Bought a used IMac from BestBuy and I've been having problems

[clickey-grl]

Hello, I hope I'm in the right threat.
(I apologize for the long post)

We bought a used IMac 2.66 24" from BestBuy (a sticker shows that it may have been used (someone bought it and return it later) OR open (for display on BestBuy) since march 6,09) last sunday with a 3 year warranty from BestBuy and I have like 10 days to decide if I should return it or not because I've been having some problems with it and maybe "bad customer treated".

First, we never had intention of buying a used imac, it's just that it was cheaper and that's why we bought it (it costed $1,241)

The first thing I noticed when opened and turning the imac was the following:

- The two CDs that came with, TOTALLY SCRATCHED. The two disk were put together on a single plastic cd cover and NOT SEPARATED from each other.

- the box was cut like it was massacret (not exageratly, but I didn't like how it looked)

- EVERYTIME I turn on the Imac, it makes a sound as if it's ejeting a CD? (I think the sound comes on the right side of the screen. I'm a graphic design student and the computer we use DON'T make that sound.

- On page 14 on the "Everyday Mac" instructions, it says that "The first time you turn on your imac, Setup Assistant starts". That NEVER happen. Instead, what started was an update about firewire. I suspect that they never erased completetly what was inside the computer.

- I had problems updating with "Software Update" because I had to put a password I NEVER added.

- The employee that helped us (...) told us that the computer was completely checked and that everything that was inside was erased and totally NEW and in GOOD CONDITION. Oh, and she never told us that since it's a used computer it could be checked by Geek Squad for FREE. Geek Squad was charging $40 for re-installing the OS, update the computer and I don't know what else.

- I got help from a classmate (thank you!) and I was able to re-install the OS and erase what was left there and finally got my own account.

- The mouse is not so responded (maybe that's normal) but all the computer that I've used in class never had that problem.

- Today, I turned on my computer and the internet wasn't so responsibe.
When I click on "System Preferences" the icon just kept bouncing and bouncing nonstop and I had to "force quit" it. I decided to restart it and it froze! You could only see the background picture and nothing else. I had to disconnect the computer from the cable.

I don't know if we should return it for a new model or not. Or return it and buy a MBP 13" or 15"
I know apple will release new computers this fall, but I need a computer now. I'm a graphic design student and I'm starting to fall behind on the class because I don't have a computer to work from home.

This are the problems I've been having for now...

This may be Off-Topic, but what program works best for opening .rar files?

Someone please help me or give me some advice...I appreciate it.

Forgot to add, the 24" IMac is the 2.66 ($1,499) from this year.

 

[MacDawg]

Take the computer back if you are not happy with it
You cannot buy "used" and expect "new"

UnRarX or The Unarchiver

Woof, Woof - Dawg

 

[u49aa2]

Just take it back, and buy new one. From what i heard in this forum, i never liked Bestbuy

 

[clickey-grl]

Just take it back, and buy new one. From what i heard in this forum, i never liked Bestbuy

If there were an Apple Store here I never would have bought my computer there...

And buying online is a no-no for now.

 

[geoffreak]

Return the thing. You shouldn't have this many problems with it, not to mention that having it in that bad of condition to begin with will hurt the resell value down the road.

 

[Shake 'n' Bake]

The noise the iMac makes on startup is normal. It is checking the optical disc drive to make sure it works.

 

[dylanbrown]

Hello, I hope I'm in the right threat.
(I apologize for the long post)

We bought a used IMac 2.66 24" from BestBuy (a sticker shows that it may have been used (someone bought it and return it later) OR open (for display on BestBuy) since march 6,09) last sunday with a 3 year warranty from BestBuy and I have like 10 days to decide if I should return it or not because I've been having some problems with it and maybe "bad customer treated".

First, we never had intention of buying a used imac, it's just that it was cheaper and that's why we bought it (it costed $1,241)

The first thing I noticed when opened and turning the imac was the following:

- The two CDs that came with, TOTALLY SCRATCHED. The two disk were put together on a single plastic cd cover and NOT SEPARATED from each other.

- the box was cut like it was massacret (not exageratly, but I didn't like how it looked)

- EVERYTIME I turn on the Imac, it makes a sound as if it's ejeting a CD? (I think the sound comes on the right side of the screen. I'm a graphic design student and the computer we use DON'T make that sound.

- On page 14 on the "Everyday Mac" instructions, it says that "The first time you turn on your imac, Setup Assistant starts". That NEVER happen. Instead, what started was an update about firewire. I suspect that they never erased completetly what was inside the computer.

- I had problems updating with "Software Update" because I had to put a password I NEVER added.

- The employee that helped us (...) told us that the computer was completely checked and that everything that was inside was erased and totally NEW and in GOOD CONDITION. Oh, and she never told us that since it's a used computer it could be checked by Geek Squad for FREE. Geek Squad was charging $40 for re-installing the OS, update the computer and I don't know what else.

- I got help from a classmate (thank you!) and I was able to re-install the OS and erase what was left there and finally got my own account.

- The mouse is not so responded (maybe that's normal) but all the computer that I've used in class never had that problem.

- Today, I turned on my computer and the internet wasn't so responsibe.
When I click on "System Preferences" the icon just kept bouncing and bouncing nonstop and I had to "force quit" it. I decided to restart it and it froze! You could only see the background picture and nothing else. I had to disconnect the computer from the cable.

I don't know if we should return it for a new model or not. Or return it and buy a MBP 13" or 15"
I know apple will release new computers this fall, but I need a computer now. I'm a graphic design student and I'm starting to fall behind on the class because I don't have a computer to work from home.

This are the problems I've been having for now...

This may be Off-Topic, but what program works best for opening .rar files?

Someone please help me or give me some advice...I appreciate it.

Forgot to add, the 24" IMac is the 2.66 ($1,499) from this year.

From the sounds of that - looks as if BestBuy did a pretty crappy there. The computer should have had a clean install of OSX on it, if this was done, Set-Up assistant would have started.

The Disk Ejecting sound happens with every iMac & MacBook - so thats not an issue.

As for your scratched discs, you can order free replacements from AppleCare.

As for some of the other problems... have a look around MacRumors or the Apple Discussion Boards.

Its up to you to take it back or to keep it, but I would personally keep it, as you got it at a great price and with an extended 3yr warranty. I'd just try and get your money back from GeekSquad, and to make sure that you register it with AppleCare, and they know that its a new purchase.

But - as I said, it's up to you what you do with it - but I hope I helped somewhat.

 

[zmttoxics]

Ya, Open Boxed can be a crap shoot. Sometimes they push the Display model off as an open box one, meaning millions of people have played with it day in and day out. :\

I would take it back and upgrade the new 20" or 24" low end model for the extra couple hundred dollars.

 

[clickey-grl]

We returned the computer yesterday and got the same model (but new!).

The Geek Squad guy wanted us to leave the new computer so that they could update the softwares, check to see if is in good shape inside, and install a software/program made by Geek Squad that supposedly they don't sell it on best buy...only they (geek squad) have it so that when someone brings their computer to get fixed or etc they install it inside their computers. And he said that the program cannot be removed unless you re-install the OS.

He said that it includes an anti-virus, firewall, and a program that I really forgot what it does. At first I said yes, but I felt so uncomfortable (I didn't felt like I was treated well as a customer) so I told him that another day I'll take the computer to let them install it. (oh and you HAVE to pay the $40...not free the first day of buy...

I honestly don't want them to install whatever it is that they want to install on my computer.

So, does anyone know WHAT is this program they install? He said it is made by Geek Squad and he told me that I could never find informations about what it is by searching on the internet. (??)

How can I protect my computer (from virus, trojans, etc) if I don't want to let them install their software/program in my computer?

 

[zmttoxics]

We returned the computer yesterday and got the same model (but new!).

The Geek Squad guy wanted us to leave the new computer so that they could update the softwares, check to see if is in good shape inside, and install a software/program made by Geek Squad that supposedly they don't sell it on best buy...only they (geek squad) have it so that when someone brings their computer to get fixed or etc they install it inside their computers. And he said that the program cannot be removed unless you re-install the OS.

He said that it includes an anti-virus, firewall, and a program that I really forgot what it does. At first I said yes, but I felt so uncomfortable (I didn't felt like I was treated well as a customer) so I told him that another day I'll take the computer to let them install it. (oh and you HAVE to pay the $40...not free the first day of buy...

I honestly don't want them to install whatever it is that they want to install on my computer.

So, does anyone know WHAT is this program they install? He said it is made by Geek Squad and he told me that I could never find informations about what it is by searching on the internet. (??)

How can I protect my computer (from virus, trojans, etc) if I don't want to let them install their software/program in my computer?

Wow. That sounds like bad news. Good thing apple gives you the real restore disks. I wouldn't let anyone touch your computer, even GeekSquad. Actually, especially GeekSquad and Nerds on Wheels. You only need a highschool diploma to work for them, its disgusting.

Anyways, if you already left it with them, that sucks. When you get it home, put in the apple restore cd and start over. If you didn't do it yet, DON'T.

 

[SaSaSushi]

The Geek Squad guy wanted us to leave the new computer so that they could update the softwares, check to see if is in good shape inside, and install a software/program made by Geek Squad that supposedly they don't sell it on best buy...only they (geek squad) have it so that when someone brings their computer to get fixed or etc they install it inside their computers. And he said that the program cannot be removed unless you re-install the OS.

If you're going to be running OS X on the iMac you don't need an antivirus program if you pay attention and don't engage in high risk behavior or enter your admin password willy nilly. Windows is another matter altogether.

He said that it includes an anti-virus, firewall, and a program that I really forgot what it does. At first I said yes, but I felt so uncomfortable (I didn't felt like I was treated well as a customer) so I told him that another day I'll take the computer to let them install it. (oh and you HAVE to pay the $40...not free the first day of buy...

Sounds like BS. I wouldn't let them open up the box to "inspect it" either. Who needs them to do that? Oh, and I highly recommend you get AppleCare coverage to extend the one year Apple limited warranty to a full 3 years. You don't need an Apple Store nearby to be covered in the event of a hardware failure and I strongly recommend against Best Buy extended warranties.

You can get AppleCare from L.A. Computer for $120 (comes out to $5 per month of coverage) or even cheaper on eBay. You can buy AppleCare to extend the one year warranty right up to the last day of the first year (but I think sooner is better)

 

[rocwiff]

Don't let them install anything!

We returned the computer yesterday and got the same model (but new!).

The Geek Squad guy wanted us to leave the new computer so that they could update the softwares, check to see if is in good shape inside, and install a software/program made by Geek Squad that supposedly they don't sell it on best buy...only they (geek squad) have it so that when someone brings their computer to get fixed or etc they install it inside their computers. And he said that the program cannot be removed unless you re-install the OS.

He said that it includes an anti-virus, firewall, and a program that I really forgot what it does. At first I said yes, but I felt so uncomfortable (I didn't felt like I was treated well as a customer) so I told him that another day I'll take the computer to let them install it. (oh and you HAVE to pay the $40...not free the first day of buy...

I honestly don't want them to install whatever it is that they want to install on my computer.

So, does anyone know WHAT is this program they install? He said it is made by Geek Squad and he told me that I could never find informations about what it is by searching on the internet. (??)

How can I protect my computer (from virus, trojans, etc) if I don't want to let them install their software/program in my computer?

Whatever "software" it is they are pushing, you don't need it. Mac's don't have viruses and trojans are avoidable by simply not downloading and installing anything from sources you don't trust. Mac OSX already has a firewall built-in, so just make sure it's turned on. They're just trying to milk you for another $40 because they know that you don't know much about computers and are trying to take advantage of you. Tell them to keep their "software"!

 

[clickey-grl]

Wow. That sounds like bad news. Good thing apple gives you the real restore disks. I wouldn't let anyone touch your computer, even GeekSquad. Actually, especially GeekSquad and Nerds on Wheels. You only need a highschool diploma to work for them, its disgusting.

Anyways, if you already left it with them, that sucks. When you get it home, put in the apple restore cd and start over. If you didn't do it yet, DON'T.

I never gave them my computer.

I really felt uncomfortable when he was almost taking my computer away. After I told him that I'll bring it another day (I'll never send it to them...unless my computer breaks, because we put a 3 year warranty on the computer...) he looked at me with a face that I thought it was almost rude (not so rude, but they shouldn't look at you in a weird way like he did).

 

[rocwiff]

I never gave them my computer.

I really felt uncomfortable when he was almost taking my computer away. After I told him that I'll bring it another day (I'll never send it to them...unless my computer breaks, because we put a 3 year warranty on the computer...) he looked at me with a face that I thought it was almost rude (not so rude, but they shouldn't look at you in a weird way like he did).

Good for you! Also, if it does break I would recommend taking it to an Apple store for service if at all possible. I wouldn't trust the geeksqaud with any repair especially not after what they already tried to pull. Anyway, hope you enjoy your new Mac!

 

[clickey-grl]

Whatever "software" it is they are pushing, you don't need it. Mac's don't have viruses and trojans are avoidable by simply not downloading and installing anything from sources you don't trust. Mac OSX already has a firewall built-in, so just make sure it's turned on. They're just trying to milk you for another $40 because they know that you don't know much about computers and are trying to take advantage of you. Tell them to keep their "software"!

Where can I find the firewall and how do I know if is ON?

 

[clickey-grl]

Good for you! Also, if it does break I would recommend taking it to an Apple store for service if at all possible. I wouldn't trust the geeksqaud with any repair especially not after what they already tried to pull. Anyway, hope you enjoy your new Mac!

Sadly here's still no Apple Store where I live...very sad

 

[dylanbrown]

Yeah, I'd advise not using Geek Squad. If you ever do have any problems, take it into the Genius Bar or call AppleCare.

As for anti-virus, you don't really need one, but as I share files with Windows users - I like to have one. I use an application called Clam X AV (Search in Google) it's free and is very handy.

Hope that helps.

EDIT: if you don't live near an Apple Store, Apple are usually nice enough to pick it up from your house.

 

[rocwiff]

Where can I find the firewall and how do I know if is ON?

It is in System Preferences. There should be an icon for it on the dock at the bottom of the screen (looks like a bunch of gears). When that comes up, click on the Security icon. When that comes up, click the button that says Firewall (right next to General and Filevault). It will bring up a bunch of options. Make sure the "Only allow essential services" option is selected. Then just click the lock to prevent unauthorized changes and that should be it. You can then close the System Preferences window.

 

[techfreak85]

ahh best buy.... how doth Macrumors love thee?

 

[clickey-grl]

If you're going to be running OS X on the iMac you don't need an antivirus program if you pay attention and don't engage in high risk behavior or enter your admin password willy nilly. Windows is another matter altogether.



Sounds like BS. I wouldn't let them open up the box to "inspect it" either. Who needs them to do that? Oh, and I highly recommend you get AppleCare coverage to extend the one year Apple limited warranty to a full 3 years. You don't need an Apple Store nearby to be covered in the event of a hardware failure and I strongly recommend against Best Buy extended warranties.

You can get AppleCare from L.A. Computer for $120 (comes out to $5 per month of coverage) or even cheaper on eBay. You can buy AppleCare to extend the one year warranty right up to the last day of the first year (but I think sooner is better)

Is it possible to buy AppleCare on a nearby store and not on the internet?
Because I can't buy stuff online yet and my parents (the ones who helped me getting my computer) don't like to buy online.

What do you mean by entering my admin password?
Like if I download something and suddenly is asking me to put my password so that I can open what I download it?

Also, if the AppleCare can't be bought online, then I think we'll have to stay with bestbuy warranty unless my parents decide to remove the warranty and pray that the IMac lasts a long time without harm (I am careful about what I open or download)

And there's still no Apple Store in my country ...

 

[zmttoxics]

I never gave them my computer.

I really felt uncomfortable when he was almost taking my computer away. After I told him that I'll bring it another day (I'll never send it to them...unless my computer breaks, because we put a 3 year warranty on the computer...) he looked at me with a face that I thought it was almost rude (not so rude, but they shouldn't look at you in a weird way like he did).

Excellent!

As a rule, you shouldn't let anyone install anything on your computer unless your 100% sure its safe.

 

[Shake 'n' Bake]

Is it possible to buy AppleCare on a nearby store and not on the internet?
Because I can't buy stuff online yet and my parents (the ones who helped me getting my computer) don't like to buy online.

If you've got an Apple authorized reseller, yes. If not, buy from the Apple Online Store.

What do you mean by entering my admin password?
Like if I download something and suddenly is asking me to put my password so that I can open what I download it?

The admin password is the password for any administrator level account. You are admin, so you can unlock just about anything.

Also, if the AppleCare can't be bought online, then I think we'll have to stay with bestbuy warranty unless my parents decide to remove the warranty and pray that the IMac lasts a long time without harm (I am careful about what I open or download)

And there's still no Apple Store in my country ...

You probably don't need AppleCare, but like I said, you can get it at the Apple Online Store or an Apple authorized reseller.

 

[suburbia]

You probably don't need AppleCare, but like I said, you can get it at the Apple Online Store or an Apple authorized reseller.

I would strongly recommend Applecare. So many thing could go wrong with the hardware within that 3 years you're covered. But for someone like clickey-grl, who's not even familiar with where to access the Firewall option, then you would probably benefit greatly from Applecare's telephone support (which is only free for 90 days without Applecare). But with Applecare, you can ring them up anytime for 3 years.

If you're able to, get a refund for the warranty from BestBuy asap. I would not trust them with my iPod, let alone an iMac you are dependent on for important school projects.

Applecare all the way. It's worth it to pay the retail price if you're unable to purchase it for a discount online just for the peace of mind. You will need it.

Best of luck with your new iMac