Q: Why was I required to provide credit/debit card information in order to obtain an Apple ID?

Thank you! I will try that route. I was trying to create a new apple id for her because she could not remember anthing about her existing id.

The "hacker" was a friend I mine, I thought until I started to notice unusual activity and my internet settings were changed. About a year ago, I asked him for help with setting up my computer, iPhone 4, and tablet for my company. My brother and I run a small HVAC company. I trusted this individual and left my laptop at his house. At that time I never thought he would do what he did. I stupidly gave him my email password and Apple ID. Whenhe returned my computer, I started to notice that my internet settings were changed. He changed my Internet from being a"home" wifi connection to a "business" with DNS, adapters, etc. I am not computer savy on how they operate and all of the different Internet options. I just know how to use computers, not programing or changing the operating system, like DOS. However, I noticed the change in my Internet settings along with other things. An administrator account was made, certificates were installed, and I was unable to change certain things on my phone and computer. I called Dell for help, I pleaded with them to let me send the laptop to them because I do not know enough to be able to tell you everything that needs to be fixed/changed. They would not let me and said it coyld be fixed over the phone. I paid $400 and they said, the problem is fixed and my internet/computer issues are resolved. I only think they got my computer back on line and increased the security. I do not think they fix the problem and currently one of my laptops is blue screened. I also believe he put something in my CD drive and believe he reversed the camera to look through it. Hence, I put post its over it to block the view. To this day, I cover the camera. I do not know what he did nor everything he did. I been reading up on security and hacking. I think he may have installed a key stroke logger but I do not know enought to truely know if he did. I have called authorities, spoken with many internet companies, talked with Verizon (my wifi provider), At&t my phone/tablet company, apple and many other people. I have changed passwords, my router, my web key, my phones, my tablets, apple id, and enabled two-step verification. I do not know where to go or what to do....... I have been dealing with this for over a year know.  Yesterday, I noticed that there were phone numbers blocked from calling my phone. I did not do it and took a picture so I can call the numbers to see find out who's numbers  were blocked. He tries to get on my Facebook and I know he can access my emails. I found another password that worked to log in to my yahoo business email. I want to make this person be held responsible for his actions. He has cost me a lot of money and interfered with the daily operations of my business. Sorry for writing a book but I am looking for any advice on where to go and what to do....... I welcome and appreciate any and all replies that can help in any way !!!

In regards to the crash, my brother can not recall if it said "app". He usually installs from the apple app.

He upgraded then the phone worked again.

My brother can not recall if it said "app". He usually installs from the apple app on his phone.

He has the 6. He upgraded and the phone works fine.  It did say to call apple support.

I did that when I first made an apple ID for my mom. It worked, however I never input the information. When I was hacked, I looked through her phone to see if anything was different. At that time, I noticed payment info and deleted it out. The issue came when I tried to change her Apple ID because she could not recall what it was and I could not find it through the procdedures offered to get the information. Thus, I decided to make a new Apple ID for her And that's when I was asked for the credit card info.

I thought of restoring windows to factory settings. I have done it in the past for other reasons. It's called advanced recovery in windows. However, I am wondering how that will preveny him from accessing my phone and tablet. He goes to library computers, airport, and other public computer facilities and gets into my stuff from there. I am curious how he found my new IP address and web key?? If he knows that information then can't he just keep doing the same things??? I am planning on restoring but I am also afraid of loosing any proof, if I could hold him accountable in a court of law. My brother's friend has a computer business and he td me that this person is extremely knowledgable and this probably is not the first time. I did find out that he has two degrees out NYU in computers. I do not know specifically know the aspect of computers degrees, computer science, programming? I have a BS in Civil Engineering and wish I had his knowledge. I will never be able to stop him myself and it is starting to become a part of my life. Always looking for something strange and unusual. I have had so many passwords, I remember what password belongs to what account. I have been taking pictures and saving all emails about unusual account activity. However, I am at the point that I want this just to end. I wanted to be able to take legal action but " i have no proof that he broke the law by stealing credit card info, so I should be careful because I could get in trouble if I accuse someone and they are not guilty." This is what I was told when I asked about taking legal action. Can you believe, I better be careful or I can get in trouble. So, I basically got from that response is that I have to wait until he manages to steal my identity and open credit cards in my name or company and/or steals from my credit/bank cards. Isn't that great! I thoughto opening someone else's mail is a federal offense. Why is email any different? He has managed to bresk into my yahoo acccout.. Shouldn't that be enough to at least put a scare into him by authorities.

I Got the number for Dell from my uncle who has tech. support for computers at his work. They use Dell so I contacted my uncle and he got the number from the computer person at his work. I am still under warranty from where I called.  I know I was speaking with someone in India by the accent. I mentioned to my uncle if there was someplace in the USA that I could call for support. He told me it's always usually India that handles tech support calls for Dell. I do not believe it was them. I called them to fix the problem. I was hacked prior to calling.

In regards to programs on my computer besides the norm that you usually get with windows:

Yes, I have one program of concern that I do not have a CD for to reinstall. It's Wrightdraw for doing heat load calculations to properly size HVAC systems. It was not cheap. I contacted them and am waiting to hear from them.

Once, I get that program and my windows professional, I am going to wipe both laptops.

However, I need to resolve the hacking problem. I will take your advice and thank you for it.

Where can I get the latest version of windows for free?

I usually get programs from my uncle. I paid $10 for windows and could install it on three computers. However, I do not know if I could get the latest version for the same amount. Does the free version come with word,excel, & publisher. Not a big deal if does not have publisher. I just like it, don't need it.

I Would like to thank everyone for their advice and opinions. I am greatful for any help I can get. I welcome and apprecite all advice and input that I can get. So far, you guys have been the most helpful and seem like you want to help. Unlike, the companies and other  people I have contacted about my issues.