BEFORE YOU CALL...

1. You may wish to visit the self help page for simple fixes to simple problems. Otherwise you probably have a more complex problem.

2. 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.

3. Have you considered the cost effectiveness of backing up your data and just buying a new computer instead? Generally speaking, if the cost of repair (usually $120 + parts 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. 

 

4. If this is a laptop or "all-in-one" computer please provide your brand & exact model number. Note that the "series number" is often shown on the outside of the computer (example: the outside of the computer might say Dell "Optiplex 900" when if fact the model number is really an "Optiplex 960".

 

5. PCR does not work on MAC's. Only Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7.

 

6. For only an extra $20.00 PCR can show up at your Pacific Palisades home or office to perform the work or pick up your computer. PCR only does on-site work for a few select issues such as password recovery, etc. 

 

7. 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. PCR is not a retailer of parts or computers.

 

8. If you can boot to the desktop, back up your data including any certificates (if any). PCR is not legally liable for data loss.

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

WHAT TO BRING, etc...

Sometimes the ability to fix or properly fix your computer depends on whether you have all of the discs that came with your computer. 

1) 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 side of computer and/or with paper documentation).

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 if you wish to have your data backed up to your own drive (preferably an internal drive if you want PCR to back up more than 50 GB).   Is your data (documents, settings, emails) critical or not?  Drives are very cheap! 250GB USB / Firewire are about $80 as of 7/29/09.

 

3) If a laptop computer 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. On rare occasions your original desktop keyboard may be needed if PCR will be reinstalling Windows.

 

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, as this can also be helpful.

 

About Pete, the repair guy:

I am a Pacific Palisades resident since 1999. While I have a BA Degree in Broadcasting, and my studies include the Comp TIA A+ course (that most computer techs study) and the MCDST course (MicroSoft Certified Desktop Support Technician), most of my computer know-how comes from hands-on experience studying, building, repairing, modifying, experimenting with, and troubleshooting computers, including fussy pro-audio workstations under the Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems.

California Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair license # 85238 

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Since 7/31/09