Sometimes DIY computer repair makes sense.  For example, say you get a computer virus, and you have anti-virus software, but your subscription has expired.   Renewing it, updating it, and running a scan may be all that you need to get it working again.  But what if you do this and still have a problem with your operating software and hardware?  If you lack the necessary expertise, you may have a difficult time differentiating between the two (Staff, HelloTech, Common Computer Issues That Require A Computer Technician, November 6th, 2018, https://www.hellotech.com/blog/common-computer-issues-that-require-a-computer-technician).  Unfortunately, at our shop, we have seen that a do-it-yourself approach leads to greater problems, especially when the problem relates to the hardware.  RAM and Hard Drives or Solid-State Drives are sensitive components and should be handled delicately.  Replacing them is not like tightening a nut into place.  Moreover, many DIY’ers do not have the right equipment to identify and fix the problem.  Eventually, they either end up losing their data or pay more than they would have paid otherwise had they opted to first bring their computer into RB’s Computer Service (Admin, Advanced Computer Consulting, 5 Benefits of Hiring Professionals for Computer Repair, December 17th, 2019, https://www.advancedcpc.com/blog/5-benefits-hiring-professionals-computer-repair).  In this blog, I’ll highlight what to look for to help you determine when you need a computer repair and five reasons it makes sense to hire us vs DIY computer repair.

4 Signs you Need Professional Computer Repair

•   Blue Screen of Death.   

The Blue Screen of Death, also known as BSOD, is one of the most common problems that you will encounter on your computer.  However, it is also one that can be the most difficult to fix.  When your computer screen turns blue, it means that the system experienced such a serious issue that it had to forcefully stop.  Call RB’s Computer Service at 763-441-3884 (Staff, HelloTech, Common Computer Issues That Require A Computer Technician, November 6th, 2018, https://www.hellotech.com/blog/common-computer-issues-that-require-a-computer-technician).

• Graphics Error

Graphical errors are some of the most common problems that computer users encounter.  This type of issue is often associated with the software.  This will make the screen look distorted and images won’t display correctly.  Call RB’s Computer Service at 763-441-3884 (Staff, HelloTech, Common Computer Issues That Require A Computer Technician, November 6th, 2018, https://www.hellotech.com/blog/common-computer-issues-that-require-a-computer-technician).

• Blank Monitor

When your computer monitor is blank even after you’ve turned on the system, it is cause for concern.  It could mean the monitor is broken, but if you troubleshoot by swapping it out and the power cable and there is still a problem, call RB’s Computer Service at 763-441-3884 (Staff, HelloTech, Common Computer Issues That Require A Computer Technician, November 6th, 2018, https://www.hellotech.com/blog/common-computer-issues-that-require-a-computer-technician).

•  Abnormally Functioning Operating System

This problem involving the operating system of a computer is common.  An unresponsive operating system can mean that you are unable to execute commands on your computer. This could be caused by a virus, low RAM or a Hard Drive/Solid State Drive issue, a router problem, or something else.  Call RB’s Computer Service at 763-441-3884 (Staff, HelloTech, Common Computer Issues That Require A Computer Technician, November 6th, 2018, https://www.hellotech.com/blog/common-computer-issues-that-require-a-computer-technician).

5 Reasons Hiring RB’s is Better than DIY Computer Repair

1. Prevention of Data Loss

Some of the time DIY’ers end up losing some or all their data.  By the time they bring in their laptop or computer to RB’s, they may have already lost some or all of it.  We can help prevent this (Admin, Advanced Computer Consulting, 5 Benefits of Hiring Professionals for Computer Repair, December 17th, 2019, https://www.advancedcpc.com/blog/5-benefits-hiring-professionals-computer-repair).

2. Cost-effectiveness

Most DIY’ers pay more than they would have paid otherwise had they opted to first bring their laptop or computer into RB’s Computer Service.  RB’s charges standard shop rates that are very reasonable (Admin, Advanced Computer Consulting, 5 Benefits of Hiring Professionals for Computer Repair, December 17th, 2019, https://www.advancedcpc.com/blog/5-benefits-hiring-professionals-computer-repair).    

3. Time-saving

Most business owners and families don’t have time to mess around troubleshooting, especially for families with children in distance learning during COVID and employees working from home.

4. Expertise

RB’s Computer Service has the equipment and a highly trained team of certified technicians that can quickly and accurately diagnose your computer issue to minimize shop labor time. 

5. Managed IT Service Arrangements

RB’s Computer Service offers Managed IT Service Agreements for office networks and computers.  For about the same price it costs for lunch each day of the month, we can set-up, routinely scan, monitor, and respond to vulnerabilities and hack attempts in real-time.

In addition to computer repair and Managed IT Service Agreements, we sell the best desktop and laptop computers, the best commercial-grade firewall routers, business computers, computer parts, computer monitors, and provide iPhone and smartphone repair and tablet repairs to customers and clients throughout central Minnesota and St. Cloud.  For a hassle-free consultation, contact us via phone or email, 763-441-3884 or help@rbsmn.com to discuss your needs.