TechTool Deluxe

[themagpie]

I bought Applecare for my iBook G4. As usual, it came with the TechTool Deluxe repair utility disk.  I always try everything to make sure it works.   Therefore, I booted from the TechTool Deluxe disk.  It booted but after presenting a very blurry picture, it quit and restarted the computer.  I tried again.  Same thing.  I tried booting from the Applecare disk that came with my iMac (not even a year old) and books perfectly on that.  No dice.  I booted the iBook from the installation disk just to make sure that it boots Fine.  At this point I called Apple.

After I don't know how long a wait (but a very long wait) I spoke to someone who said that the Applecare disk DOESN'T BOOT.  "What do you mean it doesn't boot?"

"it doesn't."

"Then it's useless," I said.  I don't partition my computer and a repair utility can't repair a volume on the disk it's running on.  He told me to boot from the installation disk and use disk first aid.

This is pretty cavalier and dishonest on Apple's part.

I also ordered TechTool Pro 4.  I hope that it boots the iBook.  If not, I'll return it.

By the way, I have the latest DiskWarrior (version 3, I think).  It works perfectly on the G4 iMac but can't replace the directory on the iBook.  Interesting.  

Right now the iBook is new and working perfectly.  However, if something goes wrong and Disk First Aid can't fix it, the only answer seems to be an archive reinstall.  At least so far.

What do you think?

Margie

[kelly]

Seems you're not alone Margie.  

Some bad Reviews here.

http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/4307

http://www.micromat.com/index.html

[themagpie]

Thanks for the link.  I posted my review of TT Deluxe.  I also emailed Micromat and asked them about it.  I told them to cancel my TT Pro order if it won't boot the G4 iBook.

I'm not sure why I buy applecare with every computer.  I have never had serious hardware problems and I get the best technical support right here.  Funny, but I don't buy maintenance contracts with any other appliance.  I really don't believe in these contracts.  But I buy applecare.  In the future?  I don't know.  I very much doubt that I'll buy a new computer for at least 4 years.

Margie

[themagpie]

I just received the following email from Micromat.  The news about TT Pro is good.

"The TechTool Pro 4 CD will be able to boot your new iBook. It will include
all the features of TechTool Deluxe plus much more.

Note that TechTool Deluxe is an Apple product (the program was written for
them by MicroMat to their specs). It is a part of AppleCare.  Apple produces
the TechTool Deluxe CDs and is under contract to provide technical support
for it as a part of AppleCare. The AppleCare technicians are trained in its
use and you should contact them for support with that program. Apple is the
only source for TechTool Deluxe CDs.

That said, the current version of TechTool Deluxe is 3.0.3. It is safe to
use on your computer, but the CD will not boot the newest Macs such as the
newest iBooks. You can contact Apple at 800-275-2273 to find out how to get
an updated CD for your new computer when one is available."

Margie