Sad story you got there but your mistake is saying yes for them to format your PC. The technical level of technicians in lowyat have the mentality of solving problems by formatting. Rules number 1 is never allow them to format or leave your PC overnight there. Especially if you have important data in your HDD.

Your story might not have much credibility (as pointed by goldfries) but it does seems real. The reason is a lot of people agree with the description of the services Startec is providing.

But I also agree with goldfries to take this kind of story at it's face value. It could always some exaggeration and putting all the blame on one side.

Just take this as a lesson not to leave your important hdd with computer shops. As for banning Startec, I have not done it but this is the last shop that I am going to buy items from if others does not have stock.