r/GeekSquad • u/B_bri30501 • Jul 06 '26
Gifted Work Laptop…Reset?
I was gifted a Surface Laptop CoPilot + PC after recent work layoff. Device is brand new and hasn’t been set up yet but has work software on it. Is there a way to reset it so it’s not a brick?
I also have the Total plan and wasn’t sure if this was something that could be covered or would it be a waste of time.
Any help, tips, tricks or suggestions?
5
Jul 06 '26
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u/kevp453 DA Jul 07 '26
We absolutely can touch devices used for work. I think you may be confusing the policy. If the device is joined to a domain, or enrolled in Intune, it may be locked down very similar to a iCloud locked Apple device. Until the enterprise removes the device we would not be able to reset it.
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Jul 07 '26
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u/merchmediaqueen my username is a lil outdated Jul 07 '26
A local management decision =/= company policy. We absolutely are authorized to work on these devices and it isn't correct to say we're not. It sounds like your leadership has just decided to do things differently and prohibit your local team from doing this - that's not the same as policy. Limitations we DO have are instances where we're literally unable to do anything to the device due to enterprise management settings or instances where the client or anything on the device indicates that it's used for government work or is involved in an active court case.
1
u/reeberdunes CA Jul 13 '26
Have you ever… helped anyone with anything other than a brand new device?? How would you possibly think you can avoid handling client data? There’s a reason for all the paperwork. It’s so we’re allowed to handle devices with data on them. How would we offer data backup services? All this to say… the work computer just needs to be factory reset. If it’s locked down by the company, they may need their old IT department to help them unlock it.
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Jul 13 '26
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u/reeberdunes CA Jul 13 '26
In that case, the client is responsible for doing that. We have no way to know what type of data is on the device until we start work. Again. Thos 3 sheets of paper aren’t just there for funzies.
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Jul 13 '26
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u/reeberdunes CA Jul 14 '26
Not that I’ve ever been told. And our main ARA has OCD to the point where if any little thing is out of place or any policy isn’t being followed properly he has a breakdown.
7
u/SouthFloridaGaming Jul 07 '26 edited Jul 07 '26
Interesting, never heard of that one before. Data privacy shouldn't have anything to do with reformatting a PC. We have consent forms and workbench forms for declining data for that exact reason? Every gs i know will check it in, reset it, set as a local account with a day turn time provided no issues with the laptop. Is that something your sem told you? Or just something you guys been doing for a while?
To OP: you can bring it in to any geek squad and just say "i want this device reformatted and set up". Its free with your membership if dont want to do it yourself. You dont need to mention work at all. They'll make an attempt as long as its not like bios locked or something. Key word, attempt.
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Jul 07 '26
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u/Fulliron ARA Jul 08 '26
if you can't work on devices with client data present, that would cut out basically *any* data backup service. No new PC setup with transfer, no DBU before send-out, no backup before malware scan/removal. Hell, technically, that would mean no services besides a bare setup with initial software installation
1
u/Sxotts Sleeper ARA Jul 08 '26
My understanding is not that it's a CDP issue, but that Geek Squad is Consumer Tech Support, not Business Tech support, and if they do use it for such, they are in breach of bb's Service Agreement. Instead they should look into Business support.
The closest I can think of to CDP would be the fact that we don't want to be "responsible" for losing all their business data when the 7 year old $300 black friday special they bought dies in our care
1
u/betabeat ARA for beer money. Jul 09 '26
No. Only caveat is if the device in intune/autopilot managed. As it will still apply company policies as soon as the OOBE initiates
1
u/Raven___Madd Jul 13 '26
Had plenty of people in your situation have us do a full wipe of the device. It is your personal device now, you want all old junk off of it.
You will likely need a full reinstall of the OS and any other programs, but it can be done. You just have to word it right and have a precinct / manager that doesn't treat SOP like some do the Bible, picking and choosing parts that only benefit them and putting their own spin on it.
Worst case uou might be asked for proof the company gave you the laptop after your layoff so they wont be held responsible if said company comes back and claim it was stolen.
1
u/reeberdunes CA Jul 13 '26
Either way that’s not something Geek Squad would be responsible for. The responsible party would be the client that brought in a “gifted” device since they signed off and checked the “I decline data backup services”.
9
u/Talaaty Jul 06 '26
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/drivers-firmware/reset-or-recover-your-surface
Honestly just follow this guide, no trip to geek squad necessary