Which is the best online computer repair service?

[clear eye]

Yes, cost matters.

Anyone have a favorite?

[Why Syzygy]

1. For what issue?

Online? Do you mean technical support forum? Again, need to know what issue.

[clear eye]

2. Actually I meant the fee-for-service outfits.

I don't know enough to be able to use the forums.

I have to send my pc back to the mfr. to replace its main guts (system board--long story). I've got lots of stuff--favorites, saved emails, and documents that I want to be able to save to disc in such a way that they will re-install in the right places. Or perhaps what I need to do is learn how to reinstall them where they belong. Whichever is the case, I need someone to walk me through the processes. I thought one of those outfits that will give you unlimited help for a single month or six-month charge would be my best bet.

Any suggestions?

[CK_John]

3. It is time for a look at a community college course. You have to reach out to your local resources.

Check with your local high school for info and possible programs. Senior center groups also have classes. I have tried giving classes but the over 50 group are NOT ready to learn. They want to be lead and tend to memorize. They want you to show them everything and are intellectual lazy about why.

There may be some local tutor but I don't know of any national business but there are a lot people who will take your money and lifesavings.

[david13]

4. I have to agree with the senior over 50 and also adult school

situation. Just like you say.
I'm in the senior category, but my whole ethos is thinking. And knowing why. If possible.
dc

[RoyGBiv]

5. Ditto what CK_John said ...

I thought maybe this was just something I hadn't heard of because I'd never looked for it, but I've asked around, and the only people in my circle who know of such things refer to them as fly-by-night outfits or up-sell specialists (instead of trying to fix your machine, they sell you new parts or systems you don't necessarily need).

OTOH, you probably could find someone for a fairly low fee who has been working on getting their A+ cert and needs a few extra dollars.

[Why Syzygy]

6. What Operating System are you using?

I agree with Roy that you are not likely to find anyone reputable who charges a monthly fee. They make their money selling hardware, not giving support.

I can post some easy instructions if you'll tell me the Operating System, XP? Vista?

Start > My Computer > View System Information > will tell you the OS.

*No ageism guarantee*

[clear eye]

8. Thanks.

XP Pro.

[Why Syzygy]

9. Let me know if these help.

If not, someone here will walk you through it when you're ready. I suggest using a RW (read/write) CD instead of just a R (read) CD. OR you can get much more data onto a thumb/flash drive. It uses your USB outlet.

These are Microsoft's directions:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/cdmedia_writetocd.mspx?mfr=true

This guy has a few basic videos (nothing specific to this job, but some of the steps are the same):
http://www.youtube.com/user/davitttech#p/u

These are step by step instructions (Graphics shown are Vista. Instead of "Organize" use "File"):
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-move-or-copy-files-to-another-folder.pageCd-storyboard,pageNum-1.html

This is a good general purpose site (unfortunately a lot of it is geared towards Vista):
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/computers-software/operating-systems/windows-xp-vista.html

Another good general purpose site:
http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/00start.html


See if any of that makes sense to you.

[clear eye]

11. Will do.

Get back to you Sunday.

[DainBramaged]

7. There are a few of us, including Why, CK_John , hobbit709, myself who are always here to help

There is a device I use to read hard drives if they are out of the computer, for file saving after a crash or an external virus scan. If your computer is non-functioning these are a lifesaver.


http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-2-0-to-IDE-SATA-2-5-3-5-Hard-Drive-Converter-Cable_W0QQitemZ350281166097QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item518e626d11


I bought from a US supplier so I got it fast, from Hong Kong takes 2-3 weeks.


There are also thumb drives available from 2-32 gb for UNDER $50 now (I JUST bought an Sony 8GB drive at target tonight for $19.95) if your computer IS functioning you can copy the files to these usb thumb drives and save them for when the system is returned to you.

The best part is we don't charge.

[DainBramaged]

10. Check that

Just pay The Geeks at Best Buy. At least you won't get lectured for asking questions.