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Al iMac back from repair...chip in aluminum, etc...

likwidplastik

likwidplastik

macrumors member
Original poster
Nov 1, 2006
68
46
Okay so, I just got my iMac (24" aluminum) back from being repaired (hard drive failure). Got it home, then set everything up.

-There's a chip in the aluminum on the top left.

-They used my name for the home directory (which is how it was originally setup)...but spelled my name wrong. From what I understand, you can't easily change this?

-They used a different password, and I have no clue on what the new password is (I suppose I can just call them tomorrow to find out).

When I dropped it off, the "genius" said it would be setup as a new computer and I could restore everything my time machine backup...apparently, this is not the case.

Is there anyway to restore everything back to factory settings and restore from time machine? Would this fix the home directory name?

And finally, I'm not sure there is anyway to prove that the chip in the aluminum wasn't there when I gave it to them, so am I screwed on that front? The chip is fairly small, but I tend to be anal about stuff like this, especially if I didn't do the damage myself.

Any ideas?
 
You could re-install the OS, then restore from back-up.

As for the chip, thats something you have to speak with them about. Just say you have pictures of the iMac before it was sent in for repair, and theres no chip in the pictures.
 
I once sent in a powerbook, when I was stationed in germany, Apple shipped it to the UK for repairs, when it came back the case was dented and no longer cold accept dvd's. I was 3 week from coming back to the US, so I called apple care in the USA and had them open a case to replace the shell.

when I got back to the US, they had sent me a box, I shipped it 2 them, 2 weeks later then shipped me a new MBP because they found the logic board in the G4 powerbook was fail final testing, and could not replace it seeing there was non world wide, and there was non scheduled to be produced for another month (logic boards for the G4 powerbooks).

They even matched the extra RAM I had put into the G4.

very impressed. Well seeing I already had an Intel iMac I sold the MBP for more money than I paid for the powerbook.
 
Thanks for the tip aprofetto.

Reinstailling the OS did the trick as far as renaming the home folder was concerned. I ended up not doing a full restore from Time Machine, but just selectively restored things.

As far as the chip goes, applecare told me to contact the Apple store that brought it to. I called them, and the guy I talked to didn't know a definitive answer, but thought that they would just handle it as "case damage", and they would have to send it in for repair. Thus, leaving me without a computer for another week.

He then said he would have a "genius" call me back that could better deal with situation, but of course...no one calls me.

I'm afraid to return it because I fear that probably just end up giving me a refurb or something, so I'm considering just living with the chip.

I'll post pics of the chip tonight.

Any thoughts?
 
I seem to remember having to sign something when I got my MacBook repaired stating that they weren't liable for "cosmetic" damages...
 
zmttoxics said:
I seem to remember having to sign something when I got my MacBook repaired stating that they weren't liable for "cosmetic" damages...
Click to expand...

When fixing other peoples computers, its easy to subconsciously be less careful than you are with your own stuff.
 
zmttoxics said:
I seem to remember having to sign something when I got my MacBook repaired stating that they weren't liable for "cosmetic" damages...
Click to expand...

That's pretty insane if true...so you can take your machine in and they can spill blue paint on it and give it back to you claiming it's only "cosmetic damage"? I doubt it.
 
I sent an iPod in for repair a few years ago and it came back "No fault found" but covered in scratches!

I complained and eventually got a retail boxed replacment but seriously, you shouldn't have to do that.
 
fhall1 said:
That's pretty insane if true...so you can take your machine in and they can spill blue paint on it and give it back to you claiming it's only "cosmetic damage"? I doubt it.
Click to expand...

Don't take it out of context. It was intended for scratches and nicks.
 
zmttoxics said:
Don't take it out of context. It was intended for scratches and nicks.
Click to expand...

Still insane...I'd like to see this fine print....how "big" does the scratch or nick have to be for it to not be considered "cosmetic damage" any more? Your opinion for damage to a pristine $3,000 machine would be quite different than the Apple Store's "Genius" I'm sure.
 
fhall1 said:
Still insane...I'd like to see this fine print....how "big" does the scratch or nick have to be for it to not be considered "cosmetic damage" any more? Your opinion for damage to a pristine $3,000 machine would be quite different than the Apple Store's "Genius" I'm sure.
Click to expand...

Well you know what, small marks are bound to happen. Those doing the repairs are humans. What do you expect, a full replacement every time a worker causes even the slightest mark? Thats bogus, and thats coming from a guy that treats his Mac's quite well. I got my Air fixed and there are some marks on it. But I don't care, it works now, the fix was free, and I understand that people can accidentally cause cosmetic damage when fixing computers, its just the way things go no matter how careful you try to be. I don't expect a replacement for a slight cosmetic issue.
 
Im going to have to disagree with those who think getting scratches in your equipment from repair is acceptable. If you ship the computer properly there wont be damage there. If you can take a computer with you (macbook/powerbook) and not damage it, there is no legitimate reason for a trained technician to put scratches, chip or dents into your machine. They should have all the tools and a proper workstation to ensure damage doesnt happen. Anything less is sloppy work.
 
I took my iMac in for a new logic board and graphic card, and they left finger prints inside the glass, and sacratched the pedestal.

Long story short, after some complaining, I got a new, more powerfull, and a year newer 24'' imac.

Apple care & store are great.
However; if you say nothing, you get nothing.
 
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