Laptop given to Cidac computers returned with hard disc missing

[chrisc]

Cidac, in Access Park in Kenilworth were given a HP Laptop to repair. There was a 160Gb SATA hard disc in the machine, with all the data, etc on it

The laptop was returned after 2 weeks with a report that the parts would cost more than the machine is worth. So she brought it to me, to take out the hard disc to retrieve the documents and pictures

Upon opening the hard drive flap, it was missing. Customer called Cidac who contradicted themselves 3 times, depending to whom she spoke, alternately saying they have it, then denying that they took it, then saying they took it out to avoid damaging it. They actually asked her what it looked like!

 

[sybertiger]

:/

so after 3 times of saying they dont have it
the 4th time they say they have it...

and how the hell does a company that repair pc's dont know how the part looks like...

tell them if they dont give it back with in a week,u will report them for stealing it

 

[KhoisanX]

SAPS said that since the PC was handed in willingly, it is not theft.

So if I take my car in for a service and it comes back without the engine then it's all above board? I'd go back and find someone a bit brighter.

Hope they will learn to make backups after this experience.

 

[ToxicBunny]

SAPS said that since the PC was handed in willingly, it is not theft. Of course they know what a 2.5" hard disc looks like, this was just an excuse given off the cuff. I am going in there tomorrow with 2 large friends and an attitude

The SAPS are trying to be lazy...

Speak to your station commander. This is a clear case of theft, and CIDAC need to be shown that its not acceptable.

 

[FNfal]

The SAPS are trying to be lazy...

Speak to your station commander. This is a clear case of theft, and CIDAC need to be shown that its not acceptable.

I agree that is theft and insist they open a theft case.

 

[The_Unbeliever]

Theft, finish en klaar.

 

[ToxicBunny]

Good on you dude...

 

[Sensorei]

Thanks for the warning about Cidac Computers. I drive past them often.

 

[F1 Fan]

So Im assuming the employee that left stole the HDD. Maybe people who take in stuff for repairs should make it standard practice to note down the hardware.

 

[ponder]

Sending something in before doing data backup/recovery is also pretty dumb. Had it gone to the likes of hp, dell etc they would have formatted the drive to original state from the factory.

 

[Nerfherder]

Sending something in before doing data backup/recovery is also pretty dumb. Had it gone to the likes of hp, dell etc they would have formatted the drive to original state from the factory.

I'm thinking that the actual drive being missing is more of an issue. Sure the data could have been backed up but a 160 gig laptop drive is not cheap... you can't just not return it.

 

[chrisc]

The detective went on and on about their being no proof, etc. So I asked whether the affidavit from the PC's owner was then useless. He seemed so reluctant to do anything that I got annoyed with him, whereupon he got up and walked out the office.

A replacement HDD will cost about R 610,00 so the owner will prepare a letter of demand to give to the shop, and if this does not get a response, go to the Small Claims Court. She refuses to lie down about it

I had no idea that this woman had taken the PC to this shop, since I only found about it when she brought it to me to take off the data. Apparently she spilled a cup of coffee over the keyboard and it switched itself off.

 

[ToxicBunny]

That detective needs to be dealt with.

I would report his behaviour to the station commander and demand that it gets dealt with appropriately.

 

[ponder]

I'm thinking that the actual drive being missing is more of an issue. Sure the data could have been backed up but a 160 gig laptop drive is not cheap... you can't just not return it.

I think the data is more important than the price of a new drive.

The detective went on and on about their being no proof, etc. So I asked whether the affidavit from the PC's owner was then useless. He seemed so reluctant to do anything that I got annoyed with him, whereupon he got up and walked out the office.

A replacement HDD will cost about R 610,00 so the owner will prepare a letter of demand to give to the shop, and if this does not get a response, go to the Small Claims Court. She refuses to lie down about it

I had no idea that this woman had taken the PC to this shop, since I only found about it when she brought it to me to take off the data. Apparently she spilled a cup of coffee over the keyboard and it switched itself off.

I pretty sure you can get a replacement drive for way less than R610, I've purchased way bigger drives for way less. Also note that SAPS is useless and generally don't know wtf they are doing, they are a waste of time.

That detective needs to be dealt with.

I would report his behaviour to the station commander and demand that it gets dealt with appropriately.

This is the SAPS, they are incompetent and nothing will come of this.

 

[mr_norris]

IMO, the letter will do absolutely nothing, and the laptop owner will spend hours his or her time raging and sorting things out with the court.

Perhaps speak to the owner / manager of the shop and try come to an agreement, without intimidating them with extra muscle.

If nothing can be reached, cut your losses, never go back and bad mouth that shop whenever you can.

I think if you go the route of the courts, you'll end up wasting more of your own time than what a hard drive is worth.

 

[bekdik]

The detective went on and on about their being no proof, etc. So I asked whether the affidavit from the PC's owner was then useless. He seemed so reluctant to do anything that I got annoyed with him, whereupon he got up and walked out the office.

A replacement HDD will cost about R 610,00 so the owner will prepare a letter of demand to give to the shop, and if this does not get a response, go to the Small Claims Court. She refuses to lie down about it

I had no idea that this woman had taken the PC to this shop, since I only found about it when she brought it to me to take off the data. Apparently she spilled a cup of coffee over the keyboard and it switched itself off.

Just wondering. How would you prove that the drive wasn't in the laptop when you got it?

 

[chrisc]

That is what an affidavit is for. It is a sworn statement

 

[ponder]

That is what an affidavit is for. It is a sworn statement

My word, your word. We can both do affidavids.

 

[Jladan]

My word, your word. We can both do affidavids.

Yes , however then they test of reasonableness comes in , it's likely that a non tech person would submit a pc for repairs with a hdd as it's part of the whole and it's unlikely they would have the required skills to remove it prior to handing it in.

 

[Venomous]

I have found the small claims court quite efficient. You arrange for a summons to be delivered, for a R15 fee and the case is heard in about 3 weeks. You cannot argue your case, but the attorney in charge of the hearing will often ask some questions of either party. He gives his ruling straight away and there is no appeal. If you lose your case, there is no cost, but if you are awarded your complaint, then the other party must pay immediately. Cases take 10-15 mins to conclude. Most of the cases seem to be related to tenants not getting their deposit back, or shop-owners reneging on lay-bye sales

The shop owner has already indicated that he is not the slightest bit interested in my friend's problem, so I don't see that there will be any benefit on trying to speak to him again

Do you deal in PCs?
If yes...

Make sure the claim includes labour charges that would be incurred for reloading(new hdd) and data transfer(what was needed)