argh! I fixed someones computer, even made him a backup, and he scratched his backup cd

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WarDemon666

Platinum Member
Nov 28, 2000
2,224
0
0
I dont know if anyone remembers, but I fixed someones computer, made a backup cd and everything. He called me at least 5 times to help him with computer troubles after that, i never charged him. Now he calls up again, step him through the process once again (to copy the image to the hard drive), turns out he scratched his cd, and the image is no longer readable..

I cant get his windows 98 serial any more because of the corrupt file (it erased everything on his drive) and now I cant install windows with his serial...


How much should I charge him now to get everything going?

He has a f*ed up sound card which the drivers are virtually un-findable...

Im thinking of making him 3 backup cds, this way ill never hear from him again..

I WROTE a 4 page tutorial on how to keep his computer safe from viruses etc, even told him how to perform a backup, and he keeps calling.. now i have to fix it again..

What should I do?

Thanks!
 
H

hevnsnt

Lifer
Mar 18, 2000
10,868
1
0
Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
learn for the future, don't do it in the first place :p
Click to expand...

Exactly.. I now refuse to fix ANYONES computer. I say.. Sorry I don't do that any more.
 
D

DaveSimmons

Elite Member
Aug 12, 2001
40,730
670
126
Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
learn for the future, don't do it in the first place :p
Click to expand...
Exactly.
In this case, you could say you can't legally re-install anything because he has no windows serial number. He should buy a new Dell.
 
Legendary

Legendary

Diamond Member
Jan 22, 2002
7,019
1
0
Charge him more than any other place would charge him and then, assumedly, he'll go somewhere else.
 
SpunkyJones

SpunkyJones

Diamond Member
Apr 1, 2004
5,090
1
81
Originally posted by: hevnsnt
Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
learn for the future, don't do it in the first place :p
Click to expand...

Exactly.. I now refuse to fix ANYONES computer. I say.. Sorry I don't do that any more.
Click to expand...

Bingo! I only work on my parents pc's, everyone else I refuse to help, for I will pt be the one people call all the time to fix their crap.
 
M

MisterJackson

Lifer
Jun 19, 2004
10,860
1
81
I repair computers for a living. I "USED" to do it on the side. The headache/cash flow ratio on side jobs was just not worth it anymore.

Side job people think that just because they pay you $XXX.XX that not only SHOULD they get unlimited tech support, but they believe it's entitled to them. They also will blame every other unrelated computer problem on you. Fixed their modem, now their printer doesn't work, must be your fault......get the picture.

My point is this. You can do EVERYTHING you think you can to prepare this guy not to screw something else up, but he will. And as long as you LET him blame you, or expect you to fix it as "Warranty" do you think he'll all of a sudden say "Here's some more money, I know this is a new unrelated problem.", Nuh, uh.

Some people do it because they honestly know nothing about computers and think all problems are related. Others will just take your kindness for weakness and abuse you. There are NO exceptions.

You did the work this guy paid for. It's not your fault he scratched his CD. It's now a new problem and if you decide to work for him, put in writing the issue, what will be done, and a quote. Then have him sign it.

If I were you though I'd tell him very politely "Maybe I can refer you to a good shop I know of.".

As for a serial of 98, did you do "Copy his files" backup, or an "Image of his drive" backup?
 
W

WarDemon666

Platinum Member
Nov 28, 2000
2,224
0
0
Originally posted by: MisterJackson
I repair computers for a living. I "USED" to do it on the side. The headache/cash flow ratio on side jobs was just not worth it anymore.

Side job people think that just because they pay you $XXX.XX that not only SHOULD they get unlimited tech support, but they believe it's entitled to them. They also will blame every other unrelated computer problem on you. Fixed their modem, now their printer doesn't work, must be your fault......get the picture.

My point is this. You can do EVERYTHING you think you can to prepare this guy not to screw something else up, but he will. And as long as you LET him blame you, or expect you to fix it as "Warranty" do you think he'll all of a sudden say "Here's some more money, I know this is a new unrelated problem.", Nuh, uh.

Some people do it because they honestly know nothing about computers and think all problems are related. Others will just take your kindness for weakness and abuse you. There are NO exceptions.

You did the work this guy paid for. It's not your fault he scratched his CD. It's now a new problem and if you decide to work for him, put in writing the issue, what will be done, and a quote. Then have him sign it.

If I were you though I'd tell him very politely "Maybe I can refer you to a good shop I know of.".

As for a serial of 98, did you do "Copy his files" backup, or an "Image of his drive" backup?
Click to expand...



It was an image, and its corrupt. I cant get his serial any more...

Only thing I can think of is trying to find a backup on my computer somewhere..

But, i doubt i wrote it down..


Thanks for all the advice

Anyone have any other suggestions?
 
quakefiend420

quakefiend420

Lifer
Aug 26, 2004
14,685
1
76
i would just go ahead and fix it...charge out the ass...and explain to him that you didnt mind helping with a few minor problems before but now its becoming a regular thing...and if you are going to support him, any time he is talking to you about his computer you are on the clock...or just refer him to dell :D
 
Nitemare

Nitemare

Lifer
Feb 8, 2001
35,461
4
81
Charge hime $10 for ever burned cd. Charge him $50 an hour for labor. Charge him $10 per phone call
 
I

Injury

Lifer
Jul 19, 2004
13,066
2
81
Originally posted by: Nitemare
Charge hime $10 for ever burned cd. Charge him $50 an hour for labor. Charge him $10 per phone call
Click to expand...

And to illustrate the point that you don't want to help him because he is a burden, tell him the fee for telling you the fees is $100 alone, and you refuse to do any work until this portion of the bill is paid...


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Actually, it would probably just be easier to tell him that google is his friend and that luck might be on his side.
 
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