deal.
ReplyDeleteWow, you sure did get a lot of advice. I have none--just wanted to say that I'm glad you are able to transfer your files. Would have been so maddening if that hadn't been possible.
ReplyDeleteWell, I hope the bad ends with the computer.
ReplyDeleteYou have your MRI today!!!
I see you have gotten some great advice.
And the fact that you can get your files off the laptop is a big plus.
I liked the comment that you have had enough heartache from that one bag on your trip.
Enough is enough.
I am willing to give you my 1937 Featherweight. She runs like a dream. But her finish is too good to paint. Let me know....
XOXOXOXO Subee
My MacBook was dropped after 6 years of use. I was able to go to the Genius Bar at my local Apple store. Guy took 20 minutes and checked certain things at no cost. He was able to determine what was probably the issue and what should be done. Again, if I wanted more diagnostic work done, it would of cost me, BUT he suggested not paying for it. Said my hard drive appeared fine, but rest would cost me at least $500 to repair. Not good to repair an older computer. Yep, 6 years is VERY old.
ReplyDeleteSo will get everything off the hard drive and put on my hubby's laptop. Lucky to have that option.
Regarding the airline issue, what have they given as the reason for not paying? They were aware of what was in your bag? I would like to know which airline and airport, so I don't have similar issues.
I'm confused or some of your readers are. I was under the impression the air lines has not refused to pay for the damages to your computer and sewing machine, but they require documentation before they'll make a settlement. Common in any insurance claim--you need to prove the damage can be repaired and at what cost; if it cannot be repaired, then they will pay for replacement, and that cost has to be documented. It's a pain in the butt and a lot of paper work but necessary to prevent fraud. I would not settle for repairing your items as they will never work the same again. Insist on replacement and as another person has suggested, threaten to go public with the name of the air lines. In this era of stiff competition for the consumer's dollar, no company can afford bad publicity.
ReplyDeleteAmen, NeverBored. Please google "United Breaks Guitars" and watch the youtube video. Absolutely hilarious!! A true revenge song that I have running through my head from time to time
ReplyDelete