Mac problem...desperate
 

So, I was installing bootcamp on my Mac, and the Windows Installation wouldn't complete. For some reason, when I turned the computer back on, all I got was a grey screen.

Booting from the OSX Install CD didn't work, and other various things the support people suggested didn't work either. Finally, they said that the computer was responding as though there wasn't a Hard Drive inside, and to take it to an Apple Service Station place or whatever.

My dad took it today, and apparently they refuse to perform service on it because it's a "software" error (even though the problem as diagnosed by the Apple Support people is that the computer is physically not recognizing a Hard Drive).

So, basically I'm wondering if there's any way for me to tackle this problem on my own without voiding my warranty. The keyboard only stays responsive for a little bit after I power up, but then stops responding.

I'd say take it too a different apple service station if there's one available (no clue how they do their support, so it might not be doable). You might just have gotten some guys that felt lazy and didn't feel like dealing with your computer.

Go to an Apple store and book an appointment at the genius bar.

How are you trying to boot from the OS X Installation CD?

Holding C when I turn on the computer. I also held the option key, which did nothing, and I pushed the power button for five seconds when it was disconnected at the request of the tech guy at Apple Support.

Also, as it turns out, they didn't outright deny service as I had been told by my mom through the phone. They referred it to the Software guys, who in turn referred it to the Hardware guys, none of whom know what's wrong.

I frigging know what's wrong, I just can't fix it because I can't open the computer ;_;

Boy. We've finally found something that makes Macs stop working. It's called Windows.

But in truth, I'm curious as to why the guys at the Apple store won't open it up and at least format the hard drive for you (if there's not a better solution). It seems easy enough. Just tell them the hard drive seems to be corrupted or something and is making your computer turn off.

Take it in yourself, and take it to an Apple Store, not an "authorized Apple service" place. I found out the hard way, that those suck... big time.

Where he lives there are no Apple store as far as I know.

Go back to the store and state that you were told to come here for them to fix it. Tell them that if they don't you demand to see their manager and ask him why they can't do what Apple (the computer they are working for to an extent) said to do. If he still won't help, ask for his district manager, his name, his number, the employee's number and name, and contact Apple again, first as a complaint, and then asking what to do. doing that should get it fixed up by apple (and perhaps for free as well).