Hard Disk Drive Replacement and Costs 

Hard disk drive replacement in an older computer can sometimes give it a new lease of life. We say sometimes, as there are other times when one needs to look at the repair costs vs replacement costs.

Hard Disk Drives 3+ Years

Generally speaking, after 3 or so years, the hard disk drive (HDD) tends to start slowing down and then failing as we have all probably experienced before. Loss of data or high costs of accessing the data generally follow.

Hard Drive Replacement by Type of Computer

The hard disk drive replacement and costs for the different types of computer are covered in this article.  Those to be covered include desktops, laptops/notebooks and All-In-Ones (Windows-based and iMac).

In the larger computers, the HDD tends to be 3.5” units and in the laptops/notebooks the 2.5”. The 2.5” tend to start failing sooner due to their smaller form factor and the heat within laptops. The larger 3.5” units generally are better cooled being in a larger “box” and they seem more rugged and therefore less prone to failure.

Advice on Replacing Hard Disk Drives

All advice regarding repairing desktops, laptops and Macs on this website is only intended for those with computer repair experience. Please note that should you follow the instructions provided, you do so at your own risk. Whilst we have given our best possible advice, there are always instances of unknowns and unpleasant surprises in computer repair!

If you have any concern about repairing your computer yourself, please rather bring your computer to us for repair (or we can come to you) and given our very affordable fees, you will most likely find that this is the easiest and the best solution for you.

Hard Disk Drive Replacement for a Desktop

Unplug all the cables to the computer and take the side of the case.

Then locate the HDD and remove the data cable and the power cable. Generally, there are up to 4 screws holding the hard disk drive in place.

Due to the many different ways the HDD can be mounted, I will not go into every possible combination here, it would not be practical. Needless to say, if it all looks too hard then leave it to an IT professional.

A new 3.5” HDD of 1TB costs about $100 these days. This does depend on make, model and rating. The rating is the performance of the drive.

Western Digital and Seagate are the two biggest HDD manufacturers and use different colours or names to designate the type of HDD it is. A quick search on either of these two websites will show you what we mean. If less storage space is okay and faster speed is needed, an SSD can be used (more information provided on this below). You may possibly need a 2.5” to a 3.5” mounting bracket.

Replace the new HDD in the exact reverse steps that you took to remove it. A new HDD needs to be formatted for the Operating System being used and that OS to then is installed. Finally, the job is done.

Replacing a Laptop and Notebook HDD

Hard disk drive replacement for a laptop or notebook generally means accessing the HDD from the base of the computer. There will be many screws to remove. So before you start, write down the make and model of your laptop and search on youtube.com for someone who has videoed themselves removing and replacing an HDD in your exact model of computer. Follow their steps exactly and hopefully, the job should go smoothly.

Laptops and notebooks use 2.5” drives and again they come in different makes and models. The better specification drives cost more. Prices are around the $100 for a 1TB mechanical unit. At this stage, the better option could be an SSD (Solid State Drive) as they come in the 2.5” form factor but can be expensive. If you need more speed and less storage space then an SSD could be the way to go. A new HDD needs to be formatted for the Operating System being used and that OS to then is installed. Job is done.

Replacing an iMac or All-In-One HDD

Hard disk drive replacement in an iMac or All-In-One Computer is more complicated and time-consuming than that of a desktop and probably a laptop/notebook as well.

Again watching a youtube video is strongly encouraged due to the myriad of different makes and models of Windows All-In-Ones out there.

iMacs are more consistent in their manufacture but again a youtube video on the exact model and EMC number would be essential. Torx screwdrivers are needed as well as a glass puller/holder for pre-2012 models. iMacs will have a 3.5” HDD and most Windows All-In-Ones will have the same. Again they can be replaced with like for like or a 2.5” SSD. The same comments on speed, make, model and rating would, of course, apply as above. A new HDD or SSD needs to be formatted and the OS installed, as above.

Hard Disk Drive Replacement Costs

Like any work on a computer, be it a desktop, laptop/notebook or an All-In-One, the cost comes down to the cost of parts, the cost of labour and the technical skill and knowledge of the person concerned. It is these factors which will determine whether it can be done by yourself or whether you get an IT professional to do it for you. A word of caution, if you break your computer, you could lose your computer and data altogether, or be up for higher repair costs. So we caution you to be careful and patient and be educated on your make and model of computer and the rest could go like clockwork, or not as the case may be.

Affordable Computer Repairs and Service

We are a computer repair business in Brisbane. If you have any questions or would like more advice, please call us at 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.

Possible Causes and Fixes for a MacBook Black Screen

There are several different causes for a black screen on a MacBook. The following troubleshooting should help you determine the reason and the solution to your MacBook black screen, just work down the list in the order provided:

1. Check that the MacBook has not gone to sleep or hibernated. Pressing a key should wake it up or try pressing the power button for a second or two. If nothing then go to step 2.
2. Has the battery flattened? If so, plug in the power supply cable. Is the green light on the power supply where the MagSafe adaptor (magnetic connector) attaches to the computer? Try another power supply unit just in case. If still nothing then go to step 3.
3. Hold your finger on the power button for at least 10 seconds if not more. Make sure the computer is off in other words. Wait 30 seconds and try turning on again.
4. Next, try a reset of the System Management Controller (SMC). Hold down the Shift+Control+Option+Power button all at the same time. Hold for a few seconds.
5. Next option to try is the OSX keyboard shortcut. Press the power button (turn the computer on), this will bring up a box which of course you cannot see. Press the “S” button (this is a shortcut to sleep a Mac). Hold down the Power button until a hard shutdown is forced. Wait for 30 seconds then try powering on again.
6. If you have an older MacBook with a removable battery now would be a good time to remove the battery, unplug the MagSafe and hold your finger on the power button for 30 seconds. Plug the MagSafe back in and try powering on. If all is good, shut down and replace the battery.
7. Yet another option with a black screen is to ignore it and type in your password as you normally would to login and hit the enter/return key. If this works you will soon know.
8. Next, try turning the computer on and immediately holding down the Command+Option+P+R keys. If anything is going to happen you will hear the usual Apple “bong”. Keep holding the 4 keys down until it has “bonged” 3 or 4 times then release. The computer will continue to boot, hopefully. This key combination is a PRAM reset.
9. If the screen is still black, grey or sometimes multi-coloured and the computer has “bonged” and seems to have booted then that generally means the video chip has died. This is terminal unfortunately and would involve a new motherboard. As these are as rare as hens’ teeth, the best option is to recover the data and move on.
10. Another option could be that the screen has died so plugging in an external monitor may get you working again. As various Apple MacBooks have different video connectors etc, google your model number and EMC number (found on the base of a MacBook) for the correct instructions and steps to take to achieve this. A replacement screen for the MacBook is possible but can be very expensive.

If there are no lights on and no one at home then it could be the motherboard has died and data recovery is your only option. A professional Computer Repair business (such as us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service) could also be consulted at this point to verify the state of your computer and the possibility of repairing it or not.

Considering Replacing a Motherboard in a Laptop or Notebook?

Generally speaking, replacing a motherboard in a laptop (also referred to as notebooks) is a time-consuming and expensive exercise. This is due to the design of laptops and notebooks. In fact, laptops and notebooks are not manufactured to be easily (and cost-effectively) disassembled and reassembled again once they roll off the assembly line. In reality, the majority of laptops currently for sale are really throw-away or disposable items. They are made to last about 3-4 years then be replaced by an updated model.

Issues With Replacing a Motherboard in a Laptop

Issues with replacing a motherboard in a laptop or notebook can include:

• • Supply of new or serviceable replacement parts. Every laptop ever made by the world’s computer manufacturers is different from another. This applies to the same manufacturer as they seem to think using the same design as the previous model (from about 3 or 4 months previous) is not a good idea;

• • Laptops are complicated and it can be difficult to ascertain where to start. If at all possible, find a service manual on the manufacturer’s website, or a video on YouTube where someone has already found the pitfalls and steps on how to open up your make and model of laptop. As stated above, you have to be exact on your particular make and model;

• • Complexity. Many screws and connections to remove. The cable connections can be a real challenge as they are all different and it can be difficult to disconnect them, even after watching a “How To” video;

• • Caution (and care). Basically; to remove the motherboard the whole laptop generally needs to be disassembled and is effectively a job for an IT specialist. Excellent lighting, good workspace and the correct tools are essential;

• • Component design. Most laptop motherboards have a CPU and GPU (video controller) that are integrated (non-removable) and soldered onto the motherboard making it impossible to replace and increasingly, this is also the case for RAM (memory). This limits your flexibility to “repair” and usually adds to the cost of the replacement motherboard;

• • The cost of a new motherboard for a laptop can also be prohibitively expensive as the manufacturers really want you to buy a new computer, for reasons mentioned earlier;

• • Second-hand motherboards may be available on eBay or such like websites but you may be buying someone else’s problem here, so be careful;

• • Reassembly. Putting it all back together again is the next challenge. Just because it comes apart doesn’t necessarily mean it goes back together again correctly or easily. It is a slow, patient and methodical job;

• • Value for money. It really comes down to cost, time, convenience and whether you have the technical skills to attempt something like this. It really is for each individual to decide.

For those considering replacing a motherboard in a laptop, the above issues have probably not made your day! Unfortunately, this is a sign of the times and part of the disposable society that we now live in. It is not impossible to replace a motherboard in a laptop and if after reading the information above you still wish to do so but don’t have the expertise, then please do give us a call (3397 1215 or 0409 974 707 in Brisbane) and we will do our best to assist you.

Before Malware Tips – What is Malware?

Before providing you with 12 essential malware tips we firstly need to answer the question, “What is Malware?”. Most people are familiar with the word malware (some too familiar, having had malware removed repeatedly from their computer), but below is the official dictionary definition of Malware.

Definition of Malware

Malware is defined as “Software which is specifically designed to disrupt, damage or gain authorised access to a computer system.”

In fact, the word malware is a definition of its own being two words that run together. Malicious and Software giving the unique name we now all know as mal+ware – Malware.

Defining Malware Further

Malware includes computer viruses, spyware, worms and Trojan horses. These malicious programs can perform many varieties of functions, sometimes combing more than one item. So Malware could be spyware and a Trojan in one infection.

Purpose of Malware

1. The writers of Malware want to steal your information or encrypt it for ransom purposes.
2. In some cases, they might want to delete sensitive data from a competitor’s server.
3. They might want to alter or hijack your computer or network of computers for various purposes.
4. What it all boils down to is money. They want your money (credit card details, bank details) or they are paid to delete your information by a rival government or company.
5. Another type of criminal wants to encrypt your data and then ransom it with the promise of when you pay they unencrypt it for you, as if. From our experience, you can pay as much as you want but the ransomers won’t unencrypt it for you. Why would they? They already have your money. So if this happens to you our advice is never pay them.

Defense Against Malware

Having a good anti-virus or malware program is vitally important on your computer. Also being computer smart and not going to strange websites and downloading “free” software. This simple and seemingly innocuous act can cause a mountain of programs to be downloaded and installed and before you know it, voila, you have a Malware issue.  Now finally, 12 malware tips that will provide a good defence against Malware…

Malware Tips

The best way to defend yourself against Malware is to follow all of the malware tips below. Don’t forget it is easier to avoid getting Malware than it is sometimes to fix or remove it.

1. Have a good Anti-virus program as well as a good anti Malware program.
2. Update your Operating System, programs and plugins (if you really must have them)
3. Enable click-to-play plugins
4. Keep a close check on what software is installed and remove items that you do not need. Be very careful and always research the program you are going to remove thoroughly before deleting it.
5. Be very wary of social networks and “friends” that ask you to click on this or that.
6. Don’t ever call the fake tech support companies on their numbers they will probably say they are from “Windows”. There is no such company. Microsoft – yes. Windows – no.
7. Put the telephone down on Tech Support cold callers. Don’t discuss or argue just put the phone down.
8. Practice safe browsing. Do not go to dodgy websites, especially porn/sex sites.
9. Use safe and strong passwords. Do not store them on your computer in a Word file called Passwords. This is self-explanatory I hope.
10. Look for the padlock on your browser. You’ll see this on bank sites etc and is becoming more common. This means it is an HTTPS site. (S for secure)
11. Make sure your Firewall is turned on and Malware/anti-virus programs are always up to date.
12. Be “street smart” or computer savvy. Just because your friend says a website is cool or okay, best check with a Google search first before going to that site. Be cautious.

Malware Continually Evolving and Improving

Anti-malware software programs are always one step behind the writers of malware. Why? Because anti-malware software is written as a response to new malware written, thus you can never be 100% safe from obtaining a malware infection, even following the 12 malware tips provided above.

Should your computer, laptop, Mac, notebook etc become infected by any form of malware and you live in Brisbane, we at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service provide a very comprehensive malware removal service which you may wish to consider. Please give us a call (3397 1215 or 0409 974 707) and we can discuss with you the nature of your malware infection and our effective malware removal service.

How to Start in Safe Mode Windows 10 and Windows 8 

With the advent of Windows 8, 8.1 and 10, Microsoft removed the helpful ability to use the F8 key to allow access to Safe Mode. What needs to be done to start in Safe Mode Windows 10 and both versions of Windows 8 is now made far more difficult. It is also far more time-consuming.

Boot into Safe Mode Windows 10 and 8

To start to get to Safe Mode, turn the computer on. When the blue windows logo appears and the maddening circle starts spinning towards the bottom of the screen, turn it off again.

Do this again and then again. It usually takes 3 goes to get to “Preparing Automatic Repair”. Sometimes I have found it takes 4 goes. No matter what, just keep booting and turning off until “Preparing Automatic Repair” appears.

Safe Mode Windows 10 and 8 Blue Screen

A blue screen appears with white writing and Automatic Repair in large letters. Below it is wording which says that your PC did not start correctly.  There are two buttons, the first says “Restart” (completely pointless) and the second says “Advanced Options”. Click the “Advanced Options” button which then gives you more choices.

Select Troubleshoot

Microsoft then asks you to “Choose an Option”, which is helpful of them considering the only real “Option” is “Troubleshoot” as the other 2 are useless.  After choosing “Troubleshoot” you will then be taken to another screen with “Troubleshoot” and two further options. Choose “Advanced Options”. Do not select “Reset this PC” as files and programs will be wiped.

Advanced Options

After choosing “Advanced Options” you will get a screen headed “Advanced Options” (as if we already didn’t know) and you will have 6 options to choose from. Click on “Startup Settings”

Another screen appears headed “Startup Settings” and “Restart to change Windows options such as”.  On the list of things is “Safe Mode”. At this stage, there is only one button to click and that says “Restart” so click that and the PC will restart. This is what we want to do.

Restarting for Save Mode Windows 10

The PC will restart and a blue screen with white writing appears on reboot headed “Startup Settings”. It then asks you to hit a number corresponding to the list on the screen. Choose “4 Enable Safe Mode” by hitting the number 4 on your keyboard.

The options of 5 and 6 give different Safe Mode options which you may want to consider depending on what you are trying to achieve. For most people option 4 is the best.

From then on the screen will change to the Windows logo and the spinning circle. Then the login screen will appear asking for a password if applicable. Eventually, a black background on the Desktop appears usually with your icons and Safe Mode in all four corners.

After that, you can undertake various functions. Some functions need to be run from the Command Prompt such as rstrui.exe which runs the System Restore program.

It is suggested that you should now back up your files if this has not already been done.

If you require further help or need computer repairs in Brisbane please call us at 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.

This article on how to start in Safe Mode Windows 10 and Windows 8 was written by Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane.  If you are seeking laptop repairs or PC or Mac repairs please call us on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.

How to boot in Safe Mode Windows 7 and Earlier Versions

You can boot in safe mode Windows 7 and earlier versions quite easily. However, with Windows 8, 8.1 and now 10 it is more difficult and time-consuming.

What is Safe Mode?

This is a question a lot of people ask us, many people have heard of safe mode but are not sure what it does. Nor do they know why they should try it.

Safe Mode boots the computer with the least possible number of software drivers. Drivers are what is needed to communicate between the Operating System (Windows) and the necessary hardware in the computer. Hardware devices are such items as the motherboard and its various components, mouse, keyboard, video card, USB ports, touchpad (on a laptop), DVD/CD drive, Hard Disk Drive, wireless, Ethernet port etc.

There are 3 modes of Safe Mode. The first is the basic one called Safe Mode. The second is Safe Mode with Networking. Finally, the third is Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Unless you really need the Internet, then choose the first mode. The same applies to the third mode unless you want to use the MSDOS Command Prompt.

Boot Into Safe Mode Windows 7

To get into Safe Mode Windows 7 and earlier Windows, turn on the computer and immediately start tapping the F8 key on the keyboard. Now there are some computers that use F8 to do something such as run some diagnostics. This is all run from the computer’s BIOS (Basic Input Output System). If yours does that then don’t despair, just turn it off and then on. Then wait until the screen with the BIOS messages disappears and then start tapping F8.

Don’t hold the key down just tap it constantly until the menu appears “Advanced Boot Options”. There you will see the various boot options. At the top will be Safe Mode in their 3 variances. Arrow down to the Safe Mode you require and hit Enter to get it underway.

This article is not going into the other functions on the Advanced Boot Options because there are too many combinations.

It can take a minute or two to boot into Safe Mode Windows 7.  You will see a list of files (drivers) shown in white on a black screen. This is normal. At the top of the screen, it will say Loading Windows Files. After that is done the blue Welcome screen appears. A Windows Desktop screen also appears with a black background and Safe Mode in all 4 corners. Also, a white box (Window) appears on the right explaining what Safe Mode is. By all means, read the information or not as you wish.

If you have a password on your user account you will have been asked for that. So, of course, enter the password for the correct user.

Once in Safe Mode Windows 7

After that, you can accomplish various functions. Microsoft has a very limited amount of options it allows you to do through the Control Panel, so you do need to know what you need to do, as some functions need to be run from the Command Prompt such as rstrui.exe which runs the System Restore program.

This would be a good time to back up your files if you have not already done so.

If you require further assistance then please call us on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707 for computer repairs in Brisbane and we can assist you in working through your computer problems.

This article on how to boot into safe mode Windows 7 and earlier versions of Windows was written by Affordable Computer Repairs and Service, a computer and laptop repair business in Brisbane.

If you are looking for a home computer repair service and live within our Brisbane mobile service area we are more than happy to help you.

Home Computer Repair Service Area

Our in-home computer repair service area extends down south as far as twenty-five minutes drive from Brisbane CBD. We also repair computers in Brisbane homes in those northern suburbs that are within fifteen minutes drive from Brisbane City. A map depicting the area in which we provide in-home computer repairs is provided below, as is a list of suburbs within this area.

In-Home Computer Repair Rates

Firstly, we do not charge for the time it takes our technicians to drive to or from your home. There is also no fixed service charge. We simply charge you for the time that the technician is in your home repairing your computer, laptop or Mac. Our hourly rates are $125 and we charge in half-hour increments. Please, if you are looking for a technician to come to your home to repair your computer, we would appreciate if you could take some time on the phone to explain what the problem is for us to be able to provide you with an idea as to the likely cost to repair your machine.

We Also Provide a Workshop Repair Service

There are occasions when a computer repair service done at home is better off done in our Coorparoo workshop. Firstly, because we have the tools and equipment for any eventuality at our Coorparoo workshop and secondly because it is often more cost-effective for you the customer to have the repair done at the workshop. This is particularly true for data recovery and virus or malware removal. We can discuss this with you on the phone before coming to your home, or a technician at your home may suggest he takes your computer to the workshop for you for a more thorough repair job.  There are still many computer repairs that can be successfully done at your home.

Home Computer Repair Technicians

Our home computer repair technicians are extremely knowledgable and avoid geek-speak! We believe we provide one of the best computer repair services in Brisbane as we more often than not go the extra mile to ensure we have very happy customers. Please have a look at the reviews on this website, which are also on Google Plus or True Local and Facebook.

Our phone number is 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707 and we are open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and Saturday 8 am to 4 pm.

Mobile Service Area Depicted on Map

Brisbane suburbs we serve as a mobile service

With no call-out fee, no charge for travel time and no one-hour minimum service fee

Recovering Data From A Corrupt SD Card

This article from Computer Repairs Brisbane is about how to recover data from a corrupt SD card – that is a Secure Digital Card. However, the same software and techniques can be used for all the different types of cards, such as:

Compact Flash (CF)
MiniSD Card
MicroSD Card
Multimedia Card (MMC)
xD-Picture Card
SmartMedia
Sony Memory Sticks
USB drives/thumb drives etc

Many of these cards are very useful but they are quite fragile and don’t like being mistreated. Many of the above cards can also be used in Smart Phones and Digital Cameras so will probably contain your most treasured photos or data. I will use the word data from now on to include pictures, documents, music, videos etc.

Troubleshooting – How to Recover Data From A Corrupt SD Card

The first step in how to recover data from a corrupt SD card is what you must actually not to do, that being to format a card if it gets corrupted. Formatting will definitely destroy your data and usually any chance you may have had in recovering what you want.

Use Another Card Reader

Another way to recover data from a corrupt SD card is to try another card reader in another computer to see if that locates your data. If that works and it can often do, then copy your data off there and then. Don’t wait, copy it now, it may be the best chance you will get.

Use an Apple Mac

If another card reader in another computer doesn’t work then try using an Apple computer such as a MacBook laptop or iMac if you know someone who has one. I have had success in reading cards/USB sticks by using a Mac. With a different Operating System on a Mac, it is worth giving it a go.

Try A Free Data Recovery Program

Another way to recover data from a corrupt SD card is to try one of the free data recovery programs on the Internet. Most will recover a set amount of data – such as 1GB.

If you need more recovered, then purchasing the program will be your next step, especially if the program worked and you did recover at least some data.

A good start is EaseUS Free Data Recovery. It’s popular and works well, generally. Follow the guidelines on installing the software and the help sections on how to recover your data. They all differ so I will not try to confuse you with step-by-step instructions.

At this stage, you then need to insert the SD card (or any mentioned above) and start the recovery program pointing it at the card you need data recovered from. It will go to work and present “This can sometimes take quite a while so be patient”.

Also at some stage, you will be asked where the destination for the recovered files will be, so create a directory on your computer to save the data to.

Last Resort Data Recovery Company

If all the above does not produce a result that you want then the next step will be a professional data recovery company. There are at least two in Brisbane: Kroll Ontrack and Payam, their addresses and telephone numbers are easily found on the Internet by Googling those 2 names. I would ring the company first and discuss your requirements and issues for them to be able to give you their best advice.

Affordable Computer Repairs and Service

We offer a data recovery service in Brisbane if you need help.

We will use many of the troubleshooting methods above and some more. If you have had difficulty with trying the troubleshooting methods in this article on how to recover data from a corrupt SD card you may want to give us a call on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.

We are a great deal cheaper than the two data recovery companies listed above, however, we cannot always guarantee data recovery as we do not have the clean rooms and equipment of a data recovery laboratory. However, for the cost of only $75, we will let you know if we can recover your data.

If we can then this fee won’t be charged, just the data recovery fee. However, we do charge $75 if we have spent time trying to recover your data and are unsuccessful.

How to Use EaseUS Data Recovery Software

We at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane are often successful in recovering data for our customers. We use many different tools and methods, often trying one and then the other and so on until we are able to find the solution (not always) for our clients’ loss of data. There are many data recovery programs available on the Internet, and many that we use. In this article, we will provide you with some information on how to use EaseUS data recovery software. Please note you do use the information provided below at your own risk. If in this process you need to remove the hard disk from your computer, it is highly recommended that you don’t do so unless you have experience in repairing computers.

Download and Install Software

How to use EaseUS – Step One

To begin, download and install the software. Do not install it on your computer where you have lost the data if you do it will overwrite your possible lost files and they will be lost forever. Install the software on another computer and then attach the USB stick, SD card or hard drive to that computer.

Start Finding Lost Data

How to use EaseUS – Step Two

After installing the software you will need to select a location to start finding the lost data. This could be files or it could be an existing partition or lost partition. The program can read the partition table hence finding the lost data.

Next scan the partition the data was “lost” in. This process can take some time so be patient and let it finish. Technically the first scan can be quick. It will list all files that are simply deleted or cleaned from the recycle bin.

After the first scan, the EaseUs program will perform a new sector by sector scan automatically. This will take longer than the first time. Again please be patient, especially if the old hard disk is slow and failing. USB, SD cards will be faster due to their different construction.

Recover Files

How to use EaseUS – Step Three

The next step is to preview and recover the files that you need. The scan result is divided into 3 parts. On the left is the Directory Tree list. The window in the middle displays all the files and folders under the folder selected in the left window. It also provides more info (date, type, size and so on).

The window at the right side displays a thumbnail and info for the file selected in the middle window. It provides a Preview option to preview some specific file types in the program.

You can then select the targeted files and press the Recover button to recover and save them on your computer or storage device. Please DO NOT save the files into the drive or device where you lost the data.

You can export the scan results by clicking Export Scan Status.  You can Import the scan results to perform another recovery without scanning again at any time by clicking Import Scan Status.

Affordable Computer Repairs and Service

If after following the instructions on how to use EaseUs and you need more help, you are welcome to call us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707 and we may be able to help you over the phone. If not then we suggest you bring your machine into us for our data recovery service.

Please note, as said before, the above information is used at your own risk. If you do need to remove your hard drive this is something that should only be done if you are experienced at doing such work or you could create even further problems.

How To Install An External Hard Drive To A PC, Laptop or Mac

Are you running out of space on your computer? Or do you want to back up your files to an external Hard Disk Drive (HDD) as a backup? This article provides you with all the information that you need on how to install an external hard drive whether you have a PC, Laptop or Apple Mac.

How to Install An External Hard Drive To Apple Mac Computers

Whilst the information written below is around a Windows-based computer, the same applies to an Apple-based computer. Apple doesn’t call the internal Hard Disk Drive C: or D: etc, but using Finder an external drive will show up on the left-hand side. Again, don’t forget to eject it correctly when finished. You do this by clicking on the “eject icon” by the side of your external drive or the key on the keyboard which is in the far upper right. This looks like an arrow pointing up with a line underneath it.

Extra Storage With An External Hard Drive 

If you need more space than your computer offers, you can get an external hard drive. External hard drives are also known as a portable hard drive for obvious reasons. With an external hard drive, you can plug it into your PC, Mac or laptop to access the data you’ve stored whenever you need.

Decide What Kind Of Portable Drive You Want

Compatible with any computer, portable USB drives live inside their own little cases, and they plug into any available USB port. Many people call portable drives “external drives.” They can be plugged into Windows computers, Apple Mac computers or even your TV.

Figure Out What Features You Need And Are Willing To Pay For

The higher the capacity of an external hard drive, the more information a drive can store. This also, however, raises the price. Access or seek time measures the amount of time the drive takes to locate stored files, measured in milliseconds (ms). DTR (data transfer rate) measures how quickly your computer can transfer the files after it finds them. Your drive stashes recently accessed information in a special, extra-speedy spot called a cache, where it can dish it out quickly if you need it again.

The faster an external HDD spins the faster data can be read from or written to that device. Many HDD’s use 5400 rpm (revs per minute) but the more expensive use 7200 rpm drives and they can be up to 24% faster.

Before Settling On A Particular Make And Model Of Drive, Read That Drive’s Customer Reviews On Sites On The Internet

Sometimes it’s a good idea to trade some speed or capacity for reliability.

Find The Size Of Your Windows Drive

This is also referred to as your C: partition. You need to choose Start, then Choose Computer and then look at the number beneath your C: drive’s icon.

A partition is simply a sectioned-off portion of a hard drive. A hard drive can have one partition that fills the entire drive. A drive can also be divided into several separate partitions. Each partition has a different letter. So buy a portable hard drive at least as large as your C: partition.

For example, if your C partition is 500GB, buy a hard drive of at least 1TB. These days it would be nearly impossible to buy a 500GB external drive unless it was very old stock as most external drives are 1TB minimum with many now being 2TB.

Steps On How To Install A External Hard Drive

Plug The Portable Hard Drive Into Its Power Adapter, If Needed

Some portable hard drives don’t require any power – usually 2.5” drives. Others (3.5” drives) require a power adapter connected between the drive and an outlet.

Plug The Portable Drive’s USB Cable Into Both Your Computer And The Drive Itself

The cable’s large plug fits into your computer’s or laptop’s USB port. Then the small end fits into the drive’s own, smaller USB port. When the drive is connected and spinning DO NOT touch it or move it. If you do move it or bash it then the very delicate mechanisms inside can be damaged. This can mean the loss of your data and your external drive – if this does happen you can contact us about our data recovery service. Dropping these devices only a few inches can usually render them useless and dead.

Double-Click The New Drive’s Icon In Computer To See The Drive’s Contents

After you open its window in Computer, you can start copying or moving files to and fro, just like with any other drive.

After You Have Finished Copying Files

Don’t forget to eject the external hard drive, don’t just unplug it as this can damage the drive and the files contained therein.

Affordable Computer Repairs and Service

If after reading this blog on how to install an external hard drive you still are experiencing problems, please send us at Affordable Computer Repairs in Brisbane an email (info@affordablecomputerrepairs.com.au) and we will send you back some more advice. Or alternatively, call us on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.