If you are looking at this, chances are your computer isn’t working correctly. When diagnosing, we have to figure out if it is a physical problem, like a power supply failure, or a software problem, like a virus. Sometimes it’s both. Unless it turns out to be something simple, it’s cheaper to examine the computer in the workshop. We then contact you with more information and costs. Depending upon what you want us to do, if it is a software problem we typically backup the data, note the settings on your computer, re-install Windows, apply any updates, provide a free virus checker and firewall, restore the data, then return it to yourselves. If it is hardware, we check that it is economically viable to repair, and then advise accordingly.

 

Here is an intro to basic fault finding.

 

First things first. Check it’s plugged in, switched on, and that if it has a power switch on the back, that it’s set to 240v, and switched on. Next, check this list:-

 

No startup – possible faulty front power switch, blown power supply or motherboard.

 

Starts, but morse code like beeps heard – something inside isn’t plugged in correctly. Usually the video card or memory.

 

Starts, but blue screen error, and/or reboots – usually corrupted files on the hard drive, caused by a damaged hard drive, or viruses.

 

Starts up, but runs very slowly – usually lack of memory, too much stuff loaded at startup, or viruses/Trojans.

 

Runs OK for a while, then reboots all by itself – usually overheating caused by dust/faulty fans.

 

Generally, if you have had lightning strikes, and/or smell burning, it’s the power supply. If it’s been moved recently, it’s a loose component. If the kids regularly kick it on the floor, and have all their mates round for illegal file sharing, it’s a damaged hard drive and viruses. If it looks like the inside of a vacuum cleaner even on the outside, it’s dust. The current most popular occurrence is motherboard failure caused by blown capacitors.

 

Most of these are best looked at by an engineer, but at least this gives you a rough guide.