advice for computer with extended warrenty cd drive just went

icefall

I bought my desktop computer in 2002, (pentium 4, windows xp home, crt monitor) have had no problems till today, when after using the cd rewriter to burn a cd - I went to put in another cd and I heard it make a loud noise, and then that was it, stopped working. now it does not register on the computer that a cd is in there at all not even to play one. I have a dvd rom so double checked by putting a cd in there and it registers the music in there.


This all happened this evening, too late for the helpline so I will be phoning comet tomorrow to find out my position. In the meantime here's my query.

I paid for an extended warrenty from comet for 5 years ( on the advice of a friend) so I assume they will probably repair just the cd rewriter.

I realise now that I could probably almost buy a new computer with the price of that warranty - what I would really like is a replacement of similar spec (but upgraded of course) I know its a lot to ask but does anyone have any advice?

Fran

Have a look at the Trading Standards website.

bbb_uk

I don't think you could get comet to replace/repair your whole computer if thats what your after. You've had your computer for so long now I don't think anything in UK law could help you except to ensure that Comet fulfull their extended warranty obligations which will mean just replacement/repair of the writer.

If you've never made a claim on the 5 year warranty before you could speak to comet (in store) and mention to them that you were thinking of upgrading your computer is there anything like reducing the cost of a new computer against what you paid for the 5 year warranty. Eg, you paid £200 for warranty and a new computer costs around £350 - can you pay the difference of £150. Although, I doubt they would take into consideration the full cost you paid for the warranty.

Some 5 year warranties (providing you haven't made a claim on it) you can get back on the 5 year. I'm not sure if that means you get the actual amount of money you paid for the warranty back in your pocket or that they give you store credit or a reduction of your next warranty - you would have to read the t&c of your extended warranty for more info on how (if they do this) it works.

Matt83UK_2

from comet for 5 years ( on the advice of a friend)

That's what friends do :rolleyes:. A new CD drive is about £15 (£18 inc shipping) and as easy to fit as a lightbulb:
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=58823

Now in all seriousness, the days of computer being away, the trip to the local store and the countless times on the dread Comet 0870, and the stress, you may find it cheaper to just replace it yourself, and put the warranty down to a dodgy friend and worst investment you've ever made.

icefall

thank you all for your advice, will let you know what happens.

bbb_uk

I build computers for a living (a longwinded boring job especially when installing Windows) anyway I've never given advice to get extended warranty on computers that people may buy from these shops because most of the time computers are ok except for software problems (which most likely isn't included in any extended warranties anyhow) and most of the time the hardware parts that fail may only cost a small amount compared to the cost of an extended warranty.

icefall

ok an update for you, telephoned the 0870 number pressed various buttons, eventually spoke to a person who said I needed the multimedia helpline and transferred me, whereupon I spoke to a man who took all the details (including policy number, make and model number etc), then put me on hold then I got disconnected - the line just went burrrr.

So redialled, went through the same performance (put through to multmedia line etc) and this time got through to a female representative who seemed a good deal friendlier and less pompous.

She doublechecked the details and informed me that my case is going to the dispatch team and it could take up to a week before I am contacted, as it has to be passed by them first. She said unless it fails but that would only be probably due to the policy number being taken down incorrectly (it was at this point I requested another double check on the policy number).

she said an engineer will come out have a look probably fix it at my home but any problems and he may take it away - gutted, do not think I can live without my computer anymore! I have a case number with comet now and she said they usually phone the day before they come out, so I then gave her my mobile number as well.

My policy does guarantee me up to 2007, and I have never used it before, this is my first problem with this computer.

I suppose what I am left with is a sense of I do not want to wait a week before its fixed... yet it only went last night so if I have patience it may not be that long! I will wait and see.

icefall

hi the engineer turned up yesterday, put a new cd-rewriter drive in for me 52X as mine originally was only 24x I think. So it is faster now. He also gave me a nero 6 cd - cool, and I downloaded the updates on the net with it. Nero is twice as fast as windows media player at burning so chuffed now.

so am pleased I have the burner back.

thanks again for all the advice.