iMac 1TB Replacement Program

FYI - I too received the e-mal about Apple replacing the hard drive. I just got back from the Apple store here in Cincinnati. I had 2 Apple people tell me that when I bring in my iMAC, they will transfer all the info from original hard drive to replacement and would take from 5-7 days. FYI

No problem - you're welcome! FWIW, I would not rely on or put my faith in someone else transferring my system. And, as Apple (or the repair shop) are not liable for any data lost, I'd just prefer to do it myself - I know it'll be done right and if something goes haywire, I'll have no one to blame but myself.

And, I would not leave my spotless almost new iMac in a repair shop for a week where it can gather all sorts of dust, scratches, etc. If that is a necessity, take pics of it before handing it over and have them make detailed notes on its condition. I speak from experience; my recent Macbook was replaced by Apple because their repair shop damaged it several times, and I had an iMac come back with the screen completely scratched/marred - I demanded to see the backroom (a local Mac reseller and AASP) and the stations had leftover food, parts and whatever on them while I watched a guy carelessly put one iMac screen down on the mess. I've never been back to that shop since (and it was reported to Apple) and I did get it taken care of, but I am now extremely careful about trusting anyone with my machines.

I have an appointment to drop off my iMac at the genius bar. I was told that currently it should be a 48 hour turnaround. Times may differ depending on availability of parts, how many repairs, etc.

Joe Gramm wrote:

What is the best way to wipe the drive clean. Booting from the original Install disks or using the ML Recovery HD.

I suggest first making sure that your clone is completely up-to-date & functional by starting up from it & running a few apps, opening some Finder windows, etc. Then, while you are still booted from it, open Disk Utility.

Select the internal drive from the list (not the named volume indented underneath it, usually "Macintosh HD"). Click on the "Erase" tab & choose the option to zero data. This will overwrite everything with zeros. I suggest not choosing the 7 or 35 pass secure erases because a) one pass is enough for modern high density drives & b) you don't want the drive to die in the middle of the procedure, leaving recoverable data on it.

Apple is probably pretty diligent about disposing of replaced drives properly but I would not take any chances anyway.

a brody wrote:

Oh my...Any idea how long it would take a Genius bar to replace a July 2010 hard drive? It hasn't happened to me yet. Also will they backup your data in the process for free?

Took about an hour and a half, but it was done on site, under the AppleCare plan, two years after I bought the machine. I let them install the OS onto it to ensure that it worked as designed. After they left, I partitioned it and restored all my clones from an identical ext FWHD made with CCC. Most sites are reporting 3-5 days, since it's apparently a recall and everyone's jumping onto to it. The replacement is working w/o any issues, but I plan on having it replaced in February. Check the lounge for other snippets on this subject.

Joe Gramm wrote:

My only question is about the easiest way to restore my System if I had the HD replaced.

Restore your bootable CCC clone. Unless you've tested restoring the TM backup, don't depend on it. BTW, TM requires way more time to do the job than recloning the clone.

Joe Gramm wrote:

I don't have AppleCare, but I did call them. They would set up in house repair, but indicated it would most likely be faster to bring it in.

That's only because they can't schedule their outside repairers in the same time they can have you schlep it into the store and waste 3-5 days getting it fixed. I strongly recommend, especially if there's nothing wrong with the HD, to opt for onsite repair. Only takes about 1 1/2 hours and you get the benefit of seeing how it's put together and why you wouldn't want to bother.

What is the best way to wipe the drive clean. Booting from the original Install disks or using the ML Recovery HD.

Use the original install discs. No wasting resources DLing ML from the MAS and all that unnecessary garbage. Just ensure that you zero out the data, install the OS, and set up a basic account so you can boot with it.

Others have indicated that onsite is available. Just might take a bit longer than if you hauled it in, waited the 2-7 days, and hauled it back. Well worth the wait for an onsite repair, since it only entails an hour or two disruption.😉

I can't believe Apple is willing to set that up even though I don't have AppleCare

I'm not sure about the either; as far as I know, in house has always and only been offered if you have Applecare (it is mentioned in the Applecare agreement, but not in the regular hardware warranty). But, nothing to lose - it's worth a shot asking.....

With all the threads/questions here about it, I'm going to wait a little for the flood to pass (unless it shows signs of failing)....

I made an appt. for Monday to bring it in. They had plenty of time slots. I have everything backed-up. I guess I have to repurchase some of the apps. I don't see them on TM. My biggest concern is packing it up for the trip to the store. Bubblewrap.