>For example, maybe their return inspection policy is to run some Windows test software or something
Why would anyone run that on the user's OS?? If the point is to test the hardware, wouldn't it make more sense to have a custom USB stick OS that automatically runs the appropriate diagnostics after booting?
What's easier: 1) plug in USB stick, power on machine, move on, or 2) power on machine, wait for OS to load, plug in USB stick, install diagnostic software, start diagnostics, which may or may not reflect actual hardware problems since you don't have a known-good OS under you?
RMAs typically don't troubleshoot software. Even Apple's hardware return people will only offer to wipe your drive and reinstall (you did back up before sending it in, didn't you?)
Why would anyone run that on the user's OS?? If the point is to test the hardware, wouldn't it make more sense to have a custom USB stick OS that automatically runs the appropriate diagnostics after booting?
What's easier: 1) plug in USB stick, power on machine, move on, or 2) power on machine, wait for OS to load, plug in USB stick, install diagnostic software, start diagnostics, which may or may not reflect actual hardware problems since you don't have a known-good OS under you?
RMAs typically don't troubleshoot software. Even Apple's hardware return people will only offer to wipe your drive and reinstall (you did back up before sending it in, didn't you?)