Computer Diagnostics

Any computer repair shop or technician worth your time should always perform a diagnostic of your computer regardless of how obvious the problem may seem.  If you get someone who wants to start taking parts out and putting new ones in or wants to just wipe out your computer, run the other way fast.

Why so many Questions?

When you first call a computer repair shop, you might feel as though you're being interrogated for a crime.  A bright light shining on your face and a couple of tough guys standing in front of you promising to "get the truth outta ya".

What's really happening is the technician is trying to gather as much information as possible to have a better understanding of what might be causing your problems.  Some are better than others at putting you at ease during this important process. But in the long run, it the best way to get an overview of what might be happening.

Here's a brief list of what you might expect to be asked when calling...

• Do you have a desktop or laptop?
• What brand is your computer and how long have you had it
• What's the model number?  You may find this around the lcd screen on the laptop or on sticker on the bottom.  On Desktops this mat be on the front or back of the pc)
• What is the service tag number?  This is mostly on Dell computers.  Other use s/n or p/n numbers)
• What changed since the last time your pc was working?  Any thing added or taken away, updates, different users, storms, power outages, etc)
• What error did your computer display?  Write this down if possible.  It's a good resource to find out if others have had the same problem and what was done to correct it.
• How long has your computer been doing this?
• What are you doing when this problem occurs?  This is not to say you are doing something wrong, but more of a way to find out if different applications or hardware are causing a problem.
• Does it happen the same time each day or after the same amount of time you been using the pc?  Time can play a vital role in diagnostics of computers.

Do I really need a diagnostics?

The short answer is YES.  Even if you looking at cracked screen on your latop it has to be checked out before parts are order for it.  An that goes back to some of the questions from above.  How did the screen crack?  If you dropped it, then you may have other issues that may need to be looked at besides the screen.

Also, getting the correct numbers off your computer are important when ordering replacement parts.  Sometimes a computer has to be opened to get the actual part number.  And in some cases it may just be a loose connection that can be fixed on the spot which is a BIG money saver.

In-Shop or On-Site?

Generally speaking it's more convenient to have a computer technician come to your location, but this can usually costs more than bringing your computer to the shop.  Most on-site problems require at least two trips if they're hardware related because parts need to be ordered.

If you problem is software based, it may just take a couple of hours depending on the problem.  Software issues can be a little tricky sometimes because so many different things come into play that could be causing your computer problems.

What about the price?

Price, such a simple word, but it seems to make both computer service provider and the customer feel like they're back in their middle school trying to work up enough nerve to talk to their secret crush.

Afterall, most people don't know what a fair price is for computer service, so you tend to fall back into retail shopping mode and look for the lowest price.  I'm not suggesting you don't do your homework before committing to computer service, but as you always been told, you get what you pay for.

Most computer repair shops from $70-$100 per hour for in-shop service and $100-$300 for on-site work.  This doesn't include parts.  Some charge a flat fee for their service, but in either case make sure you know in advance what you might expect to pay to get your system up and running. 

Diagnostic charges vary widely and you should be prepared to pay at least that amount even if you don't follow through with the repair. Some computer repair shops may even roll the diagnostic fee into your final bill saving more money.

And finally, make sure whoever you decide to use is a certified computer repair professional.  The most common is CompTia A+ certification which is sort of a basic credential.  Other computer technicians may hold certifications from Microsoft and other certifying agencies.  Computer credentials and actual computer repair working experience is your best combination, so take that into account when considering price.