Getting Your Computer Repaired on Campus

If you are experiencing issues with your computer, the Brandeis Hardware Repair Shop provides specialized hardware support and technical diagnostics right on campus. The shop is an Apple Authorized Service Provider and a Dell Authorized Managed Service Provider, serving students, faculty, and staff.

📋 What You Need Before You Visit

Before bringing your device in for service, please ensure you have the following ready:

  • Brandeis Credentials: Your Brandeis username.

  • Device Identifiers: The device's Serial Number (for Apple) or Service Tag (for Dell).

  • Data Backup: A complete backup of your data to Google Drive or Box.

⚠️ Important: The Repair Shop is not responsible for data loss. A signed Data Loss Waiver is mandatory upon check-in.

  • Proof of Coverage: The AppleCare+ or Safeware certificate for university-owned Macs, if applicable.

💻 Supported Devices & Eligibility

Who can use this service?

Services are strictly available to current Brandeis students, faculty, and staff.

What is covered?

Supported Brands (Dell & Apple Only)   NOT Supported  

• Apple laptops and desktops

 

• Dell laptops and desktops

• iPhones & Android phones

 

• Tablets (e.g., iPads)

 

• Personal printers

  • Other Brands (HP, Lenovo, ASUS, etc.): The on-campus Hardware Repair Shop cannot perform certified hardware repairs on these brands. You may take them to the Help Desk for limited software troubleshooting only.

🛠️ Steps to Get Your Device Repaired

Step 1: Check Your Warranty Status

Determine if your repair will be covered under a manufacturer agreement:

  1. Locate your identifier: For Apple, go to the Apple menu > About This Mac. For Dell, look at the Service Tag on the bottom of the laptop.

  2. Verify online: * Check Apple coverage at checkcoverage.apple.com.

  3. Understand Costs: In-warranty repairs are generally free for parts. Out-of-warranty repairs are the financial responsibility of the user.

Step 2: Visit the Help Desk for Intake

  1. Walk-In: Head to the Technology Help Desk located in the Goldfarb Library Commons. No appointment is necessary.

  2. Initial Assessment: A technician will look at your computer to check if the problem is hardware or software-based.

  3. Documentation: Complete a Repair Intake Form specifying the symptoms (e.g., liquid spills, cracked screen) and sign the Data Loss Waiver.

  4. Tracking: You will receive a ticket number to track your repair progress.

🛡️ Accidental Damage & Loaner Laptops

University-Owned Laptops & Safeware

If you have a university-issued laptop that suffered physical accidental damage (like a drop or liquid spill):

  • Check if it includes a Safeware protection plan.

  • Notify the Help Desk immediately to initiate the claim.

  • There is typically no deductible for these claims on university-standard models.

Loaner Laptops & Software Tune-ups

  • Software Issues: If your machine has no physical damage but runs slowly, request a "Software Tune-up" at the Help Desk.

  • Temporary Devices: If your laptop needs a multi-day hardware repair, you can inquire about a loaner laptop.

  • Availability: Loaners are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis for the duration of the repair, up to a maximum of two weeks.

🔍 Need Advanced Data Recovery? If your hard drive has completely failed and requires specialized data recovery, you must consult an external specialist at your own cost.

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