Computer repair is available for both BC-owned and personally-owned computers.
For BC-owned warranty and non-warranty computers and printers: ITS covers the cost of repairs.
Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and debit cards (with Mastercard or Visa logo) are accepted for payment.
Hardware Repair cannot accept cash, personal checks, or EagleBucks for payment.
| Manufacturer | Status | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | Warranty* | No Charge |
| Apple | Out of warranty | $80 per repair (diagnostic & repair) + parts + 15% parts cost |
| Dell | Warranty* | No Charge or $50/Convenience Fee** |
| Dell | Out of warranty | $80 per repair (diagnostic & repair) + parts + 15% parts cost |
| HP | Warranty* | No Charge |
| HP | Out of warranty | $80 per repair (diagnostic & repair) + parts + 15% parts cost |
| Lenovo | Warranty* | No Charge |
| Lenovo | Out of warranty | $80 per repair (diagnostic & repair) + parts + 15% parts cost |
Notes:
- *For some retail purchases still under warranty, Hardware Repair has to send the computer to the manufacturer for repair. This may take longer than our usual 48 hour turn-around time. The Hardware Repair technician can provide more details.
- **Dell considers many services to be customer replaceable. If you contact Dell directly, they will send you part(s) to make the repair yourself at no charge. Hardware Repair charges $50 to make the customer replaceable repair for you.
- For personally-owned computers that are out-of-warranty, you can choose to repair your computer outside of Boston College. Check with the vendor (i.e., Apple Store) for external vendor repair rates. If you choose to get repairs at BC, Hardware Repair will provide a free estimate. (The final price may differ from the estimate.) It is $80 per repair (diagnostic & repair) + parts + 15% parts cost.
- All charges are based on a per repair basis (diagnostic & repair). There will be no hourly labor charges incurred.
Additional Service Rates
- $80 per service for Restore to Factory Settings, Data Backup/Transfer, Hardware Install/Upgrade, and Software Install/Upgrade
Note: The Walk-In Help Desk (O’Neill 3rd floor) provides many of these services to BC Students at no charge.
- Boston College faculty, staff, and students can bring their personally-owned computers to the Hardware Repair Center during regular business hours. Service rates apply.
- Hardware Repair does not service personally-owned printers. Read the printer repair policies below.
- Hardware Repair services BC-owned computers. If you suspect that your University-owned computer has suffered a hardware failure, contact the Help Center, 2-HELP (617-552-4357) or your Technology Consultant (TC).
A technician will ask for your computer and contact information to enter into the ITS ticketing system. You will be told at this point if your hardware is still under warranty. You will then be given a print out of the service ticket and told an approximate time for how long it may take to repair.
On average, a hardware repair takes approximately 1-3 business days.
Laptop
If you're bringing in a laptop for service, remember both your power cable and the system discs that came with the computer.
Desktop
For service of a desktop computer, bring the system discs that came with the computer.
Yes, you should always keep a back up copy of all your files, especially before bringing your computer to Hardware Repair.
- Students, faculty, and staff: You can check out laptops from O'Neill Library & the Social Work Library.
- Faculty and staff: You can also reach out to your department Technology Consultant.
Hardware Repair does not service personally-owned printers.
Hardware Repair will provide on-site service to BC Departments for specific printer models, including HP and Dell networked printers. Contact the Help Center at 617-552-HELP (4357) or your Technology Consultant to arrange for a technician to come to your department.
Note: The cost of repair services is covered by ITS. Printer Maintenance kits and toner must be purchased by the user's local department.
Hardware Repair does not service inkjet printers. Manufacturers’ instructions should be followed regarding cleaning the printer and replacing ink cartridges.
Faculty and staff: Before you sign up for any online cloud service (free or paid), or before you purchase any new software or hardware, for your department, you must complete the Technology Acquisition Process process prior to acquiring the new technology. Following this process ensures any new acquisition meets the many security, technical, support, and legal requirements of the University. It also ensures that all the correct parties are consulted, including ITS, Procurement, General Counsel, Risk Management, and the Controller’s Office.
Most warranties cover everything that’s not accidentally or intentionally damaged. Spills to the keyboard or damage to the display are usually not covered by warranty.
- We recommend you buy a keyboard protector to prevent spills from damaging your laptop.
- You are usually covered while using your laptop for study abroad.
- If you buy an HP, you are encouraged to purchase HP's "Total Care with Accidental Damage Protection,” which will cover accidental damage including spills.
- If you buy a Dell laptop, you are encouraged to purchase Dell’s “CompleteCare,” which will cover accidental damage including spills.
- Some home owners insurance will cover lost, stolen, or damaged computers in their policies. Check with your insurance agent for details (and remember to keep in mind the cost of your deductible vs the cost of your computer).
Laptop batteries typically have a 1-year warranty.
Equipment with No Data
For technology equipment (ex: monitors and printers) that does not have data stored on it and has no risk of confidential information being exposed, a member of your department can request pick up and disposal of old equipment by submitting a facilities work order using Agora Portal. This does not require the assistance of a Technology Consultant.
Equipment with Data Stored on it
For the removal of any technology equipment that has data stored on it (ex: computers or hard drives), for security reasons, please contact your Technology Consultant. Every Boston College community member has a responsibility to protect confidential data.