Imagine this scenario: You are responding to emails, getting ready for a video meeting, and powering through the day’s list of tasks on your computer. Suddenly, your computer stops responding. Naturally, a feeling of panic sweeps over you.
What now? Should you schedule an emergency computer repair, or is it possible to solve the issue yourself? Join us as we review some common troubleshooting strategies you can try at home. We’ll also outline some signs that it’s time to schedule a professional computer repair appointment. Let’s dive in.
Home Troubleshooting Tips
If your device is showing signs of a crash, you’ll probably need emergency computer repair services. However, there are some steps you can take to mitigate the damage. In certain instances, you might even temporarily resolve the issue long enough to finish what you are working on.
Check Your Connections
First off, make sure all your wires and plugs are properly connected. If you are using a wired mouse, ensure that the plug is fully seated in the receiving port. The same goes for any other devices, including your keyboard and secondary monitor.
While these simple problems won’t necessarily cause your computer to crash, they can create responsiveness issues. The goal is to figure out what is actually going wrong with your device.
Write Down Any Error Messages
If an error message pops up on your screen, make a note of what it says. The computer repair technician needs to know what error you are receiving and that there is a chance your device may not come back on when you try the next step. Writing down the error message ensures you can accurately pass along what happened just before the crash.
Restart the Device
If you’ve ever called tech support for any device, you know that the technicians are going to ask you to restart your system. While this request may seem obvious, you’d be shocked to learn just how many device issues have been solved by a hard reboot.
Rebooting your device can help ensure that any bug fixes or updates are implemented. Think about the last time you updated your web browser. The browser probably prompted you to close and relaunch it. The same premise applies to device updates.
Boot in Safe Mode
Most devices will give you the option to boot in “safe mode.” Depending on what device and operating system you are running, the mode may be referred to as something like a “system restore” or “last known configuration.” Regardless of what your device calls this mode, the premise is the same: to limit further damage to your system and data.
Save Everything
If the reboot works and you get your computer back up and running, save everything you can. There’s a good chance that the device will go back down again; it’s just a question of when.
5 Signs You Need Professional Computer Repair
Are you unsure whether it’s time to call the computer repair pros? Generally, you need to take your device to the repair shop if it is exhibiting these signs:
Keeps Running Slow
If your computer has become noticeably slower, especially during startup or while opening programs, it could be a sign of several issues. Some culprits may include hardware failure, insufficient RAM, or a malware infection.
Of course, some slowness can be expected with aging computers. However, a sudden or severe decline in performance warrants a professional evaluation to determine the cause and an appropriate fix.
Won’t Start Up
A surefire sign that you need repairs is when your device won’t start up at all. If you are lucky, the problem could be something as simple as a faulty power cord or bad battery. However, a failure to start up could indicate a more severe issue as well, such as a fried motherboard.
An experienced repair shop can troubleshoot your device and identify the root cause of the problem. However, make sure you take your device to a certified shop to work on it. For instance, if you have an ASUS laptop, verify that the repair team has certified technicians working on your computer. The same goes for Apple, Lenovo, etc.
Has Physical Damage
Visible damage indicates that your computer is a ticking time bomb. This doesn’t apply to basic wear and tear. Instead, it refers to serious damage, such as a cracked screen, frayed cords, or broken buttons.
If your device has been exposed to water or excess moisture, you should assume it has physical damage. While this damage may not be visible, it can lead to complete device failure.
Frequently Crashes
Frequent system crashes, or the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on Windows machines are clear indicators that something is seriously wrong. These crashes can be caused by hardware failures, corrupted system files, or failing components. Regular occurrences of such crashes suggest your computer needs immediate attention from a repair professional.
Makes Unusual Noises
Computers should operate relatively quietly. If you begin hearing unusual noises like clicking, grinding, or whirring sounds, it likely indicates a mechanical problem.
Common culprits include failing hard drives (clicking or grinding sounds) and malfunctioning fans (whirring or buzzing sounds). Ignoring these noises can lead to more severe issues, including data loss or complete system failure. Therefore, it’s best to have a professional check your computer as soon as you notice any strange sounds.
California Computer — Los Angeles Computer Repair Experts You Can Trust
Whether your computer has completely crashed or simply begun exhibiting some of the warning signs outlined above, it’s vital that you act fast. Come see the Los Angeles computer repair experts at California Computer. We have Lenovo, ASUS, and Apple-certified technicians on staff and offer emergency repair services.
We understand that your computer plays a critical role in your daily life. That’s why we strive to get your device back up and running as quickly as possible. Most importantly, we use genuine components to ensure your computer gets fixed right the first time.
Don’t sweat when computer problems pop up. Contact California Computer and book your repair appointment today.
