Computer Repair Gresham Oregon

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Before You Hire Just Anyone Consider

When you hand your computer over to someone they should consider your data a most valuable possession in their hands. After all I can replace your PC but all the money on earth can’t replace lost pics or docs. Yet time and again in shops I’ve seen techs foolishly perform extensive processes without backing up the clients stuff. In my company my staff knows it’s one of the fastest ways to get fired! It takes a little extra time but if a tech doesn’t back up your data prior to doing involved work on your PC he is playing Russian roulette with your data.

A few years ago I told a client that I needed to take her computer back to my shop to back it up because a crash was imminent. I apologized for the delay but didn’t feel comfortable working any further without knowing it was safely backed up. She expressed appreciation for my caution and told me of her own terrible story from college of her roommate crashing a PC that had her entire four years of college photos & wedding, the birth & first two years of their oldest son. All lost to a careless roommate that fancied himself a computer wiz. I looked across the room and saw a 12 year old boy and asked with astonishment; “Is that your oldest boy?” “Yes. And we don’t have a single photo of him before his second birthday.” She whispered, fighting back tears.

As I loaded the computer in the car I felt sadness about the foolishness of working on a PC without backup. I walked back to the front door and asked through the screen door what ever happened to that old college computer. She told me that her husband could never bring himself to throw it away. I asked her if she would let me take a look at it. We went out to the garage and there under a bunch of camping equipment and a greasy old toolbox was an ancient Micron PC with a Windows 95 upgrade. I didn’t have much hope but blew the dust off and placed it in the car.

Back at my shop I didn’t even attempt to turn it on. I took it apart and removed the old skuzzy hard drive. I had some old adapter cables that allowed me to slave the drive to see if the drive would give up any secrets. With the power connected the drive would not even spin. I gently tapped it and it started spinning! Within seconds I was viewing the lives of a young college couple, dating, hiking, getting married and holding the cutest little baby boy! My heart skipped a beat as I realized that I was viewing the most precious moments in the lives of a couple that had long given up hope of seeing them again! Ten seconds later I was backing up those precious moments before the drive died. In fact it did die. About 20 times during the back up process but each time I would ever so gently tap it and it would hum back to life. 3 hours later I was done. It was 1am and I was tempted for the first time in my life to wake a client.

Instead of a phone call I savored the moment by driving that precious data over to her the next morning and seeing the sheer thrill in her eyes as I told her that the missing 5 years of her life had been found. It was priceless!

I share that poignant moment to underscore the need to have someone with knowledge and wisdom work on your computer.

William Emett 503-572-1307 bill@InHomeComputerFix.com

Online Computer Repair

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Never in the history of computers has pc repair been easier and more convenient than by online computer repair. Every morning I read a dozen or so requests for online repair. (Remote login sessions are preauthorized by the client) The problem is described and I just logon to my client’s computer remotely and fix the problem described. Often it is a minor but pesky issue like how to change my homepage or an unwelcome taskbar that has appeared for instance. The problem is typically fixed in less than 3 minutes and I am on to my next remote session client. (Such issues don’t result in a charge whatsoever.)

When a problem is larger I contact the customer by phone or text (or through the screen when the customer is at their pc) and tell them the steps needed to resolve their issue and make further recommendations as needed and quote the exact cost upfront so surprises are avoided. Payment is made later by debit or credit card.

Customers often tell me that they feel spoiled by my service since I only charge for matters involving significant time. I have no problem with this arrangement since I can tend to multiple customers and issues simultaneously while remote servicing a computer. One of the things missing in modern business is the “good will” service of yesteryear when customers were not nickel and dimed at every turn. This resulted in a bond between business and customer that more resembled friendship than commerce. Many of my customers have become trusted friends. Yet some have not seen me in years since remote servicing has resolved all their issues without a physical visit.

Online computer repair has brought many unintended benefits compared to what a shop can or will do. ALL repairs are done in full view of the customer. This provides a sense of trust as they watch. Some technicians HATE being watched. I welcome it. It allows the customer to see the complexity of what we do and appreciate our expertise. Some customers HATE to watch describing it like “watching grass grow”. But the choice is theirs.

Because I work on a flat rate basis and am not tied up at their home I can run extensive scans and processes remotely that I would never dream running if I were at their home due to time constraints. This relaxed approach enables me to do a comprehensive analysis, diagnosis and repair without having to charge more. It’s a win/win.

Occasionally a repair cannot be done remotely but if you have internet access virtually any problem can be fixed online. If you have not had remote service give it a try. You will discover what dozens of my clients have said. “Why would I ever take my computer to a shop again?”

William Emett 503-572-1307

Computer Repair Gresham Oregon

Affordable Computer Repair, Computer Repair, Computer Virus, Online Computer Repair, , , ,

In Home Computer Service is less expensive and so much more for your money than taking your computer to some shop and leaving it there. All too often when you take it back home, plug in all of the wires and restart there are still unresolved problems.

There is an elegant beauty in having someone sit down with you and address everyone of your PC issues, one by one, in the comfort of you home without distraction. As you watch problems get resolved you learn how to avoid future issues. My goal is to outperform every expectation.

When problems need to be addressed right away a remote session can be arranged even later into the evening after dinner without interfering with your day schedule. Just imagine sitting down with a glass of wine right in front of your computer while I, the technician, work on your computer as you watch. Or if you prefer you just watch a movie or even go to bed as your computer is serviced. I do this type of service many times per week within the customers convenience window. No reattaching wires, no dropping off or picking up your computer. This saves time, headache, gas and money.

Give me a call with any PC issue. It can likely be addressed without the slightest hassle to you. I have many customers that are addicted to remote service. Once you try it you’ll never want to do it any other way. Contact me right now for the easiest PC service on earth.

Bill 503-572-1307
bill@InHomeComputerFix.com

Heat Makes Computer Freeze

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I hear that lament almost daily My computer freezes. Computer freeze is often caused by exactly the opposite.

Try to guess for a moment what is the most common threat to your computer? Believe it or not heat ranks high among threats to your computer. Running computers generate heat. They are cooled by heat sinks and fans that work in concert to cool your processor from harmful heat. These cooling systems are marvels of tiny handiwork that bring in cool air across a heat sink much like your cars radiator. It then blows the air out to keep things running cool. Several things get in the way of this process.

#1. Broken Fan. Many computers will simply not run if there is a faulty fan. They will even alert you that a fan is not working at start up. Other systems will allow the computer to run but will automatically and abruptly shut down when it reaches a predetermined temperature that the computer considers unsafe. Some will just keep running until the failure messes up the boot up and your computer shows a file corruption and it just won’t start.

#2. Covered Intake. This is caused by placing a computer in a location where it is not allowed to take in fresh air or little fresh air is available like a closed cabinet. All too often a laptop overheats while using it on your lap because a knee or thigh plugs the intake and the computer overheats. (Seems ironic they call it a laptop since your lap can actually ruin it. Some manufacturers call them notebooks for this very reason) Running laptops have been known to start fires while left on a bed while being unable to take in fresh air from underneath.

#3. Dirty. This is easily the most common reason a computer overheats. The cooling system continuously pulls in fresh air with its airborne dust. Eventually tens of thousands of cubic feet of air blows into the computer. Overtime this sucks in enough dust to clog the system. Computers must be cleaned regularly to keep them from overheating. Twice per year on average is about right. Blowing out your computer thoroughly is critical.

There are clues that will tell us our computer needs cleaning. Much like a vacuum whines when you cover the intake so will a computer. But the change is subtle and gradual. Many computers have various fan speeds that ramp up when over heated. If you notice fans running louder or faster than they used to it may be the last warning sign before disaster. When a computer freezes up or is unresponsive it is often caused by excessive heat.

If your computer has run everyday for a year I guarantee it needs a physical cleaning.

Few things kill a PC faster that heat.

Habits That Can Kill a Computer Virus

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Anti virus software, malicious program scanners and antispyware software can help you to keep the nasties out of your system. But you can play a large role in avoiding viruses and the like. So let’s talk about what to avoid while on the web to stop the bad guys from infesting your computer.

By far the most vulnerable avenue of infection while using a computer is through email. Forwarded email is the worst. (You know it’s forwarded by the FW in the address line) The bad guys know that there are millions of people that forward jokes, quips, recipes, and other emails of interest to millions more of their friends and relatives. So they use a good joke, for instance, attach a link or other nefarious intruder in that email and send it out. People inocently forward such emails out by the millions. These malicious programs can be as simple as redirecting your opening webpage to taking control of your email and contacts altogether or worse. Before long people are getting emails addressed from you without your knowledge. This is sometimes fixed by changing passwords. At times the email must be abandoned altogether. Delete forwarded emails without reading them. Even from people you know.

Occasionally an alert will come up telling you any number of alarming messages like “You’ve Been Infected!” or “Your Data is Being Stolen!”. The message is almost always false. The question is: How do you know if it’s legitimate or not? The following suggestion is useful weather it’s harmful or not?

When you get a suspicious alert DO NOT CLICK ON ANYTHING in the pop up window. Don’t touch a single key or mouse button. Don’t click NO. Don’t click YES. Don’t close the alert window out! Pull the plug on your machine! That’s right. Do Not perform a proper shut down or restart! Proper shutdown is for the purpose of saving current work from RAM memory to permanent storage on the hard drive before turning off. While a computer is turned on most everything being done is in RAM memory until shutdown or save. When a false alert comes up it too is in RAM memory. That means it is living temporarily in RAM memory until shutdown when it will be copied or STORED permanently on the hard drive. Therefore if you pull the plug (or pull the battery on a laptop) to cause an abrupt shutdown you kill EVERYTHING in RAM memory. Everything legitimate is already stored on your hard drive. An abrupt turn off is harmless. If the alert were legitimate it will come up again. If it was fake you have killed it in RAM memory like blowing out a candle. All suspicious activity should be met with an abrupt shut down via pulling the plug.

This method is elegant in its simplicity. But profound in it’s effectiveness. The success feedback from my clients to this procedure is 100%. Scores of customers have told me that the alert never returns. Keep this suggestion in the back of your mind until a virus comes knocking.

Bill Emett

Computer Service Calls

503-572-1307

www.InHomeComputerFix.com

Gresham Computer Repair

Computer Repair, ,

Computer repair in Gresham and Portland allows me to resolve my neighbor’s frustration and that is very rewarding. But some repairs never need to happen in the first place. When it comes to computers there are few things more frustrating for basic computer users than to be visited by friends or family that feel compelled to tweak on Mom’s computer.

After family visits I get calls from irritated customers that tell me their well meaning “kids” visited them and made changes to their computer. Whether it’s a different browser, missing or added toolbars, rearranged icons or changed defaults it’s an amazingly common complaint from my clients with adult or near adult children.

Why family wants to mess with dear old dad’s computer is beyond me. But I have included a couple of practical suggestions to limit this problem.

Let’s start with the most aggressive solution first. Just don’t let anyone touch your computer. If you know how to create a password do so and forbid all interlopers on your system. It is true that younger people seem to have more computer knowledge than older ones. But unfortunately their skills seem to rise just high enough to do harm but not to reverse the harm. The wisdom that comes with age teaches us not to start anything if we don’t know how to fix it. But such experimentation is the hallmark of youth and inexperience. Many young people install games or piracy software for downloading free music that will wreak havoc on your computers security. Such intrusions must be forbidden on your computer! I have seen evidence that such downloads secretly occurred then were uninstalled apparently with the assumption that no harm would occur. This assumption is utterly wrong. Dangerous permissions often remain even after uninstalls take place. So no changes should be made even if a promise is made that they will reverse things back to the way they were before.

Older folks love to see their young family members enjoy themselves and don’t want to interrupt such moments with a reminder to not mess with settings or download anything. Total PC denial does resolve the problem but older folks have a soft heart and do not want to be so difficult toward well meaning family. This brings us to my next best suggestion.

Many of my customers have had success from family messing with their computers with one simple instruction. “You are welcome to use my computer but I have a few simple rules. Feel free to check your email or browse but please don’t download anything, or update anything or make any changes without checking with me first.”

Browsing and email are the most common things we do on the internet so no one should feel restricted with those rules. If their intent was to only check email or browse there should be no problems. But your rules will put them on notice that you would disapprove of even well meaning changes.

Finally, I would not let anyone use my computer under the age of 20 without my direct oversight unless I had absolute unwavering trust that they would follow my rules. The combination of high confidence and little experience will cause young ones to set aside your rules because they assume their knowledge can out perform your wisdom. Until they are self aware of the immensity of what they don’t know leaving them alone with your computer is perilous.

Most changes on a computer can be reversed by using the system restore feature on your computer. But this is for more advanced users and should not be employed as a regular way of handing the changes made by family and friends. There are many things that can be done to your computer that a system restore will not correct. But it is a last resort way of correcting some problems.