Should I be concerned about privacy when someone works on my computer?

I bought a refurbished computer and since it broke down completely after 11 days I am returning it to the internet store.

Since it is non-operational, it is impossible for me to get anything off it. Information is stored in Norton 360 on it. Should I be concerned about whoever handles this computer having access to passwords, etc.?

 

Only if you're not taking it to a reputable person/store/computer shop. The choice is up to you.

 

I will be returning it to the internet store.

 

Perhaps boot to a utility like Kill Disk which will kill everything. If your machine is dead as a door knob then I suggest pulling the drive out and delete it from another machine. If your drive doesn't work in the new rig then it's dead and I would then not worry.

 

Which part is non-operational? Just because your PC doesn't boot up doesn't mean every part of the PC is dead. There are multiple parts of a PC, and the hard drive which has Norton 360 and passwords, is just one of them.

 

When I turn on the computer, the power light comes on, the fans engage and nothing else happens.

This began after I installed more memory in both slots. Then I reversed the process and the same result. Power but no harddrive. I've done this in three other machines and no problem.

Can I diagnose at home?

 

Have you called the 'internet store' for suggestions? Do you know them as reputable?

Maybe. Does anything appear on the screen when you boot? BIOS, a flashing cursor, etc.? Did this system come with a OS recovery/install disk? Follow augiedoggie's lead to try the harddrive on another system, but I'm suspecting it is mother board related. Pull the RAM sticks again, wipe the contacts clean with a soft cloth and reseat them. Check all connectors as you may have pulled something loose while changing the RAM.

 

To all who took time to offer advice and assistance, thanks.

I apparently jiggled 'something' loose, because I opened it up again and pushed and prodded until, voila, it's going fine. The new RAM installed OK.

Mini-crisis solved; which translates to 'personal is not the same as important.'

 

Installing RAM in notebooks can be tricky. Seems to me you really have to push HARD to get it in correctly. I didn't want to recommend pushing too hard on something you were going to return but I am glad you got it sorted.