Hardware & Software Faults
While computer hardware can cause all sorts of problems, they are often the easiest to figure out and fix whether it's desktop repairs or laptop repairs. You may be getting error messages, unexpected shutdowns or worse yet, the PC or laptop won't boot at all. If so, the source of the problem is probably some piece of hardware in your system.
If you suspect you may need desktop repairs or laptop repairs related to hardware the first thing you should do is to check your connections both inside and out. Make sure your power cord is firmly plugged into the outlet and the computer. You'd be surprised how often someone brings in their PC or laptop for repair and the only thing wrong is a poorly seated memory card, add-in card or other piece of hardware. These things can be worked loose over time by the vibrations of your walking around your house or flat, as can cables. If everything is secure as it should be, look at your hardware and check the pins—one bent pin could allow the computer to work but cause error messages or involuntary re-booting.
Whenever you install new memory, a new drive, a different graphics card or other piece of hardware and your computer goes wonky you should go back and retrace the steps you made during the installation. Maybe you didn't seat something firmly enough, maybe you bent a pin while installing. Maybe the RAM isn't recognized or is faulty or it's not compatible with your motherboard. Try a different brand before you throw up your hands in defeat.
If you're having trouble with your monitor there may also be a simple solution. If it is black around the edges or the images displayed look strange you may have an inappropriate driver; go to the manufacturer's website and download the correct one. If you have a high resolution monitor and choose a square resolution like 1024x768 it can't display correctly. Go to your display options in your control panel and check your resolution settings. It may also be that your monitor is just old and is wearing out.
If your mouse is causing you trouble you may not need desktop repairs or laptop repairs, just a simple adjustment. If you have a regular mouse check to see if the cord is firmly seated. If you have a cordless mouse that is acting up the first thing to do is change the batteries. Cordless or not, if you cannot use your mouse a reboot might solve the problem. Press ALT and F4 then use arrow keys to choose restart and press enter. That will reboot and the mouse might work again. If your cursor is jumping around on a corded mouse turn it over and unscrew the little plate around the track ball. Clean the ball and the inside area with a lint free cloth and rubbing alcohol. That will fix most "jumping" cursors. If you have a wireless mouse check the batteries first. Then turn it over and be sure it's clean and you aren't working with a mouse pad with reflective surface.
If you notice that the date and time displayed are wrong or you're getting errors when you boot that says the system doesn't match the configuration it may be that the CMOS battery is dying. Problems caused by a dying CMOS batter are usually intermittent or occur randomly as it wear out. If you get an error every time you boot it's time to replace that battery. Many people can save themselves a trip to a computer technician for desktop repairs or laptop repairs if they know that a CMOS battery can cause these symptoms. Most of these batteries last over five years so if you have a new PC or laptop this might be one of the last things you consider.
If your PC or laptop just shuts down for no reason, let it rest awhile then turn back on. Is the fan running? If not, you have a defective fan and your pc shut off because it overheated. Fans are very inexpensive but one of the most important pieces of hardware in your computer. Running a computer without a fan is like expecting someone to dig ditches when the temperature is over 40° C—it's nearly impossible and very damaging.
If all else fails we'll be glad to take a look. We have a no fix, no charge policy and if you live in 369 and we'll pick up and deliver your PC or laptop at no charge. 369 Computer Repairs is the only place you need for desktop repairs or laptop repairs!
