Monday, January 21, 2013

A Laptop Repair From Best Buy’s Geek Squad

Geek Squad

My daughter’s computer. It was a gift from my brother as her graduation present. It’s what he’s planned on giving all of my children. I’ve been trying to figure out how I can graduate from something so that maybe he’ll give me a laptop.

Her computer, it’s been behaving badly for over a year. Last spring, she called me several times telling me that it was making some really strange noises. Finally she gave it to me, I can’t remember why, but she ended up getting a used Mac from someone.

My boys were using it, but it finally got to the place where it had to be plugged in all of the time. The battery was clearly dead. Ugh, batteries in laptops die after 3 yrs apparently.

Geek Squad tech guy

The battery was dead, but other than that, we never really experienced any issues or heard strange noises, until one time in the middle of the night. Thank goodness I’m a night owl or that laptop would’ve had me seriously freaked out. I was sitting at my desk top tapping away when I heard weird beeps and other sounds coming from her computer. It sounded like there were gremlins inside of it messing around.

That was the only time I ever heard the noise, and it did it for about 20 minutes if not longer. I haven’t been able to recreate it either.

Now that I have Geek Squad Coverage, I was able to take it in and have them take a gander at it. Of course as I tried explaining the noise to the guy, he looked at me like I was crazy and he just nodded nicely as if he thought to do otherwise might make me go all batty on him. I was just explaining what I heard, come on man!

Geek Squad tech check in

We talked a little bit about the issues and while he was booting it up, I mentioned having issues with the battery. Having never owned a laptop before, I had no clue that you shorten the life of said battery by leaving it in while having it plugged in! (shoot, I’m doing that right now). Hang on…

And it’s out! Ok, back to the Geek Squad…

We talked about all the possible issues and he wrote up a slip for me, took all of my information, etc. He told me it might be three days, but they were getting them done a lot sooner.

When I got home, there was an email for me saying that my laptop had been checked in for repair! I almost felt like a mama watching her baby going into surgery. Waiting for those updates, is my daughter’s laptop going to make it? Two days later, an new email…they were ready to reunite me with the laptop. Visiting hours were open!

SAM_0159

I went in to get it and I tell you, they were extremely thorough! I was told they removed 129 infections, deleted all temp files, installed all windows updates, disabled extra startup items, and their basic end of task actions. Of course, they weren’t able to duplicate the sounds coming out of the computer, which doesn’t surprise me. If it happens again, I’ll have to get a recording of it so they can hear it.

The service was fantastic to say the least. This was the first time having used the Geek Squad in-store and they were extremely personable and helpful! And I got a final email saying that my repair had been closed and that my laptop had been “restore your device to ‘awesomely functional’ status.”

The only bad news I got was that to replace the battery I’ll have to go through Dell to buy it and that will run me about $60-90! Dang! Obviously replacing the battery is totally worth it! It’ll be nice for my daughter to have a back-up computer as well for school!

SAM_0160

After having the Geek Squad find so many infections, I think I might make it a regular stop for me with my laptop and my desktop. Oh man, that desktop is about 7yrs old. I can only imagine what they’d find on that thing!

My only question at this point is, “why haven’t I been using them until now?”

*The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

22 comments:

Liz Mays said...

I've used them many, many times. Did I say many? Because I do mean many. So stinkin' many.

Anonymous said...

I used Geek Squad only once and I will recommend them forever! They were so so helpful and knowledgeable! They used remote access to my computer and were able to tell me what was wrong and told me how to fix it. The man who helped me was just as thorough as you described above. LOVE Geek Squad!

Laura Grace Andry said...

I have never tried the geek squad. But lately our computer has been driving me crazy with its extreme lag time and program closures. Virus and bugs are driving me crazy! I just may give these guys a try.

JC said...

Great post, now I have more confidence using Geek Squad.

Elena said...

I have never used them before, but sounds like it's a great service

Sandy VanHoey said...

We should have looked into this for ours. Just got it out of repair today and it cost $185.00. I didn't have a clue you'd shorten battery life on laptop by keeping it in while plugged in. I have to let my daughter know. She has hers plugged in all the time and never takes a battery out...Yikes!

Julie Wood said...

I have never thought about using The Geek Squad to fix a computer problem, but if I have a computer problem in the future, I would consider using them. Thanks for posting this great information!

Unknown said...

I have never used them before. I am glad they did a great job for you and if I ever need help, I will consider the service.

algonacchick said...

I have never used The Geek Squad, but I'm glad you had a good experience with them.

Amy Orvin said...

When I recently got my new PC from Best Buy, the sales guy asked me if I wanted to buy the Geek Squad service. It was so unaffordable at the time, I said no.

2dogs5catscrew@att.net

ken ohl said...

I use the geek squad for my best buy purchase thankyou, ken pohl19@comcast.net

Danielle Harper said...

I have had some great experiences with Geek Squadd. The last time I used them was because one of my daughters ripped a ton of keys off my lap top.... oyyyy. Love that Best Buy has such an awesome team of "geeks" hehe.

freddie said...

Wow they sound really great. I'll have to check them out if I buy a computer from them. dwelchert@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

What do you mean by "Geek Squad Coverage" and how much did it cost you? I have a best buy pretty close to where I live now and may have to use them one day since I don't live close to my in-laws anymore ha ha.

Anonymous said...

geek squad has helped me before

Jennifer Young said...

My laptop could definitely use some work too! :(

Jan Messali said...

I've seen the Geek Squad cars around, but have never used them. It sounds like they did a great job for you, and for some of the commenters. I'll keep them in mind. Thanks!

RealtorSD said...

Wow thats a lot of infections. I could only imagine how many our computer would have.

Barbara Montag said...

I haven't used Geek Squad yet.
Time to start!
Thanks for the helpful info.

Tammy Schweitz said...

Sorry never used the Geek Squad because I have my tech at home too fix my computer LOL

Natalie Parvis-Nichols said...

My old computer crapped out. I should probably take it up there to see if they can get my stuff off of the hard drive.

xbox 360 repair services said...

I have never used hired their services but they claims to provide expert support for computers, home theater, digital cameras and more.

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