Example Types of Hardware Prolems
There are many types of hardware problems that may require professional help.
Computer does Not Power On
If your computer does not power on when the power button is pressed, it is likely a problem with either the power supply, motherboard, or processor. A power supply is typically inexpensive to replace, as is a processor, but a motherboard can be quite costly if proprietary designs prohibit the purchase of an off-the-shelf motherboard.
Computer Powers On to Black Screen
This is extremely likely a motherboard problem with the BIOS; the motherboard needs to be replaced. Other problems that can lead to this symptom, but much more rare, are a faulty video card, processor, or monitor.
Disk Corruption
A S.M.A.R.T error on boot-up, noisy hard drive, or file corruption can be a symptom of dying hard drive. It is important to back up your data immediately and prepare for a new hard drive installmant.
Bad Memory
Symptoms of bad memory are memory allocation errors in Windows, file system corruption, strange program behavior, and the like. Memory problems are easy to troubleshoot and replacement memory is very inexpensive.
Faulty Power Supply
A faulty power supply is the most common hardware problem. Typically the power supply is where manufacturers of PC's cut-corners. Many times, the power supply is inferior in terms of components, like capacitors, used and other times there are simply not enough amps available on the 12+ volt rail. When a system is underpowerd or under the duress of a faulty power supply, it may frequently turn off or be hard to start; it would be common to push the power button one day and not have the computer turn on and then another day to have it turn on. Power supplies are very easy to replace and relatively inexpensive too.
Other Parts
Any part in a PC is replaceable, some more feasible to replace than others. It's always worth a call to find out if a hardware problem is better fixed or whether your money is better invested in a new PC.
Lightening Strikes
Lightening strikes are very common in north-west Iowa, especially out in the country away from the towns. A surge from a lightening strike typically enters from the cord to the power supply, goes through the motherboard, and out through the modem. The power supply and modem will likely always fail in a strong surge from a lightening strike, while the motherboard can sometimes survive. Damage from lightening strikes are often very difficult to asses due to the unpredictability of the extent of damage. If your computer is a victim of a lightening strike, give us a call - we'll take a look, try to fix it, and submit a write-up detailing the damage for your insurance claim.Monitor Problems
While it is typically unfeasible to do so, we can repair CRT and LCD monitors. The cost to fix monitors can be high, and typically it is more reasonable to purchase a new monitor; if you have a relatively large and expensive monitor and it is not performing correctly give us a call and we'll quote you over the phone.What to do about problems like these?
You can either give us a call and we'll take a look or you can go a step further and document what exactly is going wrong and we can provide a better estimation as to the problem of your symptoms.
