This was the backup external. Main comp failed then went to retrieve data from external drive, found out its main drive failed too. Backing in triplicate from now on!
quote was for 1800 after having paid 300 for diagnosis. That amount caused research to be done ( that should have been done first, what can I say was wife not me) and drive can be repaired/recovered by manufacturer for 500.
The 1800 quote was Thursday or Friday and return shipping authorized and acknowledged on Friday. No tracking, called again Monday, then yesterday. Guy on the phone is asking for feedback and "let me explain" not outright saying no just saying everything else!
none of my friends can I ask to take a day off to go down there, but I will be setting the phone up for video before I walk in. Data recovery is their main biz it looks like as well.