Repair Services

Repair services are typically required when your computer stops working, and/or you require data recovery.

Diagnosing PC problems can be a complex and involved activity. Where possible I will investigate your problem in your own home, but if I cannot identify the cause I can take the computer away for advanced diagnostic testing.

Common repair services:

When windows fails to start
When windows crashes repeatedly
To recover lost data
Restore hard disks to full use
and more...

Windows problems

Failure to start up

Common HAL error

If you get a "cannot load hal.dll" or "cannot load necessary dll's to run windows" error when you switch on your computer, this is due to a hardware upgrade that was performed incorrectly.

If this is an upgrade in the video card or monitor, please reinstall your original video card and set the screen resolution to 640x480 before re-installing the new hardware.

In all other cases, give me a call.

There are many problems that can prevent windows from starting up, but thankfully the vast majority of them can be quickly repaired.

I will investigate the problem, identify the cause, and often fix the problem without having to take your computer away for repair.

Computer component failure

Failing component image Currently the most common cause of unreliable computer behaviour is due to viruses, spyware, etc. However it can be caused by problems in your hardware, such as memory, which can cause your computer to crash intermittently.

If your computer freezes after a few minutes of use, or you can reliably cause your computer to fail upon request, then give me a call and I will investigate the problem on a no-fix no-fee basis. If you cannot reproduce the problem, then I can perform a general health "MOT" of your PC.

Repairing BIOS corruption

The BIOS is the first software that is loaded by your computer, even before loading Windows. This software performs basic checks on your computer, and stores basic settings (such as the current date).

Corruption of the BIOS is very rare, but when it does occur it can render your computer inoperable and it will need expert repair.

Common symptoms are:

When computer is switched on, the screen remains blank and a sequence of beeps are heard.
A "BIOS checksum error" is displayed
"No bootable hard disk found" is displayed

Data Recovery

File recovery

When you lose files that are important to you, either by accidental deletion, virus, or other cause I can often recover those files on the spot. If the files are on your hard disk, I recommend that you stop using the computer immediately to prevent irreversible data loss.

I can recover files from most media including hard disk, floppy disk, USB drives, CD/DVD, and Zip disk.

Hard disk repair

In more severe cases of data recovery, the data may have been corrupted due to part of the hard disk wearing out. In this case I can recover the data and test the hard disk for wear.

I will move data to healthy parts of the disk and prevent any worn areas being used, which will drastically increase the life span of the hard disk.

Hard disk recovery

In the most severe cases, where the hard disk is badly damaged or likely to completely fail, I can transfer the complete contents onto a new hard disk and attempt recovery of damaged files.

Where the lost or damaged files are valuable, then an extended recovery process can be performed.

I always recommend that you backup any personal files once a month to a CD. For convenience you may want to purchase an external hard disk to do this automatically, which I can provide and setup.

Other Repair Services

Residue & dust removal

Most computers have fans that take in air but are also taking in dust, pet hair, condensation etc. which can accumulate over time and can cause your computer to overheat and stop working.

Residue and dust can cause overheating and system failure which can be fixed with rd removal

In extreme cases I will take your computer away and professionally remove the accumulated residue from within the computer, which can often return your computer to full working order.

Please don't try to vacuum clean or "scrub clean" your computer yourself, as this can cause permanent damage.

Additional services

I endeavour to be your one stop repair service, so will investigate and try to resolve any computer problem you have even if it is unlike any of those described above. With 12 years of professional I.T. experience, I am the best option to resolve your problem. Give me a call.