cgksheff Posted November 9, 2006 Share Posted November 9, 2006 http://www.which.co.uk/press/press_topics/product_news/computing_which_magazine/PC_repairs_571_99685.jsp "Experts introduced simple faults to PCs and fieldworkers took them to 20 computer repairers – seven branches of PC World and 13 independents. Prices to fix a loose cable ranged from £10 to £139 and researchers were charged from £20 to £260 to fix a simple software problem. PC World performed particularly badly. At one store, after misdiagnosing the simple software problem, Computing Which? researchers were informed a repair would cost £350 and instead staff advised us to buy a completely new computer. On six occasions branches of PC World refused to even look at a PC because the computer wasn’t returned with a boxed copy of Windows or a recovery disc – neither of which were necessary to fix either fault. Some retailers were also found to cut corners by reinstalling Windows instead of finding the source of the fault. If this happens, consumers not only have to pay for new copies of Windows and its installation, but lose any data that hasn’t been backed up. Despite poor results in some of the independent repair shops, the majority provided good repairs, lower costs and impressive service – some shops even helped to carry the mended computers to the researchers’ cars." ............ “Consumers rely on PC repair shops to solve a problem and to do so at a fair price. It is shocking that simple problems, such as a loose cable, can be misdiagnosed and stores are getting away with charging for their mistakes.” “PC World is the only big chain that repairs PCs it didn’t sell, making it the first port of call for many PC owners. We think that they should overhaul their training – they could learn a lot from independent retailers.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclone Posted November 9, 2006 Share Posted November 9, 2006 Some retailers were also found to cut corners by reinstalling Windows instead of finding the source of the fault. If this happens, consumers not only have to pay for new copies of Windows and its installation, but lose any data that hasn’t been backed up. Indulging in a little bit of hyperbole there were they? Reinstalling windows doesn't have any effect on data unless for some reason they choose to format the drive as well (this isn't the default behaviour). And if the customer has a genuine windows license then there will be no need to pay for a second copy just to reinstall it. That said, i'm not surprised that PC World repairs are rubbish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slh73 Posted November 9, 2006 Share Posted November 9, 2006 Indulging in a little bit of hyperbole there were they? Reinstalling windows doesn't have any effect on data unless for some reason they choose to format the drive as well (this isn't the default behaviour). And if the customer has a genuine windows license then there will be no need to pay for a second copy just to reinstall it. That said, i'm not surprised that PC World repairs are rubbish. If you install windows xp over itself without formatting the drive, it will delete the contents of the 'my documents' folder. Doesn't do it with any other version, AFAIK, but definitely does with XP. I speak from personal experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclone Posted November 9, 2006 Share Posted November 9, 2006 I don't think you're right, but I can't find anything to prove it either way and I don't have the time to perform a repair reinstall to find out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slh73 Posted November 9, 2006 Share Posted November 9, 2006 I don't think you're right, but I can't find anything to prove it either way and I don't have the time to perform a repair reinstall to find out. I am right, I've done it myself. Lost a load of holiday photos because of it. I was used to being able to install win98 or 2k without formatting the drive and keeping old data, so I did the same with XP. Didn't work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nazo Posted November 9, 2006 Share Posted November 9, 2006 Given that Dixons was infamous for practices such as selling Returned PCs as new (often with the old data still on them) it's hardly surprising that PCW is continuing in the same vain. Dixons group seems to be founded on the principle of taking advantage of ignorant consumers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaFoot Posted November 9, 2006 Share Posted November 9, 2006 ...on the subject of re-installing XP, last time I did it I dont recall losing my data. *edit to add* think i lost some settings, but no data Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyclone Posted November 9, 2006 Share Posted November 9, 2006 Same here, I just can't find any documentation to prove it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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