Apple now addressing all iMacs sold between October 2009 and July 2011

Oct 16, 2012 06:57 GMT  ·  By

In a support document released last year, Apple had determined that certain 1TB Seagate hard drives used in 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMacs could fail. Apple now says “these systems were sold between October 2009 and July 2011.”

Customers can now ask Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) to replace their “affected” hard drives free of charge.

The Mac maker is reaching out to iMac owners who were thoughtful enough to supply an email address during their product registration process telling them about the existence of the program.

Customers who haven’t received word from the mothership but are aware that their computer uses the 1TB Seagate hard drive can enter their serial number in a form provided in the respective support document. Apple will confirm whether or not the system is part of the program.

Users are told to choose one of three options, if their iMac has an affected hard drive.

Apple Retail Store – Set up an appointment with a Genius. Apple Authorized Service Provider – Find one here. Apple Technical Support – Contact us for local service options.

The Cupertino giant advises “affected” customers to replace their hard drive as soon as possible, urging them to make a backup of all their files first.

Users will further need to ensure that they have their installation discs ready for when the swapping operation is over.

If a user has serviced his or her iMac without knowing that Apple offered the replacement for free, they can contact the company for a refund.

The program is available worldwide but doesn’t extend the standard warranty of the computer, Apple carefully points out.

The company makes one final note, saying “The program covers affected iMacs for three years after the first retail sale of the unit or until April 12, 2013, whichever provides longer coverage for you.”

“Apple will continue to evaluate service data and will provide further updates to this program as needed.”