Print the value of index0
Office Depot 'Free' Diagnostic is Expensive Wichita, Kansas
Office Depot offers free diagnostic for troubled computers. But then they offer to 'fix' by offering their products. Our arrangement was that if the new operating system didn't fix it, we would be refunded. So we paid $120.
The tech put in the WRONG operating system or everything might have been okay. He assumed he knew, based on what he found in the computer, but we had upgraded and didn't keep old info. So when I needed the key code, it didn't match.
I took the computer back but instead of removing the old, he just over-wrote it with a new OP Sys. In the process, he ERASED our back-up hard drive!! He is supposed to have all sorts of certifications and be some sort of expert!??
I emailed them about the problem asking for a refund but they just offered to look at it again. I'd already taken it twice, was losing time and money in my business--not to mention all contact and communication! So, no, I didn't take the time to take it back.
A business associate had a similar problem in TX. In no instance did they turn the computer on and show that it worked before sending it home.
BEWARE of Office Depot's FREE diagnostic offer.
4 Updates & Rebuttals
Dinkledorfer
west jordan,Utah,
United States of America
I beg to differ
#5Consumer Comment
Fri, January 18, 2013
Any good repair shop can reinstall the original OS and they DON'T need your disks..... only your license number on the sticker. Why do you think Dell reinstallation disks are so popular? Because you can load the version of windows needed and at the end of the install, use the owners original number. You have XP Pro, they use a Dell XP pro CD and your XP key. Works like a charm! As to the data....... a good shop will backup data before starting work on your machine. It is a safety measure! (If you operate this way....) Yes, the customer needs to be asked if they want to keep their data, and that an additional charge will be added. That gives the customer the "option". You NEVER, EVER destroy the data without talking to the customer first. I do not do any work on a customers PC without doing a backup. When the machine is reloaded, I copy the data back over to it. It's called putting service first! Yes, I could charge for this but have found I get a lot of repeat business and referrals by doing extra to insure my customer gets the best quality service.
sdcassoc
Bloomington,Indiana,
United States of America
actually, you DID authorize it
#5UPDATE Employee
Sun, November 18, 2012
it is standard practice to reinstall the operating system that the pc is shipped with UNLESS you provide the OS disk. That is covered in the terms and conditions that you sign before any service is done. it is also standard to note in the terms that ALL DATA ON THE PC WILL BE ERASED UNLESS A BACKUP IS REQUESTED. A backup service is an added fee, and must be requested before the service is started. by signing the terms of service, you agreed to both of these things. Next time, read something before you sign it.
monalisamisc
Wichita,Kansas,
USA
not applicable
#5Author of original report
Thu, September 15, 2011
First of all, Office Depot tech put in a new Op Sys, the same as he thought we had before. It was their program/disc. He said we could use our key code. I didn't realize he put in the wrong one till I got it home and our key code didn't work. NOTHING WAS PIRATED. He did NOT say anything about erasing or risking erasing the backup by putting in a new Op Sys. You're telling what should have been done. It was not. Did the agreement give them an 'out?' Of course! The tech was convincing that he knew what he was doing. Email from store did not indicate refund. Bottom line, we were out the $120 and still had no computer.
MRamos
Brooklyn,New York,
USA
Did you give him the new operating system?
#5Consumer Comment
Thu, September 15, 2011
Having worked retail computer repairs it's generally policy that unless the customer gives you the disks/coa for their upgraded OS you put back on whatever the COA on the case says. For all he knew it was a pirated copy you had on there. Also I'm sure they asked you if you wanted your data backed up and I'm sure you declined assuming for an operating system install they wouldn't have to erase anything. Sadly you assumed wrong, its generally standard procedure to back up the data, format the drive, and then transfer the data back over. The backup comes with an extra cost and if the customer declines pretty much any shop I've been to forces you to sign an agreement that you understand you may/will lose all your date if you refuse the backup service.