PROTECTION - INSTALLATION, CONFIGURATION, REPAIR & ADVICE

PAT TESTING SERVICE

Warning about Repairs We are able to undertake most kinds of computer repairs, including software and some hardware. In most cases repairing hardware is not always financially viable, due to the possible cost of the item when considering the labour cost of the repair. Repairing software - In most cases we are able to carry out repairs on most operating systems. We are able to repair most issues relating to MS Windows XP and other Microsoft operating systems, but it is not always possible to keep all of the data intact without backing the data up first to one of our computers or other media. We always advise that the client backs-up their computer data on a regular basis and also to check their backed-up data for problems. We always recommend keeping the various disks that came with the computer and their related serial numbers to hand. Hardware replacement - If you are considering upgrading or replacing components within your computer system, remember that in some situations the operating system may be tied to the motherboard. If you have purchased a branded computer system and the installation CDs are also branded by the manufacturer, then it may not be possible to replace a component (motherboard), unless the particular component is identical to the original. If you own a retail installation CD, your options are greater than with an OEM or system restore CD. You may need to consider purchasing a new operating CD or contact the vendor for advice before you consider replacing a component. Operating System CDs and driver disks - When we undertake work, we will nearly always request the original CDs. We have noticed over time that many clients that have purchased computers from other businesses, have either lost the disks or were never provided with them. In some situations this is not a major problem, but we will always check to see if the installation is legal and/or that the computer has a partitioned drive with the legal repair installation or backup installation contained within. If you do not have the original Operating System CDs, you may wish to consider contacting the system vendor before contacting ourselves. Anti-virus and similar protection software - If you are installing anti-virus, anti-spyware or any other type of similar software, make sure that you have backed up the data on your hard disk drive/s. We are not responsible for any damage or loss of data when you purchase or install any software from us or recommended by us. We strongly advise that you regularly back-up and check data for problems and corruptions. We are able to recover most types of data from most types of media, but it is your responsibility to make sure that your data is safe. Virus and spyware - Some viruses and or spyware may sit on your hard drive unnoticed for months, this is not to say that your computer appears to be working correctly! An obvious sign of a pending problem/s are: slow boot up, system crashes, warning or error notices and pop ups, system over activity, over active internet activity, browser faults, extra taskbars appearing, programs failing to work correctly, drives failing to work correctly and then a total system failure. These are only a few examples. Backing up and restoring - Some people would consider simply backing up their computer and then possibly restoring it back to a known working date. However, remember one thing, if you have had a virus or spyware issue and are backing your computer up, then you may well be backing up the problem too. Data transfer and recovery - We undertake all kinds of in-house data recovery and data transfer. It is essential to remember that all recovered data is checked for problems and corruptions. We offer this complete service for most Microsoft based computer systems. We don`t simply send your computer away to another business and then add our charges to the invoice. We have both specialist software and an in depth knowledge of all kinds of data recovery procedures.

 

Blue screen errors A fairly common misunderstanding are the `blue screen` or `BSoD` errors when installing or using an operating systems. Quite often by replacing the memory with other module/s from a known working computer will help. However, it is not always correct to assume that because the memory appears to be working in one environment, that it is ok. There are several causes of the blue screen popping up. It can be a poorly-written device driver, bad memory, damaged registry, problematic hard disk drive or the use of incompatible versions of DLL files. The `blue screen of death` in one form or another has been present in all Microsoft Windows operating systems since Microsoft Windows version 3.1. It is the successor to the less well-known `black screen of death` that occurs in OS/2 as well as MS-DOS. In early builds of Windows Vista it was complemented with a `red screen of death`, used for boot loader errors. We have found that memory that worked with something like MS Windows 98 won`t necessarily function correctly with MS Windows 2000 or XP. If the `blue screen` refers to anything memory specific, such as a memory dump, then this would be a good time to test the memory. There are some pretty good, free memory diagnostic programmes around. If you are going to replace the memory, try to use branded memory as the replacement, also make sure that the motherboard supports the type of memory that you are using. In Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP, a blue screen of death `BSoD` can occur when the kernel or a driver running in kernel mode, encounters an error from which it cannot recover. This is usually caused by an `illegal` operation being performed. The only safe action the operating system can take in this situation is to restart the computer. As a result, data may be lost, as users are not given an opportunity to save data that has not yet been saved to the hard drive.

 

Computer won`t start This is intended as a guide and we are not responsible for any actions that you carry out! If in any doubt, contact a professional! Try to start a problematic computer with as few components as possible. We would suggest that the processor (always use this with the fan fitted and wired up), memory and graphics card are a good starting point. This should prove that the most basic of components work and that the computer will at least boot. You can then add the hard drive and optical device/s once you can boot the computer. If the computer won`t boot with the most basic of components, then re-check that the memory is fully seated, that the processor and fan are fully seated, that the power supply unit is turned on and wired up correctly and that the graphics card is located correctly.  Check the jumpers (if the motherboard has any) or dip switches. Make sure that the relevant power cable from the case is fitted to the correct connection. Check that the BIOS is configured correctly. Have you got power? Are all the leads connected correctly? Are components seated correctly? Have you applied too much thermal grease to the cpu? Is the CPU fan fitted the correct way? Are the motherboard jumpers or dip switches set correctly? Will the motherboard run your chosen cpu? Is the graphics card the right type? Do the various components work? Can you reset the BIOS to default? Is there any obvious signs of damage? If you are building the computer from scratch, make sure that you follow all instructions and that you have chosen the correct components, for compatibility reasons. If you are upgrading, again follow all instructions and don`t assume anything, always check and test old and new components. If you are working on a clients computer, treat it with respect and don`t just order just enough parts to carry out the bare minimum of work. It is worth having spare components just in case, professional establishments do!! Do you know what you are doing? What happens if things go wrong? Have you got other components to swap out with? Have you got all the instructions? Have you got all the software and drivers? Have you got any diagnostic equipment? Are you being over confident? Will you cause more damage than good? If I break something can I send it back? NO!