Top Reasons for Computer Failure

Being a computer repair business in Brisbane, we are definitely the people in the know as to why computers break down. Based on our experience, the top reasons for computers breaking down include some form of damage such as from water, heat, accidents, power surges and burnouts as well as electrical wear, hard drive failure, the amount of use and the age of the computer. Each of these common reasons for computer failure is described in more detail below.

Accidental Damage

Physical damage is usually accidental by someone dropping the unit or knocking it over whilst it is running. Even a small fall when the computer is working can do major damage. This is most prevalent with computers that have a mechanical Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Other damage could be to screens, motherboards, USB ports and the like. Any damage could and possibly will eventually stop a computer.

Water or Liquid Damage

Liquid split on electrical components will short them out and hence potentially stop them working. The amount of liquid is not always a factor as even a small amount in the wrong place can cause significant damage. Apple MacBooks have a water or liquid sensor on the motherboard that turns them off if a liquid is detected.

Heat Damage

Heat is a big cause of computers breaking down, especially in hotter climates. Overheating a computer can cause components to fry and therefore stop working. If they are not fried then heat can still cause components to run slower or shorten their life expectancy. The cooler a computer runs the better it is for life expectancy.

HDD Damage

The mechanical HDD is a very complex and precisely manufactured device which does not like being knocked about especially as stated above when it is powered on. Even bumping the desk or stamping on the floor can cause the head to hit the platen and possibly scratch it, or worse, damage the head or heads themselves. Treat mechanical HDD’s with respect as they hold all your data.

Power Surges

In Australia, the power from the mains is 240 volts plus or minus 10%. Anything more is a surge and anything less is a brownout. A blackout is no power. Surges or spikes will literally blow up electrical components and hence they stop working.  Computers are full of electrical components and some may be affected and some may not.

Power Brownouts

This is the power delivered which is less than 240 volts minus 10%. Brownouts mostly affect electric motors causing them to burn out. As computers have electric motors in their HDD’s, DVD drives, fans and anything else that spins then any of these items can be at risk of failure.

Age

Computers are all made to a price point and components are sourced for that price point. Component manufacturers test their components and therefore grade them, so selling them at different price points accordingly. Accountants in Australia write of office equipment over 3 years, so life expectancy is somewhere between the 3 to 6-year range. This does not mean your computer breaks down in that time but on average it will.

Usage

Many people think usage contributes to computers break down rate. It does and it doesn’t. The more you use a car, the more likely it will stop after so many hundred thousand kilometres. A car will also deteriorate if parked for 10 years in a garage and never used with 10 kilometres on the clock. So storing your old working computer in the cupboard and then after several years bringing it out and expecting it to work “as usual” is not necessarily correct.

Electrical components wear out over time. Basically Integrated Circuits (ICs) use “gates” to transfer electrical signals. These “gates” over time and use wear out and they get slower and slower to switch from one side to the other. No different to any switch. Like the light bulb, one day they pack up and no more light/computer. Capacitors do the same over time. Computers use capacitors to store electrical energy and over time and use they blow. This is usually evident when their normally flat top goes rounded.

Affordable Computer Repairs and Service

These are just some of the reasons why computers break down or die but these are the ones we see continuously here at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane.

This is a Dictionary of Computer Terms

We will add to this dictionary of computer terms over time, but thought we might as well publish some of our definitions for different computer terms that we have already pondered upon.

Architecture

Architecture is used to describe the manner in which a computer system has been designed such as how components operate and are connected to each other such as the CPU, registers, control unit, memory, input/output interface and storage options.

Custom Built Computers

Custom built computers are desktop computers that are built specifically to a user’s requirements for a specific use.  These computers are most popular with:

1. Gamers
2. Certain industries such as graphic designers, engineers and architects when they are using Computer-Aided Design software and the like.
3. Specialist photography and video editing businesses.
4. Network/company servers
5. Stock or money market real-time traders
6. Any application which requires high speed and high processing capabilities with possibly several screens
7. Real-time processing computers in many industries such as automation, robotics, medical, Telco, banking, money/stock markets and so on.
8. If you think you need a specialist custom-built computer then please ask us to quote.

Offsite Computer Repairs

Offsite computer repairs involve you taking your computer to a computer repair business or computer repair shop. This includes other computer-related items such as but not limited to; printers, monitors, keyboards and mice, modems and routers, scanners, software, NAS and other backup drives, other USB connections, Internet-enabled TVs, VOIP phones, Wi-Fi Access points, tablets and smart phones and any other computer-related devices. Please check with us first to make sure we have the correct technician onsite for you. Some of the devices above cannot be diagnosed properly off-site such as routers and modems depending on what type they are. Best to call us first before just turning up with boxes of IT equipment.

Onsite Computer Repairs

Onsite computer repairs mean that a technician will come to your home or business and repair your computer onsite i.e. at your location. This, of course, does not only mean your computer but can include and is not limited to; printers, monitors, keyboards and mice, modems and routers, Internet connections, scanners, software, NAS and other backup drives, other USB connections, Internet-enabled TVs, VOIP phones, tablets and smart phones and any other computer-related devices. Please check with us first to make sure we send the correct technician.

Mobile Computer Repairs 

The definition for onsite computer repairs applies here.

Computer Repair Technicians

Computer repair technicians are individuals who repair computers, laptops, notebooks (both hardware and software computer problems) for a living. Specialist technicians may limit themselves to particular types of computers, such as Apple or specific software programs such as Microsoft Office. Others specifics could be but not limited to; printers, Internet equipment (high-end business CISCO networking equipment), VOIP phones, Software programs other than mentioned above (Doctors packages, lawyers, Veterinary software, the list is mammoth), in-home audio systems, in-home entertainment specialists (video etc), network issues. These are just some specialist fields we mention, so to be able to assist you. Please let us know what equipment you have.

Computer repair technicians often serve a specific geographical area and may provide both on-site and off-site computer repair services as well as hardware and software to be able to effect repairs.

Data Recovery

Data recovery is the process of retrieving lost data from your computer. This can include and is not limited to; Microsoft Office files, images/pictures, videos, music, email data, other data from specialist software packages Doctors, lawyers, Veterinary software, as well as programs such as MYOB, other Office programs (Word Perfect, Lotus Notes etc). The list is endless. But you need to inform us of what the data is and what software you have so that we can look and try and recover it.

The data from various types and ages of computers, laptops/notebooks, Apple Macs and portable hard drives, and USB sticks can all be theoretically recovered. The need for data recovery is usually due to a failed hard drive or because a computer will no longer boot up. There are also other causes of data loss.  Computer repair businesses usually offer data recovery as a service. There are also specific data recovery laboratories which specialise in recovering data from badly corrupted and or damaged Hard Disk Drives. These laboratories have Class 100 clean rooms where they dismantle the Hard Disk Drive in a dust-free environment and then rebuild them to recover the data. This isn’t a simple job done on the kitchen table but a very precise and technical work environment with very skilled staff. Don’t take a hard Disk Drive to pieces at home because the risk of losing all your data grows exponentially.

CAPTCHA

This is a method used to try and prevent spam.  It is usually a series of number and/or letters that a user types into a field on a web page to obtain or confirm access.  CAPTCHA prevent spam as typing in the numbers and letters is not an automated process, thus making it hard for software to do, and easy for humans.

Virus, Malware, Spyware, Trojans etc

Each of these is a form of malicious software that has been written with the purpose being to harm, obtain private information or coerce individuals into paying a ransom or taking part in a scam.

There are different functions for the different types of malware. Spyware, for example, is a program that has been written in order to spy on your use of your computer to obtain information such as passwords, credit card numbers of information for sales strategies etc. A Trojan Horse is a form of malware in which the malicious program gains access to a computer by being located within a benign software. A virus is a form of malware that attaches itself to some other type of program and the replicates itself over and over. A computer worm, unlike a virus, does not need to attach itself to another form of software. Its purpose, however, is the same, to replicate to other computers and servers at the same time as causing some sort of harm.

Virus Removal

Virus removal is the process of running several anti-virus programs to detect and delete virus and or Malware programs that are on a computer, laptop, notebook or Mac. Any IP (Internet Protocol) device can potentially get Malware on it so it doesn’t have to be a computer and YES Apple computers can get Malware infections as well.

HDD

An HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive which is a storage drive. When referred to just as HDD it is usually an internal drive, an external HDD is also called a portable HDD. There are other terms used for HDD such as hard disk, hard drive or the full term hard disk drive.

Motherboard

A motherboard is also commonly referred to as a logic board. It is the ‘brains’ of the computer and you will find attached to the motherboard the CPU, RAM and controllers for the keyboard, mouse, DVD drive and HHD. The controllers also known as a collection of chips are referred to as a chipset.

 

Cookie

A cookie is a set of information that travels between a browser and the webserver. A cookie sends information about how a person uses a website such as browsing activity, pages visited, logging in, addresses, passwords and credit card numbers for example.

Cookies speed up the ability to use a computer but also do generate concerns for privacy.

Product Key

A product key is a list of numbers and letters that come with software that has been purchased. The purpose of a product key is to stop software being pirated. When installing new software you will be required to enter the product key and then you will receive verification. After this process, you will have access to the software.  If you can’t find your product key, this article provides several solutions.

Trackpad

Trackpads are also known as touchpads and serve the same function as a computer mouse or trackball, that is to navigate around the screen.

Affordable Computer Repairs and Service Dictionary of Computer Terms

If you have any suggestions for terms to be added to our dictionary of computer terms, please phone us on 3397 1215 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707. We look forward to hearing from you.

What are All-In-One Computers?

All-In-One computers are a cross between a laptop and a desktop computer. Whilst there are many different models of All-In-Ones there are essentially Windows-based All-In-Ones and iMacs. When it comes to replacing the motherboard in All-In-Ones and iMacs, it is a cross between replacing a motherboard in a laptop and a desktop. There is more space to work in an all-in-one (compared to a notebook or laptop). However All-In-One computers are as individual as laptops are and just as difficult to work on. Due to their design and the fact that they were never really made to be taken apart again once they had been assembled, replacing the motherboard in All-In-Ones can be challenging to say the least.

Problems with Replacing the Motherboard in All-In-Ones and iMacs

Issues with replacing motherboards in All-In-Ones and iMacs can be:

• Every All-In-One ever made by the world’s computer manufacturers is different from each other. This applies to the Windows computer manufacturers as they seem to think using the same design as the previous model (from about 3 or 4 months ago) is not a good idea.
• Apple does keep their designs longer but please be aware there can sometimes be subtle differences so checking the Model number and the EMC number is vital before you start.
• All-In-Ones are complicated and it can be difficult to ascertain where to start. If at all possible find a video on Youtube where someone has already found the pitfalls and steps on how to open up your make and model of computer. As stated above you have to be exact on the make and model.
• 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.
• Apple iMac connections can be especially delicate to get apart so be extra careful with them.
• Older (pre-2012) Apple iMacs use Torx screws in their assembly so these screwdrivers will need to be purchased before you begin. Also, a glass puller/holder needs to be used to remove the front glass. Bunnings sell them.
• Basically to remove the motherboard the whole computer generally needs to be disassembled and is effectively a job for an IT specialist.
• Good lighting is essential.
• The cost of a new motherboard for an All-In-One can also be prohibitively expensive as the manufacturers really do want you to buy a new computer.
• Second-hand motherboards may be available on eBay or the Internet but you may be buying someone else’s problem here, so be careful.
• Putting it all back together again is the next challenge, as just because it comes apart doesn’t necessarily mean it goes back together again correctly. It is a slow, patient and methodical job.
• It really comes down to cost and do you have the technical skills to attempt this, it really is for each individual to decide.

Affordable Computer Repairs and Service

If you are seeking expert help with replacing the motherboard in your Windows All-In-One or your iMac you can call us at Affordable Computer Repairs in Brisbane on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707 as we have a great deal of experience, the skills and tools and the patience to do this job correctly for you.

Please view our Mac repairs page to see the other Mac repair and upgrades, data recovery etc and Mac virus removal services.

 

Author: Business Owner and Computer Technician, Mark Kotorac

Data Loss

There are many causes of data loss so that is why having a backup is essential for everyone who has information that they do not want to lose.

The word data in this article encompasses but is not confined to the following; pictures, documents, music, videos and miscellaneous files such as emails, websites and settings.

Causes of Data Loss

Amongst the many causes of data loss we have identified the following:

• Accidental deletion
• Factory restore accidentally
• Windows or Apple install gone wrong
• Bad sectors on the drive
• Damaged or failing heads on the Hard Disk Drive
• Corrupt file system
• System format
• Removing drive before ejecting
• Power spikes or fluctuations

Data Storage Devices

The different devices that store data include and again are not limited to:

• Mechanical internal Hard Disk Drives
• USB flash drives
• SD cards and the like
• DVD and CD’s
• Solid State Drives
• External Hard Disk Drives
• NAS (Network Attached Storage) units

What to Do If Data is Lost

If files have been lost then the best option is to turn off the computer or device.

This will stop any further damage from occurring.

The worst thing to do is to start installing recovery software. Recovery software can and probably will overwrite any deleted or lost files.

The best option is to stop and consider the possibilities and call a professional Computer Repair Business before attempting to recover data.

Too often we see people make matters worse by attempting to fix the problem or have an untrained person try and fix the problem. When in doubt, seek assistance from us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane and we can guide you through the many options that could be available.

Did you Know You Can Recover Deleted Files from the Recycle Bin without Installing Software?

Yes, indeed this is possible. In relation to how to recover deleted files from the recycle bin without installing software, this article applies to Windows-based computers (all variants).

Instructions for Windows Computer

With Windows computers, if you want to recover deleted files from the recycle bin without installing software, do the following:

If you have deleted a file from any folder then don’t worry, methods are available to Recover Permanently Deleted Files from Windows just follow the steps.

First Method To Recover Deleted Files From The Recycle Bin:

• Right-click on that folder.
• Select the option “Restore previous versions”.

Invariably there will be seen an option to recover the folder.

Second Method To Recover Deleted Files From The Recycle Bin:

• If there is not seen the “Restore Previous Versions” option by right-clicking the folder then there is another option, go to the control panel and turn on the system protection.
• Then click on System & Security > System> System Protection.
• Now you will see available drives with corresponding protection.
• Select a particular drive and click on configure.
• Now you will see “restore system settings and previous versions of files” and click on “OK”.
• Now there will be seen an option to recover the particular file.

Instructions for Apple Macs

If you have an Apple Mac computer it is not that easy as to recover deleted files from the recycle bin as you will need to install software to achieve this recovery.

Installing software onto the Mac Hard Disk Drive will then potentially delete the very files you need to try and recover.

In other words, you would have needed to install the necessary software before you deleted the files.

This is where we can assist you as the computer’s Hard Disk Drive will need to be removed and then connected to another Mac and the data then “undeleted”. Please call us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707 for more help on this issue.

Replacing the Motherboard in a Desktop Computer

With a standard PC desktop computer, the steps needed to replace the motherboard in a desktop computer is a relatively easy job. This is because access to the motherboard is good. The removal and replacement is a step by step process which would be the same for the majority of PCs.

Advice Only For Experienced Computer Repairers

Whilst we at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane find it relatively easy to replace the motherboard in a desktop computer, for those with no knowledge of computer repair, we strongly suggest that you take your PC to a recommended computer repair business. Without knowledge of repairing, you could cause more damage and the repair costs could, in fact, be higher than the first job of replacing the motherboard in a desktop computer.

Step by Step Instructions on How to Replace the Motherboard in a Desktop Computer

1. Disconnect all cables from the front and rear of the computer.
2. Remove the side cover.
3. Remove all cables connecting to the motherboard, taking note of what they are and where they go. Taking a photo may help. You will also need to disconnect many small cables. These cables that need to be disconnected currently connect the front USB ports, power switch, lights, reset switch and speakers etc. Care needs to be taken and each cable noted.
4. Remove any video or expansion cards from the motherboard carefully. You can use these again.
5. Disconnect all power cables to the Hard Disk Drive(s), DVD drive(s) and move the cables well out of the way, over the case side would be good. You may also need to remove the HDD and DVD drives as well in order to get the motherboard out.
6. Unscrew the various screws holding the motherboard to the case. They are on brass risers (standoffs).
7. Gently wriggle motherboard back from the back mounting plate and ease out of the case.
8. Remove the RAM, CPU and CPU cooler if you intend to re-use them.
9. Put the motherboard on a flat wooden or non-metallic surface and proceed to remove the aforementioned items. It is sometimes easier to remove these items when the motherboard has been removed from the case.
10. Motherboard replacement with a new item is a direct reversal of the steps above.
11. Care needs to be taken that the risers are in the correct places before screwing the new motherboard down and the new backplate is in position.
12. If reusing the RAM and CPU/CPU cooler then they may need to be fitted before inserting the motherboard into the chassis. The same advice applies if new components are used.
    Don’t forget the thermal paste between the CPU and the cooler.

Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane

Please contact one of our Computer Technicians in Brisbane if you have any difficulties with the above advice – or if you do not have repair experience and would like us to replace the motherboard in a desktop computer for you. Contact our friendly staff today on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.

Technician Advice for Apple Mac Computers

Traditionally the longevity of Apple Macs has always been considered by many consumers to be Apple’s strength over PCs running successive versions of Microsoft’s Windows operating system, but is this still true?  How long can you (realistically) expect your new 2016 or 2017 model Apple iMac, Mac Pro, or MacBook, to last before requiring replacement?

Apple Mac Computer Repairs in Brisbane

We at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service also do Apple Mac repairs as well as repairing Windows-based computers. In fact, over a third of our repair work involves Apple Macs. Thus, we are uniquely positioned to compare both platforms and advise you how long you expect your new (or current) Apple Macs to last and remain serviceable. We base this assessment on a range of past and current repair jobs, on both older and newer Macs (typically models ranging from 2007 to 2015). As computer repairers, we get to see ‘under the hood’ of all computers and know exactly the type and quality of components used in both Mac and PC (branded and custom-built) computers. We also know how they are designed and engineered.

Based on our experience – and backed up by information provided by Apple and others – you really cannot expect that a new model Mac is going to last anywhere near as long as your old trusty Mac (circa 2008 to 2011) may well have done.

Many Apple Mac users are surprised (some even horrified) when we explain that their “recently-purchased” Apple Mac, may only have a service life of around three to four years… This applies to iMac, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, etc. All this depends on numerous factors. None more so than how it’s used and maintained by the users themselves.

What Can You Consider to be a Reasonable Service Life or ‘Useful Life’ of an Apple Mac?

There are many reasons why the newer models of iMacs, MacBooks, MacBook Airs, etc, will not have the same durability as the older models. One of the major reasons is the standard and quality hardware components used. Whilst it is often difficult to quantify and can be a subjective exercise, we do not believe that Apple computers are built to the same standard of quality and durability that we believe was the case only a few years ago.

It’s no different for PCs and other electronic devices either. Let’s face it, these items are a “commodity” – an expensive one – but a commodity none the less. High turn-over of devices and new release products keeps these companies (and the global IT industry) in business. This is because they get you to keep spending on their latest and greatest, and increasing array of niche products.

Reasons Why Macs (and PCs) Now Appear to Have a Shorter Service Life

Compared to a few years ago, Apple Macs (and Windows-based PCs for that matter) have shorter useful service lives.  Or so Apple (and Microsoft) will have you believe.  It appears that they do everything in their power to “encourage” you to upgrade both your hardware and software.  This is because technology is advancing far more rapidly all the time, year on year.  Thus a machine built to adequately cope with a broad range of software today, may indeed not be up to the task in four or five years.

As software becomes increasingly sophisticated it also becomes more resource hungry. Especially in terms of memory or RAM. We also now use our computers for much more diverse uses such as storing photos, other images, music, and videos.

Computer games also chew up your memory and hard disk space. There are also far more updates and new games coming onto the market all the time. This means that the hardware of your computer needs to be able to cope with the additional demands of the new software. This can shorten the ‘useful life’ of your Apple Mac.

…. But You Can Still Repair a Mac Computer, Right?

And yes you can still repair a Mac. However with several provisos. There are all kinds of reasons why you would want to repair your Mac rather than replace it. The initial cost of repair versus replacement is the key one for most people. There are, however, other things you need to take into account.

The same kinds of considerations you have to make deciding whether an upgrade is possible and if so, whether it will be cost-effective and money well spent. Most things can be repaired provided you have the skills and knowledge, the spare parts, the available time and the budget. In short, “can it be repaired and does it make financial sense to do so?”. Apple Macs are no different.  Whether your computer is an iMac or MacPro, a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, 3, 5 or 10 years old, it’s never “cheap” to repair, regardless of whether it’s a simple or complex repair.

Let’s suppose you have a 5-6-year-old iMac that requires the replacement of the logic board. The replacement part will take 10 days to arrive. It won’t be cheap. It will also only have a limited 90-day warranty as it is a reconditioned item. The total cost of the job is nearly 50 per cent the price of a new computer with similar specifications. This is not only due to the cost of labour. If anything, the cost is going down as more inexperienced/unqualified people compete within the industry. It is rather due to the increased difficulty to repair and the increased cost of replacement hardware components.

So Realistically, What is the Answer?

On average you can now expect that you are likely to replace your Mac every four to five years. This may seem to some to be a relatively very short lifespan especially for those people who have spent a considerable amount of money on what they had hoped would be a durable, long-lasting product. It may also seem a relatively short time for long-time Mac users more used to a service life closer to eight years or more on their older Mac computers. As we said earlier, the way you use and maintain your Mac will impact on how long a Mac lasts.

If you are a ‘light user’ of your Mac you can expect a longer trouble-free run before you need to trade up, but anything older than 6 years in today’s market is going to see you perceived as a bit of a dinosaur – although there is nothing wrong with being a dinosaur by the way.

Owning a Mac has never been a cheap exercise and is unlikely to be so in the foreseeable future. It is after all only a computer and is not designed and built to run indefinitely. However, if you treat it well and look after it, it should last you more than a few years. This is the same for so many other goods nowadays, including electrical and household goods like furniture.

Older MacBooks and MacBook Pros appear to last longer by approximately one year so on average – up to 6 years and often much longer.

If you have a Mac that is no longer working and you are contemplating buying a new computer but are not certain we offer a $75 diagnostic service. This fee is only charged if you decide not to proceed with repair should it be not economical and therefore not desirable.

We will for the diagnostic service provide you with a quote to repair your Mac. We will also honestly advise you whether we believe repairing is in your best interests or not. As stated previously, we are highly experienced in Mac repairs and our rates are very affordable.

Conclusion

Enjoy your Mac experience. View it as the ideal tool for work and entertainment, rather than as an expensive indulgence. Make the most of it, treasure it and look after it. Then you will get your money’s worth. Of course, if something does go wrong, and you live in Brisbane please contact us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707 as we are highly experienced in Apple repairs – MacBooks, iMacs, Mac Pros, MacBook Air.

FYI If you are running a business in Brisbane we offer a Managed IT Service that enables you to worry about your business and not your IT environment. If you are interested, we would love to have a chat to see how we could best ensure the security, stability and uptime for your business.

Black Screen On Windows Laptops and Notebooks

A black screen on Windows laptops or notebooks can be caused by a number of issues. We will go into various scenarios and troubleshooting to find solutions to a black screen on Windows Laptop or Notebook. Some may work for you and some may not. Go down the list and try each one in turn.

1. It may have turned itself off so touching the power button for a second or two could wake it up or boot it up depending on settings. Also moving the mouse or tapping the touchpad may work.
2. With newer computers running Windows 10, a black screen on a Windows 10 machine could be caused by a Windows 10 update. You have probably left it on and come back sometime later to find the black screen issue. Again, try moving the mouse or touchpad, if that does not work try touching the power button for a second or two. Sometimes this can take 15 plus minutes to come good so patience is a virtue.
3. If you still have a black screen then try unplugging the power cable and removing the battery if that is possible with your laptop/notebook. After removing the battery and power cable hold your finger on the power button for at least 60 seconds. Then leaving the battery out, plug the power cable in and press the power button as normal. It should boot up. Allow it to boot then shut down again and put the battery back in. This is a reset of the computer and all should be well again.
4. Newer laptops do not have a removable battery but some have a small hole in the base cover. You will need to check your make and model to see if that is applicable to yours. If so, then remove the power cable and with a paper clip gently press the paper clip into the hole and keep gently pressing for 60 seconds. Remove paper clip and try and start the computer.
5. If your laptop/notebook does not have a reset hole, and many don’t, then removing the battery is the next option. This can be difficult and fairly technical so I would advise seeking professional IT help or if you want to do it yourself, then find a youtube video for your exact make and model of computer and follow the instructions on that. Leave the battery out for 60 seconds or more as above, then reconnect and reassemble your computer. This is sometimes a solution to a black screen on Windows-based laptops.
6. An alternative to option 5 above is to leave your computer on and with the power cable unplugged for several hours or maybe a day plus so that the battery flattens completely. After you are confident that the laptop battery is exhausted plug the power cable in and try switching on again.
7. Another possibility is that the screen on the laptop has died so plugging an external monitor in could be the answer. Don’t forget to do the keyboard combination to allow the computer to connect to the external monitor. This varies with laptops but generally, it involves a Function key and possibly another key. A Google search on your make and model should give you the correct key or key combination.
8. The video chip on the motherboard could have died, so if that is the case then the laptop is as good as past it and the only thing to do is recover your data.

Please note, some of the advice provided above should really only be followed if you are experienced in repairing laptops and notebooks.  If you need more help, please call our Brisbane Computer Repairs Team on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707.

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.