BEFORE YOU CALL...

1. Is your computer still under a warranty or extended warranty that you may have purchased? 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.

2. Is it really worth fixing your computer? Some computers such as netbooks, are so cheap that they considered "throw-aways". If your computer is running Windows XP on only 256 MB of RAM then it is usually not even worth repairing. Generally speaking, if the cost of repair (as low as $100 + parts if any + data migration if any) exceeds half of what it would cost you to buy a replacement computer, then you might be better off just retiring your old computer. Have you considered the cost effectiveness of backing up your data and just buying a new computer instead? PCR can migrate your data to a new system if you need help in that regard.

 

3. PCR does NOT work on MAC's. Just all versions of Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7.

 

4. PCR can show up at your Pacific Palisades business to either pick up your computer ($20 extra) or perform the work on-site (extra $40). PCR only does on-site work for certain issues. Inquire for details.

 

5. PCR is not a retailer of parts or computers. PCR is geared towards repairing home and small business computers, troubleshooting Windows operating system issues and hardware components found inside the computer. PCR repairs computers -- NOT peripheral parts such as monitors, printers, external CD burners, modems, routers, etc. Often your Internet service provider can troubleshoot your internet connection for free.

 

6. PCR is not legally liable for data loss. Back up your personal data including any certificates and cryptographic keys (if any). Experts recommend that you have not one, but two safety backup copies of your data, for a total of 3 copies. Do NOT rely on just one backup method (example - USB drive, Carbonite).

 

7. You may wish to visit this page for simple fixes to simple computer problems, or visit the basic computer maintenance page.

NOTE: Not accepting credit cards at this time. Only accepting personal checks, money orders, or cash.

WHAT TO BRING, etc...

1) Sometimes the ability to fix or properly fix your computer depends on whether you have all of the discs that came with your computer.  If you have them, remember to bring any number of CD's that may be titled as follows:

Windows CD including valid Windows product ID number (usually simply found taped to the side of your computer).

System Recovery CD

Drivers CD

System Restoration Kit CD

Applications CD

Installation CD

Flash BIOS Update CD

Anti-Virus CD (such as Norton or McAfee)

Program CD's (if a specific software needs troubleshooting, or if reinstallation of Windows may be necessary)

 

2) Secondary hard drive -- Do you have critical data that you need backed up?  If so then please provide your own drive (internal or external drive), otherwise PCR can either sell you a new drive (at cost) or back up your data to an in-house drive. PCR will even provide you with an Ubuntu boot CD (loaner) with which you can use to back up your data. 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.

 

3) If this is a laptop computer problem, please bring your power adapter (that runs from the wall outlet to the computer). You do NOT need to bring your mouse, speakers, data or power cables, external monitor, etc.

 

5) Please make a note of ALL issues that exist with the computer, and any recent changes that have been made (example: software or hardware updates and installations). Also note the approximate time (day and hour) when major computer failure occurred, when virus infection may have occurred, etc. This information can be helpful.

 

California Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair license # 85238 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Pete, the computer geek:

I am a Pacific Palisades resident since 1999, and I launched PCR in 2008. My studies include the Comp TIA A+ course (that most computer techs study) and the MCDST course, however the vast majority of my computer know-how comes from hands on experience repairing, building, testing, and constant studying of computers. My focus is the Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7 operating systems.

 

So why should you have me fix your computer instead of the "pizza delivery guy" working at the major chain store? Repairing computers is 1% classroom study and 99% learning from outside the classroom. For most techs, computer repair is an "entry level position" that people enter into fresh-out-of-school, and want to get OUT of as soon as possible! Consequently, and contrary to conventional wisdom, you just don't see many good repair techs working at major chain stores.  They want to get out of that dead-end $8.50 an hour job as soon as possible, and so they don't stick around to really learn the tricks of the trade. The reports I am constantly hearing are that the repair techs working at major chain stores actually have very limited knowledge about repairing computers. (The YouTube video below would seem to confirm this!)

Not me. I enjoy the freedom of running my own business and I have very little overhead so this translates to lower prices for my clients. So I am dedicated to quality computer repair rather than cutting corners in a race against the clock to meet tight corporate profit margins. I go the extra mile to fix your computer using "outside the box" tricks that can only be learned over time outside of the classroom. In between repair jobs, I actually practice removing the latest viruses off of my "test computer".

Still considering taking your product to the "other guys"? Here's an undercover news story posted on YouTube about incompetence that goes on at some major chain stores....

GO BACK

Since 7/31/09