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.

Laptop Repairs You Can Do Yourself 2023 November

What to Look for in Laptop Shops

October 2, 2022

Computer Parts – CPU, Graphics Processing Unit, Memory, and Storage Devices

October 3, 2022

If you own a laptop, you can try to fix some common laptop problems yourself. You can do this by checking the age, model, operating system, and battery life. Batteries in laptops typically last two to four years, depending on how you use it and charge it. If you think that your laptop needs a replacement battery, try replacing it.

Table of Contents

Problems

When you have problems with your laptop, it is essential to seek out a laptop repair expert to diagnose and repair the issue. Whether it is a hardware issue or a software issue, there are many ways to diagnose your laptop. In the first instance, it might be time to defragment the hard drive to create more space and organization. Next, you may need to replace the hard drive if it is making clicking noises. You should also check out the video drivers to make sure they are current.

Another common laptop problem is the Blue screen error, also known as the Blue screen of death. This error occurs when the system’s hardware, software, or operating system is outdated and incompatible with the computer. To identify whether this error is a hardware or software issue, you can try using an external display. Another option is to boot the laptop in safe mode by holding the F8+Shift key combination.

Problems with laptop repairs can also be related to the motherboard or the dc jack. You may also need to replace the ram in your laptop, or clean out the vents. If your laptop is overheating, it could also be a cooling fan problem. A clean out of the system can restore the cooling system to normal levels.

Costs

The average laptop repair costs around two to three hundred dollars. This is considerably cheaper than buying a new laptop. However, laptop repair costs can vary widely, depending on the type of repair required. In addition to screen repairs, laptops can also have problems with their video card, RAM, or even be infected with malware.

The cost of computer repairs varies depending on the type of repair needed and the experience of the technician. It’s best to get multiple quotes for different services. Some companies will offer a free quote, which can save you time. Other types of repair may be more expensive, but can save you money in the long run.

If you need to replace your laptop’s battery, you can usually find a refurbished model for between $20 and $50. Likewise, repairing a damaged hard drive can be expensive, ranging from $100 to $250. The type and size of the hard drive also factor into the cost. The cost of replacing a screen is typically between $50 and $100, though it can be more costly if custom brackets are needed.

Laptop repairs may include replacing the motherboard. This part is the most expensive component in the machine, and the cost of the labor can vary significantly. Depending on the type of computer, the price of a motherboard can range from $30 to $150. The cost of labor for replacing the motherboard can also range from $100 to $200.

Troubleshooting software

If your laptop is having problems, there are several options for troubleshooting it. One of the most effective is Microsoft’s built-in troubleshooter. It is competitively priced and does a good job of getting the job done. Run it by clicking the start button on your desktop bar and choosing Update and Security > Troubleshoot. It will then ask you a series of questions. Once completed, the program will then start to fix your problem.

In troubleshooting, the goal is to bring the system back to its normal state, and if you’re successful, it will return to normal functioning. Whether you succeed or fail depends on your experience and thoroughness. Sometimes, the solution you’re applying could create a new problem, so it’s important to monitor the system while it’s running to make sure it’s functioning correctly.

Another popular repair tool is Restoro, which can help clean up your registry and prevent your computer from freezing or crashing. It can also fix damages caused by viruses by replacing or restoring DLL files. It can also search for and remove threatening apps before they can do any more damage to your PC. Both options work for Windows operating systems and are rated highly by users.

ICs

One of the most important components in a laptop is the power IC, which is responsible for transferring power from the power source to all the other parts of the laptop. When this component fails, your laptop cannot start. A malfunctioning power IC can cause many components of the laptop to malfunction.

Fortunately, there is a course available online that will teach you how to test computer ICs and components. This course, called Laptop Repair Secrets, is written by a computer engineer, so you’ll get the benefit of an expert’s expertise. The course includes short, informative explanations with plenty of practical examples. This course is ideal for those who have little or no experience with laptop hardware and would like to learn the ins and outs of motherboard repair.

DVD drives

DVD drives aren’t always easy to replace. But if your DVD drive is ‘broken’, there are a few steps you can take to replace it. One thing to remember is to unmount the drive before working on the replacement. It will prevent you from accidentally inserting it into your computer.

First, open the DVD drive in your laptop. You will find a Properties dialog box. Click on the General tab. You should see a message stating that the drive is working, but if you see a yellow or red warning mark, the drive might be broken. If this is the case, use the Windows troubleshooter to fix the problem. In most cases, missing or corrupted device drivers are to blame. Fortunately, updating the device driver can fix most driver issues.

If the CD/DVD drive is plugged into the laptop’s power source, the problem could be with the CD/DVD drive itself. The drive is usually held in place by four screws and a rail-mounted case. Pull back the front panel and you should be able to remove the drive. The front panel may be held in place by plastic clips.

Many DVD-ROM drives allow the user to adjust the write and read retry count. This feature allows you to increase the chances of successfully reading damaged sectors. In addition, it prevents the drive from becoming overly noisy.

Cooling fans

If your laptop is overheating, you may need to repair its cooling fans. These fans are located on the front left and right sides of the laptop. To access these fans, you must lift the panel latch located above the keyboard. After lifting the latch, slide out the old fan blade and replace it with a new one.

The cooling fans are connected to the motherboard through wires. The fans should whirr when they are working, but if they are not, you’ll need to replace them. You can buy replacement fans at your local computer store or from your laptop manufacturer’s online store. Replace the fan is an easy repair.

Another way to prevent laptop overheating is to keep them out of direct sunlight. Summers can bring high temperatures everywhere, and the intense heat of the sun can damage hard drives and batteries. Laptop fans remove the heat generated internally, so you should make sure to keep your laptop out of direct sunlight as much as possible.

A laptop’s cooling fans need to be cleaned periodically. A regular cleaning will improve air flow and improve your laptop’s performance. You should also change the thermal paste on your laptop every two years to ensure that it remains effective. When thermal paste dries out, fans need to work harder, reducing the lifespan of the device. You can also purchase cooling pads for your laptop, which will help keep it cooler and run faster.

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.