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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If you have ever experienced a problem with your hard drive, you know that it's not only frustrating, but can be a costly headache. However, it's important to realize that the issue isn't the drive, but rather a symptom of a more serious problem.

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Hard drive failure is a symptom of a larger, more complicated problem

If you are reading this article, you’re probably having a hard time understanding why your hard drive has failed. Hard drive failure is a serious problem that can affect your entire computer system. It can also cause massive data loss, and even personal strife.

Luckily, there are several warning signs that will let you know if your hard drive has failed. If you notice any of these signs, you should take action quickly to protect your data. You may need to backup your files, and in some cases, you’ll need to purchase a new hard drive.

There are two types of hard drive failure: physical and logical. Physical hard drive failure is caused by damage to the internal components of the drive. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as water damage, heat, or power surges.

On the other hand, logical hard drive failure is caused by software errors or corruption of the file system. These errors can happen when a file becomes fragmented or becomes unusable. However, these problems can be corrected.

Another type of hard drive failure occurs due to a motor that is used to move the disk. A motor may be faulty, or it might be scraping the platter surface.

Physical damage is the most common cause of hard drive failure. Damage to the platters can decrease the storage space of the drive, and it can cause the drive to not spin correctly.

Bad sectors are also a cause of hard drive failure. A bad sector is a part of the hard drive that is damaged, and it will cause files to become unusable. Having an increasing number of bad sectors can be a sign that the drive is failing soon.

A blue screen of death error is another common indication that your hard drive has failed. The hard drive will not boot up, and you will receive a blue screen. Fortunately, you can fix this error by moving your system files to a new hard drive.

Other signs that your hard drive is failing include strange sounds, grinding noises, and excessive heating. Your hard drive will also have a hard time accessing files and folders.

You're out of warranty

You might want to check out the most important page of your laptop to get a good idea of what to expect. Luckily, most companies have at least one person in charge of keeping tabs on your slick new toy. After all, it’s the only way to know if your oh so cool new office laptop is up for sale on the dark web or not. On the plus side, your shiny new laptop may be a veritable gold mine for your next big client or two. Of course, not all of us have that much free time to spare. So what should we do? One of the better options is to enlist the help of a computer geek or two in the guise. Aside from the usual suspects, you’re also likely to receive some friendly competition. In a nutshell, you need to keep your laptop in top condition and in your line of sight to avoid a calamity on your most important client. This can be a daunting task for someone with a busy office or two to manoeuvre.

You can't get a replacement hard drive

If your laptop is dead and you cannot get a replacement hard drive for it, you have two choices. First, you can try to recover the data from the drive. This can be done by cloning the drive. However, the chance of recovering the data depends on the type of damage.

Another option is to contact a repair service. These companies can fix your laptop but they charge a fee. You should ask the repair company about the fees and the percentage of recovery. It is also good to look at the company’s credentials and their recommendations.

There are many companies that offer to repair your broken laptop. They may not be the best choice for you. Some companies may only have simple repairs that you can do on your own. Others may charge more.

Whether you choose to use a repair service or repair your laptop yourself, it is important to take some precautions. For example, do not try to repair a hard drive yourself if you do not have any experience in this area. Attempting this can ruin the magnetic layer of the drive and kill any data that you have saved.

It is best to find a professional to do this. The best place to start is by checking the connections of your hardware. In some cases, you may need to slide the hard drive connectors into the bay.

Before you attempt to replace the hard drive, backup all your data and make sure the power supply is working. Otherwise, the new drive might not work.

Sometimes, you can get a replacement hard drive for your laptop without paying. You can try to find one online. But you will have to find the brand of your computer and look at the documentation that comes with it. Getting a new hard drive is not as complicated as you might think.

One of the most common causes of a dead laptop is a hard drive that is externally damaged. To check this, you can use a USB hard drive enclosure. This will connect your drive to any other device via a USB cable.

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.