Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Privacy when getting repairs

M

macbookuser01

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 8, 2011
4
0
I searched and read a couple of similar threads but couldn't find anything exactly answering my concerns.

First of all the details of my problem: I'm pretty sure the problem with my MacBook Pro falls under this http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2377. My Mac boots up with the chime and everything, and it respons with the right sounds when I lower/raise the volume and press random keys. All the LEDs on the keyboard work and I can adjust the keyboard lighting. Everything seems to be working but my screen is pitch black and I do have the nVidia 8600 series (and bought it in Sep. 2007) that falls under that recall. It doesn't display anything on an external monitor either.

Anyway since those repairs are likely free-of-charge I'm planning on taking my MacBook to get the card swapped out or whatever. But since I can't see anything I can't back up or move files. I do have torrents, porn, and sensitive documents so I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas on how I could protect my privacy given my problem. Should I even be concerned about it if they are just going to replace the video card?

Thanks in advance.
 
macbookuser01 said:
Should I even be concerned about it if they are just going to replace the video card?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't. But I don't think they'll be able to help you transfer your stuff off unless they fix it first, but it would already be fixed by then. I'd always take a backup of some important files, but since that's not an option for you, then just take it in.
 
Thanks wordoflife. Well as long as they just replace the video card and not screw around with the hard drive I think it will be OK. My most important stuff is on my external but I guess I have no choice but to take a chance with this.

Was wondering if anyone had a bad experience or anything too.
 
That's good to know, I hope you're right. Well I've heard about sleazy computer repair guys snooping around before.

Also unrelated but I hope it's not like my last visit to the Genius Bar where I almost fell asleep (no joke) as the guy kept telling me over and over about the problem I already knew about and then didn't have a solution anyway.
 
Disable auto login on your account, if you have it, disable fast account switching, if you have it, and then turn on the Guest Account. Unless they do some serious hacking, they'll only be able to use the Guest Account.
 
Remember, that's how Gary Glitter fist got caught - he took his computer to PC World (UK) to get it repaired, and they found all that illegal **** on his computer. I'd stick all the files you are bothered about into an encrypted container. Or go for Full Disk Encryption.
 
At the Apple Store I worked at, the Genius Room in the Back of House (where they do repairs) was pretty small, there was almost always more than one person working back there at a time, and it's under video surveillance.

Not saying that it couldn't happen, but I think it's unlikely that you'll find a Genius going through your personal files.

I'd bet you that more Macs in for repair than not have torrents, porn, and personal files on them. :)
 
LOL, it does and will happen. They will also likely need an admin account to work on your Mac. If you have anything that you don't want seen then my advice is to find a way to get it off or swap the drive.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back