No-Fee Services

Desktop Services Field Support diagnoses and repairs nearly all brands of University-owned personal computers that are under warranty. Usually, these repairs are done for no charge, except parts. If your institutional computer is not currently under warranty, the Support Center can diagnose the PC for no labor charge to determine if it is worth repairing.

Supported Warranty Equipment

  • Dell, Apple, Lenovo; Laptop PCs — Currently, Field Support technicians are certified to do warranty repairs on University-owned Dell and Apple desktop computers. We do not charge for labor. Parts are covered under the warranty.
  • Exceptions — In an effort to provide a high level of service, some exceptions have been defined. We do not repair:
    • Legacy PCs or equipment that are too old.
      • We may recommend replacement or arrange to have repairs outsourced to a third-party vendor.
      • We may be able to provide a replacement CRT monitor from older salvaged equipment.

How To Tell if a Machine is Under Warranty

Look for the PC's date of manufacture or service tag number stamped near the serial number (labeled s/n or Service tag). It may also be on the back panel of the tower. Warranties are usually good for 3 or 4 years.

  • For Macs
    • Call Apple's support number and ask for the warranty status or go to http://www.apple.com/support/ then enter your serial number of your computer.
    • The Support Center can also initiate the request from our link to Apple.
      • Note: From Mac OS X machines, you can find your computer's serial number in the About This Mac window from the Apple Menu. Just double-click the version text and your computer's serial number displays where the version text had been.
  • For Dell PC's
    • You can check your own system by going on the web to Http://www.Dell/Support/Warranty. You will need:
      • Your PC's service tag number (on a label on the back). Be sure to look closely at numbers and letters to distinguish them.
      • Once you register and find your system, you can look up everything from your warranty info to your original invoice. Although your Dell provider will be someone outside the University, the Support Center can still do the warranty work here on campus. Desktop Services' Field Support is not posted as a provider since we only work on University-owned PCs.
  • For Lenovo PC's
    • You can check your own system by going on the web to Http://www.IBM/warranty
      • Your PC's serial number (on the bottom right or left of the computer case). Be sure to look closely at numbers and letters to distinguish them.
  • For Other Manufacturers
    • Contact the vendor’s support line or web site to obtain warranty status.
    • Have your model and serial number (service tag number) available when you call.

What We Do and Don't Support

  • Syncing — We do not support syncing of non-supported phones and handheld equipment. (See Phones)
  • No Peripherals Warranty — We do not do warranty work on any peripheral equipment, including printers. Please consult the Yellow Pages for warranty and service by vendor.
  • Monitors — We do not repair monitors due to the complexity and cost effectiveness of the repair versus buying a new monitor. In certain cases (e.g., high end or specialized monitors), we can provide a list of outside sources for repair from which you can choose, or offer a refurbished monitor, if available. We will obtain warranty replacement monitors.
  • Copiers, Multi-Function Devices — We will assist in interfacing or configuring a device to a PC interface, if one exists.
  • Supplies — Computer-related supplies, such as ribbons, toner cartridges, and ink jet cartridges are considered operator-replaceable supplies. Replacements should be purchased separately through University's Purchasing Department or an appropriate vendor, and installed by the user.
  • Purchasing — Personal computers, monitors, printers, and other serial-numbered equipment should be acquired through the University's Purchasing Department. We are happy to help specify your computer equipment. (See Recommended PC's.)
  • Personally owned equipment — Field Support does not support home equipment. However, we will be happy to help you determine the specifications for a Dell, Apple or Lenovo system .