My brand new computer crashed

[Janice]

Last Thursay, I was online and my computer started acting strange. Icons disappearing, then toolbars. I tried to run a virus scan, but nothing would open. Strange messages telling me I didn't have permission. I called Comcast, and they had an outgoing message saying there was a problem in the area. They weren't even taking calls. I shut down, and used my husband's computer which was okay. Later on, I tried to get on and it was fade to black. Completly gone.

The next day, my husband took it back to Best Buy, and they told him that we didn't have a warranty and that the Geek Squad would fix it. The Geeks are right in Best Buy. They take my computer, charge $130 upfront, and give my husband a phone number to call Gateway and order the Recovery CDs (for $40). I know. my bad.

I called Gateway and fortunately got a nice person. When I told him that my computer was only six weeks old, he said that I have a one year warranty for hardware and three months for software. He mailed me the Recovery discs for free. He told me that tech support will walk me through it, and if it can't be done, to mail my computer to them, and they'll either fix it or give me a new one. I called the Geek Squad, told him about the warranty. He asked me what I wanted to do now. I told him that my husband's on his way to pick up my computer and my $130.

I hate Best Buy and the Geek Squad because they're lying SOS. They had to know about the warranty. I know it's nuts, but it's a big coincidence that my computer crashed when Comcast was having big trouble. Anyway, long story, but there it is.

[HuntingtonM15]

Yikes. I know what that's like. Back in '02, I bought a new Dell and had a very similar problem. I spent almost two full days on the phone before they finally agreed to replace it. I hope you were able to get the $130 back.

[Family Ties Forever!]

Janice, I'm sorry that your computer crashed and that you have to pay $130 to get it fixed. Too bad there's not a way to force either Best Buy or Comcast to pay that since it sounds like one of them is to blame.

Thirteen years ago I bought my first computer. It was either a Compac or Dell. I had the large print software loaded on it the same day I bought it. Upon installation of the software the computer crashed. I had to end up returning the computer. The computer wasn't compatiable.

[The Great One]

Wow! I never heard about that type of thing happening to a computer. I will definitely be cautious if I ever decided to buy a new PC. I hope you're able to get your money back. It shocking that Best Buy would treat their customers that way.

[Janice]

I did get my $130 back from the Geek & Creep Squad. Now I have to wait for the Recovery discs. I should have just insisted on a new computer. It's like a car; once a lemon, always a lemon. I'll be like you Michael, going crazy with tech support. Thanks guys, I appreciate the support.

[The Great One]

I'm glad you got your $130 back and thanks for sharing your situation with all of us. I will be very careful when I buy my next PC and especially if it's from Best Buy.

[OH Nuts!]

Originally Posted by Janice

Last Thursay, I was online and my computer started acting strange. Icons disappearing, then toolbars. I tried to run a virus scan, but nothing would open. Strange messages telling me I didn't have permission. I called Comcast, and they had an outgoing message saying there was a problem in the area. They weren't even taking calls. I shut down, and used my husband's computer which was okay. Later on, I tried to get on and it was fade to black. Completly gone.

The next day, my husband took it back to Best Buy, and they told him that we didn't have a warranty and that the Geek Squad would fix it. The Geeks are right in Best Buy. They take my computer, charge $130 upfront, and give my husband a phone number to call Gateway and order the Recovery CDs (for $40). I know. my bad.

I called Gateway and fortunately got a nice person. When I told him that my computer was only six weeks old, he said that I have a one year warranty for hardware and three months for software. He mailed me the Recovery discs for free. He told me that tech support will walk me through it, and if it can't be done, to mail my computer to them, and they'll either fix it or give me a new one. I called the Geek Squad, told him about the warranty. He asked me what I wanted to do now. I told him that my husband's on his way to pick up my computer and my $130.

I hate Best Buy and the Geek Squad because they're lying SOS. They had to know about the warranty. I know it's nuts, but it's a big coincidence that my computer crashed when Comcast was having big trouble. Anyway, long story, but there it is.

Sorry you went thru this Janice. I never got good vibes from Best Buy when I was checking out computers - thats why I'm going to get an Apple from an Apple Store here in NYC . Glad you had a nice experience with Gateway. When it comes to electronics costing over $75 I wouldn't buy doody squat from BB.

[Family Ties Forever!]

Originally Posted by Janice

I did get my $130 back from the Geek & Creep Squad. Now I have to wait for the Recovery discs. I should have just insisted on a new computer. It's like a car; once a lemon, always a lemon. I'll be like you Michael, going crazy with tech support. Thanks guys, I appreciate the support.

I hope it goes smoothly with the recovery discs.

[cyberalias81]

If you going to use the restore disc, you'll need to have someone back up your personal data if you want to keep it.

[Mr. Television]

I'm sorry about all of this Janice. There are some real crooks in this world. I never cared for Best Buy myself. hno:

[Brian Damage]

Janice, I am sorry you are going through this. Computers suck....in a way. lol One bad site or wrong upload and things can crash and your computer becomes trash. I have been having computer problems myself for months now. It is very ANNOYING!