free computer repair tips

 Computer problems may seem immensely complicated at first
                  glance. But some are relatively easy to fix.


                  That doesn't mean they will be cheap if someone else does the
                  job. Replacing a hard drive is probably a minimum $250-$300
                  job at a computer shop.
                  However, some jobs can be done by the average Joe or Jane. On
                  a scale of 1 to 10 (where 10 should only be performed by
                  certified technicians who have no less than three electronic
                  gadgets on their belt), replacing memory is usually about a 4.
                  Installing a new hard drive is tougher (about 6 or 7), but
                  still do-able. Replacing a video card or internal modem is no
                  more than a 2.
                  Here are four common PC problems you may be able to fix by
                  yourself:
                  1. You turn on the computer and nothing happens.
                  No lights, no beeps, no fan noise. What is the first thing you
                  do? Be sure the darn thing is plugged in! Even if you're
                  absolutely certain that it is connected, double check.
                  Assuming that it is plugged in, you probably have a bad power
                  supply. This is a metal box located in the top and back of the
                  computer. It is usually held in by four screws and the power
                  cable connects to it. A fan blows air out the back.
                  A wiring harness exits the power supply inside the computer.
                  Numerous power connectors are attached to the ends of the
                  wires. These plug into drives, fans and possibly other gizmos.
                  The harness also will have connectors to the motherboard. It
                  doesn't matter which wire connects where, as long as the
                  connector fits.
                  When you open the computer, this mess of wiring can be very
                  intimidating. Study it, and you'll find it less mysterious.
                  Note the connections in writing, if necessary. Disconnect the
                  wires and remove the power supply. Take it to the computer
                  store and get a replacement with the same wattage. Figure
                  $50-$70.
                  2. The computer comes on, but nothing appears on your monitor.
                  In other words, Windows never shows up. You may have a monitor
                  problem. Try using another known-good monitor on the computer
                  and see if anything shows up on the screen. If the second
                  monitor works, the first one is bad. Monitors are not worth
                  repairing. Just buy a new one. Never open the back of a
                  monitor to fix it. The capacitors inside monitors store
                  electricity. You could be injured or even killed.
                  If the screen is dark, it could be a video card problem.
                  First, find the video card. This is a circuit board that fits
                  into a slot in the motherboard. The cable from the monitor
                  connects to the VGA (video graphics adapter) port, which
                  sticks out through the back of the computer. If the VGA port
                  is part of the motherboard, the video is built-in. You can't
                  fix that. Otherwise, it will be part of the video card.
                  Assuming you have a separate card, be sure it is firmly
                  seated. The front end of the card can rise out of the slot
                  inadvertently when the back end is screwed down to the
                  computer frame.
                  If you have a computer that is working perfectly, turn it off
                  and remove the video card. Put the card that works in the
                  problem computer. If the system works, you need a new card. If
                  you don't have an extra card to test your system, buy a cheap
                  one ($30-$50). If it doesn't solve the problem, take it back.
                  You can spend hundreds of dollars on a video card. But if
                  you're running business applications and surfing the Web, buy
                  on price. The expensive stuff is for serious gamers.
                  3. If you regularly get the "Blue Screen of Death," you may
                  have a random access memory (RAM) problem.
                  Note the message on the blue screen, especially the numbers.
                  Check it in Microsoft's Help and Support Knowledge Base. Also,
                  put it in a search engine and check the Internet.
                  Assuming you can diagnose it, a memory problem is easy to fix.
                  If you can't find the diagnosis information you need online,
                  you can try swapping out memory sticks from another computer.
                  But that memory must be the same type. If all else fails, take
                  the old memory to a computer store. The people there may be
                  willing to test it.
                  Sticks of memory go in slots near the microprocessor. They're
                  about four inches long. Remove the old memory and match it at
                  the store. Memory prices are all over the map, depending on
                  type and speed. Be sure you get the same type.
                  When you press the new memory into the slot, you will probably
                  have to use some force. The clips on each end will snap into
                  place when the memory is seated properly.
                  4. If you boot up, and the computer cannot find the C: drive,
                  you might have a bad hard drive.
                  If you have another computer, swap hard drives to diagnose the
                  problem. If your computer boots with the other drive, yours is
                  probably bad.
                  Sometimes, a reboot will work. Your drive might have enough
                  life to spin up occasionally. If this works, transfer your
                  data to another drive, pronto.
                  According to techie lore, you can seal a nonworking drive in a
                  bag and put it in a freezer overnight. That could shrink
                  things enough to free them up. I've used this trick a few
                  times and it's worth a try.
                  A regular backup regimen will save you in case of hard-drive
                  failure, assuming you aren't backing up to the same hard
                  drive. If the drive is dead and you don't have a backup, a
                  computer shop may be able to save your data.
                  Hard drives are cheap. You can get a replacement for less than
                  $100. Get one boxed for retail, which will include
                  instructions and any hardware needed.
                  Your hard drive is in the front of your machine. It will be
                  about the size of a paperback book and is probably held in by
                  four screws, two on each side. Power and ribbon cables connect
                  to the back.
                  Put the new drive in and install it as the master. Reconfigure
                  the old drive as the slave. The instructions that come with
                  the new drive should explain that. Boot the computer and
                  install Windows on the new drive. If you're lucky, the
                  computer will see the old drive (it will be D:). You can then
                  transfer your data to the new drive.
                  Replacing a hard drive is more difficult than the other
                  operations. However, if you pay to have the work done, it may
                  not be cost effective. You might be better off buying a new
                  machine. So if you are adventuresome, and you have the time,
                  changing the hard drive may be worthwhile.
                  Know your limitations
                  Some things may be beyond your ability. For instance,
                  upgrading a microprocessor can be dicey. Even if a faster
                  microprocessor will fit in your motherboard, you probably need
                  to upgrade the BIOS (Basic Input Output System). This is done
                  through a process called "flashing," in which information is
                  downloaded to change the BIOS. If flashing isn't done
                  correctly, the computer can be rendered useless. Leave that to
                  the experts.
                  There are times when fixing a computer just isn't worthwhile.
                  New machines can be had for less than $500. That might be all
                  you need for business purposes. So, if you're facing a $300
                  repair, maybe it's time to look around. That repair probably
                  won't be the last.
                  A word of caution: Static electricity can kill the circuitry
                  inside your computer. Before you reach for anything inside
                  that box, ground yourself by touching the metal computer