Computer repair shops are everywhere these days. You’re probably using one right now or have plans to use one in the near future. Whatever your situation, it’s important to be prepared before heading out to a computer repair shop. Whether you’re having an issue with your home or office computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, there are numerous reasons why you might need a computer repair shop. The most common cause is faulty hardware. Another common reason for needing a repair shop is software issues that may arise from outdated or uninstalled programs and/or malware. With so many different types of computers and repair shops out there, it’s important to take steps before going anywhere else besides Google when searching for answers. In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know about computer repair before leaving your home or office for the day:
What to Do Before Leaving Home
Before you head to the computer repair shop, make sure you’ve done all the following: – Troubleshooting and diagnosis: Your computer may be having hardware issues, uninstalled programs, and/or malware that need to be addressed before you can go to the shop. This includes making sure the computer is plugged into an outlet and that the cord is unplugged from anything else. You may also want to record any and all conversations you have with family members or friends as to what you were doing when you experienced your issue and what they may have seen or heard. – Make a list of repairs and services you need done: You’ll want to get an estimate from the repair shop so you have an idea of what you’ll be paying. It’s highly recommended that you write down what you need repaired or serviced. This will help you remember what you need when it’s your turn to be on the phone with the repair shop. – Take some screenshots: A screenshot is a copy of whatever is on your screen that you can easily store on your computer. This may come in handy as you’re on the phone with the repair shop and may need to show them screenshots of the issue you’re having.
Step 1: Make a Troubleshooting List
As we discussed in the introduction, the most common reasons for needing a computer repair shop are faulty hardware, uninstalled programs, and/or malware. You’ll want to jot down a list of any issues you have with your computer, its software, and/or its hardware. It’s also a good idea to take a photo or screenshot of your computer that includes the top, left, and right side of the screen. You may find it helpful to have this list with you when you’re on the phone with the repair shop. It’s also a good idea to write down any conversations you have with family members or friends that may have seen or heard something you didn’t. This way, you have an accurate record of what they may have seen on your screen or heard as you’re on the phone with the repair shop.
Step 2: Check Expected Services and Pricing
It’s important to determine if the computer repair shop offers the services you believe you need. There are a few things you should look for before you head out to a computer repair shop: First, does the shop offer extended warranties? This will help you if you need to return the repaired computer to the repair shop in the future for warranty issues with the new computer. Second, does the shop offer additional services beyond hardware and software repairs? Some computer repair shops offer services such as data transfer, antivirus or malware removal, and data backup. You’ll want to make sure the shop offers what you need. Third, is there a charge for testing? This is a good thing to look for as there are some computer repairs that require testing to ensure the problem isn’t with the motherboard or other internal parts.
Step 3: Take some Screenshots
Similar to when you write down what you need and what you’re doing while on the phone with the repair shop, it’s a good idea to take some screenshots during troubleshooting. You can easily take a screenshot on an iPhone or iPad by holding down the “Home” button and the “Power” button until the screen blacks out and the screen saver appears. While this is a simple trick for most devices, it’s also a good idea to take screenshots of your computer’s screen during troubleshooting. You can easily do this by capturing the screen from within Windows or Mac OS X. Alternatively, you can use an app such as Snagit for Windows or Screenshot for Mac OS X.
Step 4: Search for Reviews and Look at Official Websites
Computer Repair Reviews: One of the best ways to determine if a computer repair shop is legit is to read customer reviews. You can use a search engine like Google or Bing to do this, or you can use a website that lists verified customer reviews, such as Yelp. Computer Repair Shop Websites: Another way to determine if a repair shop is legit is to take a look at their website. This includes its structure, layout, and ease of navigation. Does it have a clear layout that helps show their services and prices? If you can’t find a website for the shop you’re thinking about using, you can also look for the shop’s business license number online. This is information that’s public and can be easily found online.
Step 5: Ask Your Friendly Local Repair People For a Quote
There are many repair shops that are open 24/7 and/or will work with you on the phone while you’re on a break at work. You can also do this with some repair shops that only work on weekends. If you have a computer repair shop that you’re comfortable using, ask if they’ll quote you over the phone. Some repair shops may only work with customers over the phone, even if they’re only open during business hours. Always make sure to ask the person giving you the quote to write down the details of what you need and any additional services you might need with your repair. It’s important to have accurate records when it comes to what you need repaired or serviced.
Conclusion
Computer repair can be a scary thing. With so many different types of problems, it can be difficult to know what to do when you need help. In this article we’ve discussed everything you need to know about computer repair before heading to a shop. From what to do before heading there to what to look for while in the shop, we hope you’ve found this helpful.