Large files of any kind are a common cause of problems when Boot Camp Assistant is run to create a Windows-compatible partition on a Mac's hard disk. We duly placed a humongous iMovie file on its hard disk. Next, we decided our MacBook should be producing a cryptic error message with which to test the Genius' knowledge.
We therefore opened up each iPhoto library – by -clicking it, and choosing Show Package Contents from the contextual menu – then deleted the cataloguing data without which iPhoto just shows a blank screen when it's launched. Some of the files in iPhoto can easily be recreated by the application if they're deleted others are vital, and iPhoto won't work without them. We therefore decided to attempt something similar on our MacBook: we created a couple of extra iPhoto libraries, each with a large number of images, so that it would be clear from their size that there were files to retrieve – and then we broke them.Īn iPhoto library is simply a package (much like an installer PKG file) into which your original image files are placed by iPhoto, together with any modified versions, iPhoto metadata (metadata is simply information about a file: iPhoto '09 metadata include Places, Keywords and Faces), and GPS tracking data (for those with compatible cameras and mobile phones). Now, Apple may have said (opens in new tab) that it's "not responsible for data loss" but in the case we'd heard of, the customer concerned had corrupt iPhoto libraries, from which the original images were fully recoverable (though not without the help of a technically-qualified person), and the Genius had still trashed them. We'd heard of at least one Genius Bar customer with iPhoto problems having entire iPhoto libraries deleted from their Mac, with the consequent loss of cherished photos. The next stage was deciding which problems our MacBook should have. Apple advises that you back up all your data before a Genius Bar appointment, so we cloned the entire hard disk using an external hard disk with Super Duper!, then we set to work. With our appointment booked, we turned our attention to the technical conundrums we were going to set before our Genius: however, before we did anything else, we backed up. However, for the sake of fairness, we contacted the Store and were told that in practice a certain amount of flexibility is allowed. It seems that Geniuses are extremely busy, as you can book only 15 minutes of their time at once.Īt first we thought this enough for a superficial diagnosis of some problems, even an encouragement to implement quick, sloppy fixes. Choosing the Genius Bar option from the three provided, we chose a date, and then a time. From there the sign-up process was straightforward. Of course, all this pampering comes at a price: £77 is the current annual charge for ProCare membership, payable in-store.ĭuly informed, we moved on with the booking process, signing in as a Guest.
Any initial setup on new Macs is also carried out for you on the spot. ProCare gives you priority support on up to three Macs at your local Apple Store, including same-day service at the Genius Bar (even if it's fully booked), and any repairs you might need are given precedence on the Store's workbench. To start with, however, we were a little confused to be asked whether we were a Guest or a Member: of what? A quick phone call established that this referred to Apple's ProCare scheme (not the AppleCare warranty extension programme). This time we chose the Reserve link under the Genius Bar logo, and followed the step-by-step instructions in order to reserve our appointment. Returning to the Apple website, we clicked once again on the link to our local Apple Store's listing. We were told that as long as we used the online booking system to reserve our appointment by at least the evening prior to the day of our visit we'd be fine, though the Genius Bar did tend to get fully booked at certain times.
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