Some Do-It-Yourself Tips Before Taking Your PC to a Computer Repair Shop
Are you having computer problems that are keeping you from getting your work (or play) done? If you're thinking about taking your system to the local repair shop to get it looked at, it might be worth a little research yourself before you take it in. Most computer repair shops charge anywhere from $60 to $100 per hour for their time. A little free computer help could save you a bundle.
Even if your repair shop only charges $20 an hour - which would be an unbelievable bargain if they know their stuff - you could save yourself some money, and probably more importantly some time, by checking a few things yourself.
What is Your Problem?
The first thing to look at is what kind of problem you're having. Is your computer just not starting up? Does it crash partway through starting Windows? Are you getting a strange error message when Windows starts?
Even if you do end up taking your system into the computer repair shop, having as much detail about the problem as possible will help save some of the technician's time (and your money). The following items are some of the more common problems people face. If any of them sound like the problem you're having, you can click the link for more detailed information.
- Is your computer not starting up at all? Nothing displays on the screen when you turn it on?
Click here for more information about a computer startup problem. - Does your computer stop with an error or just freeze up partway through loading Windows?
Click here for more information about a windows startup problem. - Do you get a strange error message when Windows first starts up?
Click here to find out how to get computer help from Microsoft. - Are you getting a bunch of popup windows every time you connect to the internet?
Click here to find out how to remove spyware from your computer. - Are you not able to log onto the internet or are you having problems browsing or checking email?
- Do you get a blue screen with a bunch of numbers and other gibberish when starting Windows?
Searching for Answers
If none of these particular problems relate to the problem you're having, there are a couple of things you can do to try to narrow it down.
First, if you can get on the internet with your computer or if you have access to another computer that is on the internet, try a Google search to find more information. It's amazing how much computer repair information there is available for almost any kind of problem, and Google is probably the best search engine to find it for you. There are many computer help forum websites that you can find this way.
--Editor's Tip-------------------------------------------------
Where To Learn How To Repair Windows Yourself
I've learned how to fix various problems with Windows the hard way - through trial and error, over more years than I would like to admit.
I was planning to create some videos to show you how to do it, but I recently came across another website that has already done all the work.
For more information about fixing Windows, and videos that actually show you how it's done, check out this Windows Tuneup website.
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To get the best results from a search on Google, try to come up with a few words that describe the problem you're having, without using really common words like "and" or "on".
For example, if you're getting a blue screen with a bunch of numbers when you start Windows, you could search for "blue screen error starting windows" on Google.
Scan the results that you get back from Google and click on any that sound like they are related to your problem. Some of these sites may not have the answer you need, or they may be too technical, but sometimes you'll be able to find the answer in simple terms that are easy to follow.
If you don't find any related information, you could try searching for slightly different terms. This is a bit of an art, but sometimes with a little trial and error you can find just what you need.
Another place to search for computer repair answers is the Microsoft Knowledge Base. Again, similar to the Google example, search for a few words that describe your problem without using any that are too vague. If Microsoft has information in their Knowledge Base about the problem, you may find your answer here as well.
Click here to go to the Microsoft Knowledge Base
Granted, these solutions may not get you the answer you need or an answer that you are comfortable trying, but for the small amount of time it takes, it might just save you a trip to the computer repair shop and a repair bill to go along with it.
I've spent the last 15 years working in a computer shop that does repairs and troubleshooting and you would be amazed at how often this is exactly the process the technician will use to diagnose and fix the problem (and then charge $80 or more for having done it). Why not take these steps yourself first?