It's not often that I'm saddened by how a business operates, but here is a case of just that.
One Thursday, my mouse stopped moving. Five minutes later, my computer turned off. Not able to turn it back on, I turned to the Internet to discover it might be a motherboard issue. Unsure if it was a motherboard issue, I sought recommendations on a good computer repair shop to diagnose the issue. I was recommended Actnet.
On Monday, I brought my computer in. I received a call in a few days, letting me know the issue was found. On the following Tuesday, because of a long holiday weekend, I contacted Actnet back and was told that the issue was a broken motherboard. After thinking about what to do next and checking my warranty, I decided it would be best to take the computer back and finish installing the new motherboard myself.
I took the computer back and even before putting it in my car, noticed that there were some dried liquid stains on it. I thought that this was the least of my problems.
To be certain that things were placed where they should be, I took photos and videos of every cord I was about to unplug. I took out the video card, the fan, the heatsink, and finally the motherboard. With my new motherboard and processor in hand, I proceeded to put the computer back together. I cross referenced my photos and the manual to make sure that everything was in the right place. I checked three times just to be sure.
I was ready to turn on the computer.
When I did so, however, smoke started emanating from the inside of the tower. I quickly turned off the power source and unplugged the computer, made sure there wasn't a fire going on, and opened all of my windows.
After hours of looking for the source, I found that there was a two pronged female connection that only had one male connection in it. The motherboard was installed correctly, but one of the connections from the power source was not.
I didn't even touch the power source or connections coming from the power source, except to power the motherboard and graphics card since I was told it was only a faulty motherboard issue. I figured that all of the wires I already had zip-tied up, that were plugged in, were as I had left them (when the computer was working). Apparently, some of those connections had been changed and re-installed incorrectly.
Unsure what damage had been done to the computer, I troubleshooted the computer for a few more hours. Ultimately, with this connection unplugged, I was able to get the computer to work.
The next day, I brought the computer back into Actnet to show them the issue. I got expressions of relief that the issue wasn't worse, mixed in with some belittling. Was I being treated like a kid again? Was there gas lighting going on?
When identifying the connection issue, I was told that the two connected points should never have been connected--yet they were when I picked up the computer. I was told that the computer was hurriedly put back together, when I had said I would pick it up--I would have happily picked up the computer later if more time was needed. I was told that I was only charged a cheap price and that a lot of time was spent working with the tower--I didn't bargain for the price. I would have even paid more to make sure that something like this wouldn't happen.
I specifically asked if there was any way to even meet me half way, to get the cord replaced or something. I was offered wire that I could solder myself or the repair person to cut the wire for me.
I left disappointed that this would even happen.
All in all, I come away with a lesson learned that trust is easy to lose and that I shouldn't only check the motherboard components when someone else repairs my computer.
The repair person told me that if I came in again, I would get a good deal. I'm not sure I'll be back again having felt so wronged. read more