PC Repair Q?

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 7/12/11 at 9:04pm

My desktop is 4yrs.old. I am totally deficient in tech knowledge and repair, and don't want to get ripped off. It still works, but I ran a virus scan and it has been infected, etc. Even the mouse hardly works. Has anyone used STAPLES? and had success in cleaning their PC w/o losing music, bookmarks, etc> I called for an estimate. Depending on what you want done, between $100 - 200,, What do you think?

[siny]

Posted: 7/12/11 at 9:09pm

I think you should backup your files and do a clean reinstall of Windows. Chances are, that's what Staples, etc. will do anyway and charge you for it. Do it yourself and save 100 bucks. Many viruses are impossible to get rid of any other way.

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 7/12/11 at 9:36pm

I have NO idea how to do that.

[siny]

Posted: 7/12/11 at 9:45pm

Do you have a reinstallation (Operating Systems) CD that came with your computer ?

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 7/12/11 at 10:31pm

Yes. I have those discs. However I would pay 100.00 just so I can get someone else to do this. The Canon printer s not working either, probably due to the virus? I just don't have the patience or know how to fiddle w/this. Is Staples a fairly reliable place? There's one near me.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 7/12/11 at 10:44pm

If you're willing to spend a little more than the 200 you mentioned originally, you could probably buy a new computer.

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 7/12/11 at 11:04pm

If I could transfer the iTunes and other files w/o transferring the viruses, etc., yeah, that would be great. I never had a laptop. I'm almost, but, not quite as old as Roxy! I have no idea how to do this ....

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 7/12/11 at 11:06pm

Your best bet then, is to probably let professionals do it. You should also ask about external hard drives, so you can back up your important stuff.

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 7/12/11 at 11:09pm

Thanks, Phyl. I think they do that as part of the "repair"

[siny]

Posted: 7/12/11 at 11:15pm

If you are willing to spend $200, buy Windows 7 and install it (I assume you have XP since your PC is 4 yrs old). Windows 7 is so easy to install and it connects to your wireless network automatically instead of having to jump through the hoops with XP. If you pay Staples, you'll be out $200 and still be stuck with the old operating system.

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 7/12/11 at 11:24pm

SINY - I don't think I have a wireless network. I own NO gadgets. I think STAPLES quoted 100 for virus removal, etc., 200 for "restoring to factory condition" which is not really necessary, I don't think. Yes, I have XP. I find learning new computer stuff difficult. Is Windows 7 diff, or what? Again, I have no patience on electronic stuff.....thanks for the advice anyway. I'll ask them.

[siny]

Posted: 7/12/11 at 11:41pm

Windows 7 is similar to XP but I find it much easier to install. I had a bad virus recently and had to reinstall Windows XP and try as I might I could not connect to Internet (I have FIOS). I bought Windows 7 and it connected itself and the installation was super-easy. It's also faster. Is backing up your data included in their price ? They may charge you extra for that. It's a good idea to backup your data before you let someone work on your PC.

Updated On: 7/12/11 at 11:41 PM

[littlegreen2]

Posted: 7/12/11 at 11:46pm

I think you should buy a new computer. There are a lot of great laptops that you can buy these days for under $500. I got mine almost two years ago (it's a Toshiba and I paid $450) and I've never once had a problem with it. Save all of your files on an external hard-drive (yes, someone at Staples will help you do that) and transfer them over to a new computer. I think this would benefit you in the long run because there are some viruses that will do extensive damage to your software and will be harder to get rid of then just bringing it to Staples. My sister had a virus on her's a little while back and by the time the reinstallation of software was complete, she had paid more than $600 to get everything back to normal.

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 7/15/11 at 6:00pm

Thanks everyone here for your advice. My PC guru friend didn't have time to fix it, but he gave me advice that helped me (immensely) in getting what I wanted, ie. virus removal, back-up on discs, and AVAST Free Edition installation for way less than $100.00.(STAPLES) They wanted over 250+, and talked all kinds of salesman BS, changed their "price structure" every time I talked to someone else and tried to sell me **** I didn't need. As soon as I called them out on their BS (nicely), they were totally ready to negotiate. I named my price which I though was fair, (since I'm PC illiterate), but went in there, confidant and somewhat demanding. My advice to any one who's intimated by repair services on "anything". Do a bit of research, and then go in and be a ballbuster, and NEGOTIATE. 9 out of 10 times, you'll win.
Updated On: 7/15/11 at 06:00 PM

[siny]

Posted: 7/15/11 at 7:40pm

I am not surprised that they tried to take advantage of you. Hopefully your computer will be OK.