What services does Dr IT Services provide?

I provide a wide range of services including computer repair, laptop repair, and data recovery. My aim is to solve your tech problems efficiently and effectively.

How long have you been providing these services?

I, Vlad Tabaranu, have been providing these services since 2000. With over two decades of experience, I have the expertise to handle a wide range of tech issues.

What types of computers can you repair?

I can repair a wide range of computers, from desktops to laptops, and across different operating systems including Windows, MacOS, and Linux.

What does your laptop repair service include?

My laptop repair services cover everything from hardware issues like broken screens or faulty keyboards, to software issues such as virus removal, system upgrades, and much more.

What should I do if I've lost my data?

If you've lost your data, don't panic. I offer professional data recovery services and will do my utmost to recover your lost files.

How successful is your data recovery service?

While no data recovery can be guaranteed 100%, my extensive experience and the advanced tools I use give me a high success rate.

Are your services available in all of Birmingham?

Yes, I offer my computer and laptop repair services across the entire Birmingham region.

How long does a typical repair take?

The duration of a repair can vary depending on the issue. However, I always aim to provide a fast and efficient service.

Do you provide any guarantees on your repairs?

Yes, I stand behind the quality of my work and offer a guarantee on all of my repair services.

How can I contact Dr IT Services for a repair?

You can contact me by phone or email, or visit my shop in Birmingham. I'll be more than happy to assist you with your tech issues.

How much does it cost to repair your PC?

The cost varies depending on the problem and the service provider. On average, in the UK, it might cost around £50-£150.

Is it worth repairing a 10-year-old PC?

It depends on the cost of the repair and the performance of the PC. If the repair cost is high and the PC is significantly slower than newer models, it might be more cost-effective to replace it.

What is the average life of a PC?

The average lifespan of a PC tends to be around 5-7 years. However, with regular maintenance and upgrades, some can last for 10 years or more.

Is it cheaper to upgrade an old PC or buy a new one?

This depends on the upgrades needed. For minor upgrades like adding RAM or a new hard drive, it may be cheaper to upgrade. However, for significant upgrades like a new processor or motherboard, it might be more cost-effective to buy a new PC.

Can a PC last 12 years?

Yes, with proper maintenance and occasional upgrades, a PC can last 12 years or more. However, it might not be able to run newer software and applications that require more advanced hardware.

What is the lifespan of a motherboard?

A motherboard could last for 10 years or more with proper care. However, they can fail earlier due to factors like power surges, dust buildup, or manufacturing defects.

What is the average life of TVs?

On average, TVs can last between 5-10 years or more based on the usage and technology. Some higher-end models may last even longer.

How long does a PC take to repair?

The repair time can vary widely depending on the problem. Some repairs might be done in a few hours, while others could take several days.

How much does a motherboard repair cost?

The cost of a motherboard repair can vary widely. If the motherboard needs to be replaced, it can be quite costly, often making it more cost-effective to buy a new PC.

How much does it cost to fix a slow computer?

The cost can vary depending on the cause of the slowness. If it's due to software issues, it might be relatively inexpensive. If it's due to hardware issues, it might cost more.

How much does a hard drive repair cost?

Hard drive repair costs can vary widely, depending on the nature of the problem. If the hard drive needs to be replaced, the cost will include the price of the new hard drive and the labor to install it.

Can a computer last 20 years?

While it's technically possible for a laptop to last 20 years, it's quite unlikely due to the rapid advancement of technology and potential wear and tear. The average lifespan of a laptop is usually around 3-5 years, although with proper maintenance and upgrades, it can last longer.

Can a 10-year-old computer run Windows 10?

Yes, a 10-year-old computer can run Windows 10, but it depends on the specific hardware of the computer. The minimum hardware requirements for Windows 10 are a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit, 16 GB hard drive space for 32-bit OS or 20 GB for 64-bit OS, and a DirectX 9 or later graphics card.

Can a laptop last 20 years?

While it's technically possible for a laptop to last 20 years, it's quite unlikely due to the rapid advancement of technology and potential wear and tear. The average lifespan of a laptop is usually around 3-5 years, although with proper maintenance and upgrades, it can last longer.

How do I bring my old laptop back to life?

To bring your old laptop back to life, you might want to consider upgrading the hardware (like RAM or storage), cleaning it physically and digitally (removing dust, unnecessary files, and malware), and reinstalling the operating system.

How much does PC repair cost UK?

The cost of PC repair in the UK can vary greatly depending on the nature of the problem, the cost of any necessary parts, and the rates of the service provider. On average, it could range from £50 to £150.

How much does a PC cost per hour UK?

I'm not sure what you mean by this. If you could provide more context, I would be able to give a more accurate answer.

How much does it cost to replace a hard drive UK?

The cost of a new hard drive in the UK can range from £30 to £100 depending on the capacity and type (HDD or SSD). The cost of professional installation can be an additional £50 to £100.

Will my PC break if it falls?

If a PC falls, there's a high probability that it could be damaged. The extent of the damage would depend on the height of the fall and the surface it falls onto. Components like the hard drive, screen, and motherboard can be particularly vulnerable.

How do you tell if a PC is damaged?

Symptoms of a damaged PC can include not starting up, frequent crashes or blue screens, unusual noises, slow performance, and distorted graphics.

How much does it cost to fix a computer that doesn't turn on?

The cost to repair a computer that doesn't turn on can vary greatly depending on the cause. It might be a simple fix like replacing a power cable, or more complex and expensive like replacing the power supply or motherboard. It could range from £50 to over £200.

Is it OK to leave my PC on 24/7?

While it's technically okay to leave your PC on 24/7, it can lead to increased electricity usage and potential wear on components. It's generally recommended to put your PC in sleep mode or turn it off when not in use for extended periods.

How much does it cost to leave a PC on 24/7?

The cost of leaving a PC on 24/7 depends on the power consumption of the PC and the electricity rate. On average, it could cost around £100 to £200 per year in the UK.

What uses the most electricity in a home?

In most homes, the biggest electricity users are heating and cooling systems, water heaters, and large appliances like refrigerators and washing machines.

Can an old hard drive be repaired?

Yes, an old hard drive can often be repaired, although it depends on the nature of the problem. Some issues like bad sectors or a corrupted file system can be fixed with software, while others like mechanical failures might require professional data recovery services.

Are old hard drives worth keeping?

Old hard drives can be worth keeping for backup or archival purposes, or to recover old files. However, they should be properly maintained and stored to prevent data loss.

Is it expensive to fix a hard drive?

The cost to repair a hard drive can vary greatly depending on the nature of the problem and whether professional data recovery is needed. It can range from free (for software fixes) to several hundred pounds for professional recovery.

What to do before bringing PC to repair?

Before bringing your PC for repair, back up any important data, remove any sensitive information or passwords, and provide the repair shop with any necessary passwords to access the system.

Can computer repair shops steal your data without a password?

While it's technically possible for a repair shop to access some data without a password, reputable repair shops should have policies in place to protect customer data. However, it's always a good idea to remove any sensitive data before a repair.

Should I give the computer repair my password?

If the repair shop needs to access your system to perform the repair, you might need to provide your password. However, you should only do this if you trust the repair shop, and you should change your password before and after the repair.

Is it safe to take my computer to a repair shop?

It's generally safe to take your computer to a reputable repair shop. However, you should always back up your data and remove any sensitive information before a repair.

Should I wipe my computer before repair?

If you're concerned about privacy, it can be a good idea to wipe your computer or at least remove any sensitive data before a repair. However, make sure to back up any important data first, as wiping the computer will erase everything.

Can computer technicians see your history?

Technically, yes, computer technicians could access your browsing history if they needed to. However, reputable technicians should respect your privacy and not access personal data unless necessary for the repair.

Can a laptop repair steal your data?

While it's technically possible for a dishonest repair person to steal data, reputable repair shops should have policies in place to prevent this. Always choose a trustworthy repair service, back up your data, and remove sensitive information before a repair.

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Table of Contents

How to Wipe a Laptop?

Introduction

Wiping a laptop is an essential task when you want to sell, donate, or dispose of your device securely. Simply deleting files or formatting the hard drive is not enough to ensure your personal information remains private. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of properly wiping a laptop, minimizing the risk of data breaches and ensuring a fresh start for the next user.

Before You Begin

Before proceeding with wiping your laptop, it is crucial to back up any important files or data you want to keep. This can be done by transferring files to an external hard drive, using cloud storage services, or creating a backup on another computer. Once you have completed the backup process, follow the steps outlined below to wipe your laptop completely.

Step 1: Securely Removing Personal Data

To begin, it is important to remove all personal data from your laptop. This includes files, documents, folders, and other sensitive information that may be stored on the hard drive. Follow these steps to securely remove your personal data:

Delete your files: Start by manually deleting files you no longer need or want. This can be done by selecting the files and pressing the delete key, or by right-clicking and choosing the delete option. Remember to empty the recycle bin or trash folder after deleting the files.
Format the hard drive: Formatting the hard drive will erase all data stored on it. However, this method is not completely secure as data can still be recovered using specialized software. If you want to proceed with formatting, you can do so by accessing the disk management tool on Windows or Disk Utility on macOS.
Use data wiping software: For a more thorough and secure wipe, consider using data wiping software. These programs overwrite the data on your hard drive multiple times, making it nearly impossible to recover. Examples of popular data wiping software include DBAN (Darik’s Boot and Nuke) and CCleaner.

Step 2: Reinstalling the Operating System

Wiping your laptop also involves reinstalling the operating system to ensure a clean slate for the next user. Follow these steps to reinstall the operating system:

Create a bootable USB or DVD: Obtain a copy of the operating system you wish to install and create a bootable USB or DVD. This can be done using official installation media or third-party tools like Rufus or Etcher.
Restart your laptop and access the boot menu: Insert the bootable USB or DVD into your laptop and restart the device. To access the boot menu, press the designated key (e.g., F12, ESC, or DEL) as soon as the laptop starts up. From the boot menu, select the appropriate option to boot from the USB or DVD.
Follow the installation wizard: Once the bootable media is successfully loaded, the operating system installation wizard will guide you through the process. Follow the on-screen instructions, including selecting the installation language, agreeing to the terms and conditions, and choosing the installation location.
Delete existing partitions: During the installation process, you will be prompted to select a partition for the operating system. To ensure a clean installation, delete any existing partitions on the hard drive. This will remove all previous data and create a fresh partition for the new operating system.
Complete the installation: After deleting the partitions, proceed with the installation by selecting the newly created partition. The installation process will copy the necessary files, install the operating system, and prompt you to configure settings such as language, time zone, and user accounts.

Step 3: Additional Considerations

While the above steps cover the basic process of wiping a laptop, there are a few additional considerations you should keep in mind:

BIOS/UEFI settings: After reinstalling the operating system, make sure to access the BIOS (or UEFI) settings and set your laptop to boot from the internal hard drive instead of the USB or DVD.
Reinstall drivers and software: Once the operating system is installed, you may need to reinstall drivers for hardware components such as the graphics card, network adapter, and sound card. Additionally, reinstall any software programs you require.
Securely disposing of the laptop: If you are planning to dispose of your laptop, consider recycling it through proper channels or donating it to a reputable organization. This ensures that the device is responsibly handled and potentially reused by others.

Conclusion

By following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, you can confidently wipe your laptop, remove personal data, reinstall the operating system, and prepare your device for its next use. Remember to back up any important files before proceeding and consider using data wiping software for added security. Taking these precautions will help protect your privacy and ensure a fresh start for your laptop’s future owner.
the boot menu**: Restart your laptop and access the boot menu. The key to access the boot menu may vary depending on your laptop brand and model. Common keys to access the boot menu are F12, Esc, or Del. Consult your laptop’s manual or search online for specific instructions.

Boot from the USB or DVD: Once you have accessed the boot menu, select the option to boot from the USB or DVD drive that contains the operating system installation files.
Follow the on-screen prompts: The installation process will vary depending on the operating system you are installing. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. Make sure to choose the option to perform a clean installation, which will remove any existing data on your laptop.

Step 3: Finalizing the Wipe

After reinstalling the operating system, there are a few final steps you can take to ensure a thorough wipe of your laptop:

Update the operating system: Once the installation is complete, make sure to update the operating system to the latest version. This will ensure that any security vulnerabilities are patched and your laptop is up to date.
Install necessary drivers and software: Install any necessary drivers and software that are required for your laptop to function properly. This may include drivers for your graphics card, Wi-Fi adapter, and any other hardware components.
Securely erase any remaining data: If you want to be extra cautious, you can use data wiping software to securely erase any remaining data on your laptop’s hard drive. This will further minimize the risk of data breaches.
Perform a factory reset (optional): If you want to restore your laptop to its original factory settings, you can perform a factory reset. This will remove all personal data and settings, returning the laptop to its default state.

Conclusion

Wiping a laptop is a crucial step to protect your personal information and ensure a fresh start for the next user. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can securely wipe your laptop and minimize the risk of data breaches. Remember to always back up your important files before proceeding with the wipe process.

Vlad Tabaranu

Vlad Tabaranu is a highly experienced computer and laptop repair engineer with over 20 years of expertise in the IT industry. Vlad's dedication to top-quality IT services has earned him significant recognition. He has been ranked among the top 3 computer repair services in Birmingham since 2018. He's also been awarded the Corporate LiveWire's Birmingham Prestige Awards 2019 for Best in Independent Computer Repair Services and the Central England Prestige Awards 2021/2022 for Computer Repair Service of the Year.

Dr IT Services - Computer Repair, Laptop Repair & Data Recovery

415 Court Oak Road, Birmingham

Dan Alexandru Pod ★★★★★ in the last week

My graphics card was overheating and started to occasionally crash. After hours of research, the best solution I could find was to replace the thermal paste and the thermal pad. However, my GFX is an Aorus Extreme 3080 which uses over 20 thermal pads … More of 4x different thickness levels so I was reluctant to do it myself. I found Dr IT online, called Vlad and he called me over to drop off the card that same day. He was extremely knowledgeable about both the hardware and test methods I used, so we had a proper discussion about the troubleshooting steps necessary. It took him less than a day to sort it out and I'm extremely happy with the outcome. He used quality products (thermal pads and paste) to get the job done which is a MUST in my book as this hardware is expensive and needs proper attention. I recommend Dr IT for all your hardware needs! Will definitely come back again if the situation calls for it.

Mumonhan SinghChoudhary ★★★★★ a week ago

Vlad good guy and straight forward, he tried to repair my desktop but the motherboard went but recommended a replacement system from Amazon which was cheaper and transferred my data for free onto the the new PC.Recommend him thanks

muhammad bilal ★★★★★ 2 weeks ago

Amazing service and perfect job!

4.9 198 reviews

Dan Alexandru Pod ★★★★★ in the last week
My graphics card was overheating and started to occasionally crash. After hours of research, the best solution I could find was to replace the thermal paste and the thermal pad. However, my GFX is an Aorus Extreme 3080 which uses over 20 thermal pads … More of 4x different thickness levels so I was reluctant to do it myself. I found Dr IT online, called Vlad and he called me over to drop off the card that same day. He was extremely knowledgeable about both the hardware and test methods I used, so we had a proper discussion about the troubleshooting steps necessary. It took him less than a day to sort it out and I'm extremely happy with the outcome. He used quality products (thermal pads and paste) to get the job done which is a MUST in my book as this hardware is expensive and needs proper attention. I recommend Dr IT for all your hardware needs! Will definitely come back again if the situation calls for it.
Mumonhan SinghChoudhary ★★★★★ a week ago
Vlad good guy and straight forward, he tried to repair my desktop but the motherboard went but recommended a replacement system from Amazon which was cheaper and transferred my data for free onto the the new PC.Recommend him thanks
muhammad bilal ★★★★★ 2 weeks ago
Amazing service and perfect job!
Vlad Kelsusit ★★★★★ 4 weeks ago
Over time, my laptop had become slow and unresponsive. I needed an upgrade, and more importantly, a reliable computer repair service. That's when I discovered Dr IT Services. Vlad diagnosed the issue promptly, explaining the process in a language … More I could understand - no complicated tech jargon!What sets Dr IT Services apart is Vlad's dedication to customer satisfaction. He not only fixed my laptop but also offered useful tips on maintaining its performance. His services are a blend of expertise, efficiency, and value for money.If you're in Birmingham and searching for 'computer repair near me', look no further than Dr IT Services. I left with a laptop that felt brand new, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing I now have a go-to computer repair shop.
Elisabeth Dennis ★★★★★ 4 weeks ago
I have had a truly wonderful experience of this service. Vlad fixed all my It issues and advised me how to enhance several aspects I asked him about and set these up for me. He went beyond the call of duty and never scrimped on his time. He was very patient … More in explaining things to me and the cost was very reasonable. I intend to use his services in future as I feel grateful and delighted with all the things he sorted out for me.
Sean Haslam ★★★★★ 3 months ago
10/10 everytime. Been using DR IT for years now. He just recently upgrades my rig with some of the best current gaming speccs, and he has not fell short of delivering! Was an initial problem with the operating system once I got it back but the issue was … More quickly addressed leaving me more than satisfied.
Daniel Ndukwe ★★★★★ 5 months ago
Top guy. Took my laptop to Vlad as the audio jack had not been working for a while. Also the usb port was malfunctioning. He was able to repair both within 24hrs for a reasonable price. Very professional service. Will definitely use him again.
Luke Robinson ★★★★★ 5 months ago
Took my iPhone 12 to get my data recovered as It was broken and I was permanently locked out of my iphone due to many failed passcode attempts , Vlad was helpful and kept me updated during the progress he went above and beyond to try his hardest to recover … More my data unfortunately it didn’t go as we planned due to Apple’s security policy regarding retrieving data from a Locked phone. The service vlad provided was second to none I highly recommend his business’s
Elina G ★★★★★ 4 months ago
Thank you ever so much for such excellent, friendly, patient and reassuring professional services. Brought my apple laptop and managed to resolve my issues within the same day, better yet within few hours for such a great price. Can't thank you enough. … More Highly recommend!!
ellie watson ★★★★★ 4 weeks ago
Good communication and speedy service :))
CristyExo ★★★★★ a month ago
Best service !
Md Ariful Islam ★★★★★ a month ago
He is very kind and good technician for laptops! I would recommend anyone who has laptops problem!
S C ★★★★★ 6 months ago
Vlad was very helpful in trying to recover data from my (extremely smashed up) phone. Whilst ultimately the phone was beyond repair Vlad was very communicative throughout the process and did not charge for the diagnostic and all attempts made at repair. … More I appreciate the time he put in to sourcing even external services and would definitely use him again if I had any problems. Thanks Vlad.
K Balaji ★★★★★ a month ago
Good guy i talked to him about my mac book he is really good although i didnt repaired my macbook pro there caus the price and iam a student , he looks really professional and really good ratings
Aqib Hussain ★★★★★ a month ago
Demi Eid ★★★★★ 3 months ago
Had a noisy fan for a long time and had it fixed the same day, works perfectly now, can't recommend enough! :)
King cobra gaming ★★★★★ 4 months ago
I am glad I want to Dr It Services he found out my problem on my PC within less than an hour thank you I will be back to do more business with you in the near future.
z k ★★★★★ 6 months ago
Recently had my laptop repaired and the service and results were great. Would definitely recommend!
Jaida Preston ★★★★★ 9 months ago
Vlad was absolutely great. Had my laptop ready the next day up to a great standard. Would highly recommend Vlad to fix anything you need fixing.
Cory Howard ★★★★★ 10 months ago
Dr. IT Services My MacBook Pro laptop's charging port stopped working. But this business said it was no problem and fixed it in three days. I'm very glad I found this store and that I put my trust in them. I wholeheartedly endorse them for anyone … More who needs assistance with computer or laptop issues.
Becky Gonzalez ★★★★★ 9 months ago
The best repair service I've ever utilized is provided by this company. I got in touch with them to ask about a pricing because I want to fix my laptop. Later that day, they got in touch with me and gave me a very fair quote to fix my laptop. . This … More firm literally saved my life, and I will use them again without a doubt.
Aaliyah Blackwell ★★★★★ 11 months ago
I've had my computer fixed by Dr. IT Services (Computer Repair, Laptop Repair, and Data Recovery) twice. Both times, the service was exceptional, with succinct and straightforward explanations of the issues and the cost of the necessary repairs. … More The turnaround time for repairs was short, and my own search for service providers revealed that the rates were reasonable. They have my highest recommendation, and I won't think twice about using them again!
i Jonezy ★★★★★ 9 months ago
Had my GPU cleaned out and the thermal paste reapplied after years, he did a great job, finally worked great again, If I ever have problems again in the future, he will be the man I call. Highly recommended!!
Lillian Beck ★★★★★ 10 months ago
It was a pleasure to work with Dr. IT Services for computer repair, laptop repair, and data recovery. The engineer was the representative assigned to my case, and he responded quickly and provided assistance at every stage. Platinum recovered all of my … More data and gave it to me on a thumb drive. This establishment comes highly recommended.
Peter Whitehouse ★★★★★ 9 months ago
Excellent service my 5 year old MacBook Air running like a new machine.
Terri Marshall ★★★★★ 9 months ago
The person who repaired my computer was pleasant and attentive, explaining everything in simple terms.
Salma Dz ★★★★★ a year ago
Gave my laptop with a touchscreen issue to fix. Before I went to Vlad I had visited some other computer repair shops, they took one glance at it and weren’t interested. With this service there communication, genuine help, I’m a teacher and Vlad helped … More me as much as he could. Very reasonable price and tells u exactly what you’re paying for. Genuine man giving genuine services.
Susan Kolade ★★★★★ a year ago
I was looking for a good repair shop to fix my laptop, I’m so glad I found Dr IT Services and was really Impressed with the reviews. I highly recommend Vlad and the repair shop. Great communication, great prices and I got my laptop windows fixed just … More in time
Erman Ford ★★★★★ 11 months ago
Amazing place to take your computer in for your computer needs! The staff really cares about the customer and their computers, and the work that they do is excellent! I have taken in two laptops, and they have helped me resolve the issues I have had with … More both of them flawlessly!
Kristy Banks ★★★★★ 9 months ago
Dr IT Services provides the best computer repair service in Birmingham, providing quick and reliable solutions to all electronic device problems.
Erin Turner ★★★★★ 10 months ago
Amazing things happen here. The price was excellent, and my laptop was fixed in less than a day. The incident was also explained to me in detail, including the surrounding circumstances. It is highly recommended.
Natasha Porter ★★★★★ 3 years ago
I chose Dr IT based on his reviews and previous awards and it was the right decision. The left hinge on my gaming laptop was coming apart and the lid wouldn't close. Vlad was able to fix it, so it looks like new. Am super chuffed and all at a reasonable … More price as well.

How to wipe a laptop?

How to send photos from an iPhone to a laptop?

How do I connect my AirPods or Beats to my laptop?

How to send photos from an iPhone to a laptop?

How do I connect my AirPods or Beats to my laptop?

How to Wipe a Laptop?

Introduction

Before You Begin

Step 1: Securely Removing Personal Data

Step 2: Reinstalling the Operating System

Step 3: Additional Considerations

Conclusion

Step 3: Finalizing the Wipe

Conclusion

Vlad Tabaranu

Hello!

Sunday, Monday & Tuesday: CLOSED;
Wednesday - Friday: 09:30 - 19:30; Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00

Dr IT Services - Computer Repair, Laptop Repair & Data Recovery

How to wipe a laptop?

How to send photos from an iPhone to a laptop?

How do I connect my AirPods or Beats to my laptop?

How to send photos from an iPhone to a laptop?

How do I connect my AirPods or Beats to my laptop?

How to Wipe a Laptop?

Introduction

Before You Begin

Step 1: Securely Removing Personal Data

Step 2: Reinstalling the Operating System

Step 3: Additional Considerations

Conclusion

Step 3: Finalizing the Wipe

Conclusion

Related posts:

Hello!

Sunday, Monday & Tuesday: CLOSED; Wednesday - Friday: 09:30 - 19:30; Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00

Dr IT Services - Computer Repair, Laptop Repair & Data Recovery

Sunday, Monday & Tuesday: CLOSED;
Wednesday - Friday: 09:30 - 19:30; Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00