Computer needs fixing... any suggestions?

[blueckles]

My computer is having a really hard time starting up lately. I am pretty sure there is something wrong with it. I've had to start in safe mode and I kind of want to get it fixed before it completely crashes on me. I live in the So Cal area (Glendora to be exact) and need to find a place to take it in. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[nursemelis374]

Shell - When I was having that problem I gave my computer to Frank the computer guy at work and he fixed it for 75 bucks. He also put all this cool stuff on it that has made it much faster. It took about 48 hours. Let me know if you want me to ask him.

[stan4d_steph]

My one suggestion would be to back everything up. My hard drive died and I didn't have any backups. I still have the drive though, so I suppose I could eventually try to recover it.

I hope you are able to fix your problem.

[IndySpacePirate]

Whatever you do I suggest that you do not have the Geek Squad at Best Buy repair your computer - they are a ripoff, they lie, and they have methods which aren't the best in all situations to repair computers.

That said, I would either find a reputable computer repair person or company, like nursemelis374 said, or try to fix it yourself. Probably all your computer needs is to have Windows reinstalled on the hard drive, which doesn't require much effort at all (aside from backing up your files and reinstalling your programs). It is recommended that you wipe your hard drive and reinstall Windows ever year or so to keep your computer running well.

If you are not too computer savvy or you don't think you can do this by yourself then hire someone, but if you want to save some money doing it yourself (if you know what you are doing) this can be the better way to go.

Check this article our for a Step-By-Step guide to reinstalling Windows --> http://www.pcworld.com/article/105866-1/article.html.

Hope this helps!

[Andrew]

Agreed on avoiding GeekSquad. Check your local free daily/weekly newspaper, or Pennysaver; one-man PC repair operations often advertise there.

[blueckles]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I am going to back up my system and save any and all important files that I have to a disk. Then I think I am going to reinstall the Windows software, per IndySpacePirate's suggestion. If all else fails, I will be giving Melissa's IT guy a call. :)

Thanks again everyone!

[nursemelis374]

I am suprised to hear all this about the Geek Squad. I know of at least 3 people at my work who have used them and loved them!

I sitll say go with my guy. He is computer-saavy and attractive!