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Apple Warranty & AppleCare Repairs

Tekserve is one of the largest independent Apple authorized service providers in the United States. We perform Apple warranty repairs and beyond warranty repairs on all Apple computers and Apple displays. For iPods, Windows computers, printers, and all other devices, please see available services by device for complete details on how we can help you today.

Review the simple steps below to avoid any delays in the repair process:


Before You Come In For Repair

  • Make notes about the problem(s) you are having. When problems occur, write a note with the time, what you were doing on the computer, and exactly what happened (error messages, odd sounds, shut-down, etc.)
  • Backup your computer (if you can). If you are unable to backup your computer, Tekserve can usually do so for an additional charge. Many failures and repairs don't affect the hard drive or your data, but without a backup you will not be able to access your data until the repair is completed.
  • (Optional) If your computer's password is confidential, change it (if you can). We will need to know your administrative password for many repairs, so you may want to temporarily change it. See this Apple knowledge base article for step-by-step instructions on resetting your account password.

Coming into Tekserve For Repair

  • Stop by Tekserve for a free estimate, no appointment required. Check our store hours and come in at least an hour before we close. Typically we'll get you in and out in 30 to 40 minutes. It can take longer on weekdays between 5p-8p and weekends between 1p-6p.
  • Bring your power adapter. If you have a portable computer, an Apple display, or a Mac mini, please bring the power adapter. If you have a Power Mac, Mac Pro, or an iMac, we don't need any cables at all.
  • Don't bring your keyboard and mouse. Unless the problem you are experiencing is related to the mouse or keyboard, you don't need to bring those with you.
  • Ask us about upgrades. If you have been thinking about adding more memory (RAM) or a larger hard drive to your computer, we can often complete upgrades without adding time to the repair.
  • Ask us about renting a computer during your repair. We know it's tough to be without your computer, which is why we offer flat-rate rentals for the duration of your repair with a three day grace period.

After Your Repair at Tekserve

  • Your technician will call you as soon as the repair is completed. Your receipt shows the phone number you gave us to call when the repair is completed.
  • Don't forget to bring your receipt! Your receipt is required to pick-up your completed repair.
  • Pick-up your repair (takes 10-20 minutes). If you have a rental in conjunction with the repair, it must be returned within 3 days of your repair completion. All other repairs need to be picked up within 30 days of repair completion.
  • Verify your issue was resolved. If you have further questions, you can call our service line at (212) 929-3645 x4 or email help@tekserve.com.
  • Continue or start backing up your data. A repair is a good reminder that computers can and do sometimes fail. Take this opportunity to start backing up your data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question below to view in full:

How long do repairs take?

This varies quite a bit. In general, if we can complete the repair within half-an-hour and we have the part in stock, we'll do it while you wait. Otherwise, we usually estimate four to five business days. We offer flat-rate computer rentals during a Tekserve repair ($99 for a MacBook or $199 for a MacBook Pro, plus the cost of transferring data if you don't have a good backup).

What repairs are covered by my Apple Warranty or AppleCare?

You can read the full-length warranty agreements on Apple's website for the one-year hardware warranty and AppleCare. The basic guideline is that Apple will cover hardware problems caused by manufacturer defects and normal use. Apple will not pay for recovering lost data or damage caused by spills or drops. AppleCare customers have access to free phone support to cover software problems caused by the Mac operating system and some Apple programs (call 800 275-2273). However Apple will not pay Tekserve to fix any software problems, you must use their phone support for free software support. Any problem caused by non-Apple software or peripherals will not be covered under Apple Warranty or AppleCare.

What's the difference between a hardware and a software problem and why does it matter?

Software repairs are required when a program, data, or your operating system is having a problem. These repairs are usually not covered under warranty and can often be solved at home. Try calling AppleCare (800 275-2273), checking Apple's support website, checking the web search on your problem. If the problem is with a specific application, check the manufacturer's website for software updates and support. If those resources can't solve your problem, backup your computer and bring it into Tekserve.

Hardware repairs may be needed if your machine is having an electrical, mechanical, or physical problem. If the machine and its problem are covered by Apple Warranty, an Apple Repair Extension, or AppleCare, Apple will pay for the repair. If your problem is not covered by Apple, we will give you a free estimate for the best solution.

How much does Tekserve charge for estimates?

We will do an initial evaluation and give you an estimate for free. Of course, it is an ESTIMATE. A technician may need to revise the estimate when they get inside the Mac. Sometimes the repair turns out to cost less than we estimated.

Spills and accidental damage are the main reasons for having to give a revised estimate on a repair. So if we take apart your portable and find the food, smell the wine, or see the electrolytic corrosion, we'll have to call you back and give a new estimate.

Can I get an estimate over the phone?

Sorry, we need to see the computer in person before we can offer a free estimate.

Do I need to make an appointment?

No, you don't need to make an appointment. Please come on by; we are open seven days a week. We suggest that you come by at least half-an-hour before our closing time. We do close (or shorten our hours) on a few holidays, please check our hours to see if it's a special day. Typically we'll get you in and out in 30 to 40 minutes. It can take longer on weekdays between 5p-8p and weekends between 1p-6p.

Why is my computer having problems?

Bring it in and we'll give you our best estimate. Sometimes computers fail for specific reasons, like being dropped or spilled on. Other times, a delicate part like the hard drive fails during normal use. Occasionally some computers have known issues that Apple will cover; even if the normal warranty period has ended. Check if your computer has an Apple Repair Extension by selecting your model from the list of devices Tekserve services.

Will I lose my data during the repair?

If you are unable to backup your computer, Tekserve can usually do so for an additional charge. Many failures and repairs don't affect the hard drive or your data. When you come in for an estimate, we'll let you know if your data is in jeopardy and how we can back it up or perform a data recovery prior to the repair.

My peripheral device isn't working. Can Tekserve help?

If it's a hard drive that's not working and the data is important, we recommend that you bring it to us right away. For printers, scanners, and other external widgets, we'd urge you to try to solve problems yourself before shlepping it to us.

The first step is usually to check the manufacturer's website for software or driver updates. The second step is to do a Google search on the problem you are having. We just type into the Google search box things like "Finjet 300 paper jam" or "R3660 problems." The third step is usually to call the manufacturer. These days most ink-jet printers aren't repaired when they fail, warranty repair usually means the manufacturer ships you a refurbished replacement. And sad to say, once the warranty is over, it's rarely economical to repair a $50-$300 printer or scanner.

Although we can help with connectivity problems, we don't do hardware repairs on printers, non-Apple monitors, or scanners. There are some websites full of information, like www.fixyourownprinter.com but you can spend a lot of time and money and still end up with something that doesn't work, so be careful.

My whole computer network is down. Can Tekserve help?

Yes, please call our Professional Services group at (212) 929-3645 x305 to arrange an on-site visit.

Can I set up a corporate account to simplify service?

Yes, please talk to your Tekserve Account Manager, call us at (212) 929-3645, or email sales@tekserve.com.