No matter how good a computer system is, at some stage it is very likely
that it will either require some form of repair or upgrade, in order to
replace a defective component, extend the life of the machine or improve on
performance.
You never know when a component is going to fail and quite often defects can be brought about by forces outside of the control of the user, such as an electrical fault, or one component becoming defective and causing another to fail simultaneously.
Components that fail due to normal wear and tear include:
You never know when a component is going to fail and quite often defects can be brought about by forces outside of the control of the user, such as an electrical fault, or one component becoming defective and causing another to fail simultaneously.
Components that fail due to normal wear and tear include:
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Major problems can also be caused when components such as the motherboard or
processor (CPU) fail. Quite often motherboard defects are caused by
electrical faults or surges or ESD (Electro Static Discharge).
It is not uncommon for a failing power supply unit, that is emitting
irregular electrical impulses, to also cause a serious motherboard defect,
requiring a replacement to be installed.
Improper handling of sensitive components can often cause defects brought about by ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) which is a powerful electrical charge given off by the human body, and can cause serious damage to computer components. It is for this reason that extreme caution must be taken when handling computer equipment, during a repair or upgrade process.
We have an immense amount of experience in carrying out both repairs and upgrades, and always adhere to commonly used precautionary procedures when handling sensitive computer components.
Improper handling of sensitive components can often cause defects brought about by ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) which is a powerful electrical charge given off by the human body, and can cause serious damage to computer components. It is for this reason that extreme caution must be taken when handling computer equipment, during a repair or upgrade process.
We have an immense amount of experience in carrying out both repairs and upgrades, and always adhere to commonly used precautionary procedures when handling sensitive computer components.
LAPTOPS
Due to the nature of the the construction of laptop computers, field repairs are limited to upgrading memory, replacing hard drives and all forms of software installations or repairs. Laptops that require repairs to either the monitor, or any component installed beneath the integrated keyboard, which in the case of laptops can include the processor, sound and video components and the electrical connections to which the power supply adapter is inserted are best repaired or replaced by the original manufacturer or a registered agent for the particular model of laptop.
In the case of desktop computers, we do not normally advise users to purchase an extended warranty, however, in the case of laptops, and because the cost of repairs to such machines can be expensive, we would always ask potential laptop purchasers to consider acquiring an extended warranty to cover both accidental damage, or wear and tear type defects. Accidental damage cover can also be included in home insurance policies, but should be carefully checked to ensure the computer has appropriate cover.
Due to the nature of the the construction of laptop computers, field repairs are limited to upgrading memory, replacing hard drives and all forms of software installations or repairs. Laptops that require repairs to either the monitor, or any component installed beneath the integrated keyboard, which in the case of laptops can include the processor, sound and video components and the electrical connections to which the power supply adapter is inserted are best repaired or replaced by the original manufacturer or a registered agent for the particular model of laptop.
In the case of desktop computers, we do not normally advise users to purchase an extended warranty, however, in the case of laptops, and because the cost of repairs to such machines can be expensive, we would always ask potential laptop purchasers to consider acquiring an extended warranty to cover both accidental damage, or wear and tear type defects. Accidental damage cover can also be included in home insurance policies, but should be carefully checked to ensure the computer has appropriate cover.
UPGRADES
Sooner or later there will come a time when a computer no longer performs as well as it did when first purchased. The decision then arises as to whether to purchase a brand new machine, or carry out some form of upgrade. Quite often the upgrade path is the most cost-effective way to proceed. A new motherboard, processor and RAM memory can make a great difference to the performance of an ailing computer.
N.B. Please note that the installation of new motherboard may in many cases require that the Windows Operating System be re-installed. This is because motherboards come complete with specific software/hardware driver requirements, which an existing Windows installation may not recognise or be compatible with. This often leads to a failure of Windows to start up correctly, or display the infamous "Blue Screen of Death" as shown below.
WARNING: Microsoft's software licensing policy - OEM (Windows
Operating Systems)
If you purchase a computer from an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) which includes the majority of the large computer production companies such as DELL and PC World, and the motherboard becomes defective, It is advisable to acquire an exact copy of the original board in order for the existing Windows Operating System to be re-installed, and activated.
This is because Microsoft consider that the motherboard is the most critical piece of hardware within a computer on which software activation is calculated. Any change of motherboard, where it is not an exact match to that of the original, will constitute the computer being possibly classified as a new PC for the purposes of Windows Operating System licensing. In situations such as this, a user will need to telephone the Microsoft Activation Help-Desk and explain why it has been necessary to change the motherboard. In the majority of cases Microsoft will issue an override product key allowing the operating system to be re-installed and activated with the replacement motherboard.
Both large and small system builders normally install what is termed OEM versions of Windows, which is far cheaper than the more expensive retail versions, and is an important factor when attempting to keep costs as low as possible for the benefit of the consumer. As such when installed on one PC the software cannot be transferred to a second machine, however, it is permitted to transfer the whole PC complete with the Windows installation to a third party.
Failure to adhere to these strict software licensing rules is considered a breach of copyright and can lead to legal action be instigated by Microsoft, the penalties of which can be very severe.
If you are unsure of what the consequences of upgrading or replacing computer components might be, we will be happy to deal with all the problems associated with the replacement of parts and liaising with the Microsoft Activation Help-Desk should the need arise as part of an integrated repair or upgrade service.
If you purchase a computer from an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) which includes the majority of the large computer production companies such as DELL and PC World, and the motherboard becomes defective, It is advisable to acquire an exact copy of the original board in order for the existing Windows Operating System to be re-installed, and activated.
This is because Microsoft consider that the motherboard is the most critical piece of hardware within a computer on which software activation is calculated. Any change of motherboard, where it is not an exact match to that of the original, will constitute the computer being possibly classified as a new PC for the purposes of Windows Operating System licensing. In situations such as this, a user will need to telephone the Microsoft Activation Help-Desk and explain why it has been necessary to change the motherboard. In the majority of cases Microsoft will issue an override product key allowing the operating system to be re-installed and activated with the replacement motherboard.
Both large and small system builders normally install what is termed OEM versions of Windows, which is far cheaper than the more expensive retail versions, and is an important factor when attempting to keep costs as low as possible for the benefit of the consumer. As such when installed on one PC the software cannot be transferred to a second machine, however, it is permitted to transfer the whole PC complete with the Windows installation to a third party.
Failure to adhere to these strict software licensing rules is considered a breach of copyright and can lead to legal action be instigated by Microsoft, the penalties of which can be very severe.
If you are unsure of what the consequences of upgrading or replacing computer components might be, we will be happy to deal with all the problems associated with the replacement of parts and liaising with the Microsoft Activation Help-Desk should the need arise as part of an integrated repair or upgrade service.