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BEFORE YOU CALL... |
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1. Is your computer still under a warranty or "extended warranty" that you may have paid for? If so you may wish to call the manufacturer so that you can A) have them fix it (for free) and B) not void the remainder of your warranty. |
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2. PCR does NOT work on MAC's. Just all versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. |
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3. Sorry no residential out-calls. I am not insured for on-site work at residences. For $20 extra, if your Pacific Palisades business is located in a commercial real estate location, PCR can either perform the work on-site (but only for certain issues) or pick up, fix and return your computer. For Malibu add $30. |
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4. How old is your computer? Is your computer really worth fixing? Generally speaking, if the cost of repair exceeds half of what it would cost you to buy a replacement computer, then you might consider buying a new computer. PCR can migrate your data to a new system if you need help in that regard. |
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5. PCR repairs the Windows operating system, software that comes bundled on a Windows CD, and parts found inside the computer. PCR guarantees this performed work for 30 days. As part of the standard repair price, PCR does NOT repair or provide support, warranties or guarantees for software or peripheral devices, nor tutorial support for Windows functionality. If you are having problems with a particular software program or external device then please contact the vendor. No courtesy support for AOL's problematic browser. This is the
same policy you will find at other computer repair outlets such as
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6. PCR will go the extra mile to repair your existing Windows installation (when most chain stores give up), however PCR cannot guarantee that it won't become necessary to reinstall Windows in order to repair your computer, and if so there may be additional costs such as personal data migration or recovery. The end result of reinstalling Windows is that a computer will generally run just as it did when it was purchased new out of the box. One of the drawbacks to reinstalling Windows is that all changes that you previously made to your computer would be lost. Under the basic repair price, you would be responsible to restore such changes. |
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7. If it is determined that the repair requires replacement of a failed hardware part you can opt out of the entire repair for just a $40 initial diagnostic fee.
Before bringing your computer in, PCR can provide you with a FREE "guestimate" as to what might be the root cause of your computer problem based on the symptoms you describe. At that time you may just decide that your PC is beyond repair. PC's with certain failed non-standard parts that are only available used or refurbished are often not worth repairing due to the costs and inherit higher part failure rate. |
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8. Is a lost Internet connection the only problem that you are having? If so your Internet service provider (ISP) or wireless provider may be able to fix this for you for FREE. Click here for details. |
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9. PCR is not a retailer of parts, software or computers. PCR is geared towards repairing home and small business computers, troubleshooting Windows operating system issues and hardware components found inside the computer. |
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10. If possible, back up your personal data including certificates (if any) and cryptographic keys (if any). Experts recommend that you have two safety backup copies of your data, for a total of 3 copies. Do NOT rely on just one backup method (example - external USB drive or Carbonite). Also be sure to verify that your data is properly backed up (for example compare file sizes to the original file sizes). Protecting your data is priority one on every computer that comes in for repair, however PCR is not legally liable for data loss. Read the waiver of liability and warranty. |
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11. You may wish to visit this page for simple fixes to simple computer problems, or visit the basic computer maintenance page. |
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WHAT TO BRING... |
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1) A legal, valid Windows product key (usually found on a sticker already affixed somewhere underneath, on one side of your PC, or inside of a laptop battery compartment)
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2) The ability to fix your computer fully and without delay can sometimes depend on whether or not you have certain discs:
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3) Secondary hard drive -- Do you have critical data that you need backed up? If so then please bring your own drive (internal or external drive), otherwise PCR can back up your data to an in-house drive. Remember that you should always have at least 1 but preferably 2 redundant back ups of your critical personal data - When you count the original drive, that's a total of three copies. Store the 3rd copy in a safe off-site location. |
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3) If this is a laptop computer problem, please bring your power adapter (that runs from the wall outlet to the computer). Make sure to bring the correct one that goes with your laptop, as different power adapters deliver different voltages. You do NOT need to provide your mouse, speakers, data or power cables, external monitor, etc. |
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4) If your monitors connect via a dual DVI-D splitter please bring the Y-adapter.... |
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5) Please make a note of ALL issues that you are aware of with the computer, and any recent changes that have been made to the system (such as new software / hardware that may have been installed). Also note the approximate time (day and hour) when major computer failure occurred, when virus infection may have occurred, etc. All of this information is sometimes helpful. |
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NOTE: Not accepting credit cards at this time. Only accepting personal checks, money orders, or cash. |
Thinking about taking your PC to the "other geeks"?
Here's an undercover news story posted on YouTube about incompetence that goes on at some major chain stores. Watch what happens when something as simple as the BIOS boot order is changed on a computer that is otherwise perfectly healthy...

Since 7/31/09