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.

What Are Computer Repair Tools You Should Have In Your Toolbox? 2023 November

What Does Computer Repair Cost?

January 18, 2023

What Is a Computer Repair Hardware Service?

January 18, 2023

If you want to know what computer repair tools you should have in your toolbox, then you are in luck. Here is a look at a few of them:

Table of Contents

ATX power supply tester

If you are looking for an efficient and cost effective way to test your PC power supply, you should invest in an ATX power supply tester. These tools provide instant feedback and are used for quick diagnosis of power supply problems. The tester can also be used for testing individual peripheral power connectors.

It is important to check the voltage of your power supply. If it is out of range, you will need to replace the PSU. Also, make sure to check the PG value, or the time from the first power activity to full voltage. This value is between 100 to 500 milliseconds. Excessive PG values can cause the hardware to shut down.

Aside from voltage, you will also need to check the form factor of your power supply. You should match the power supply to the motherboard’s case. There are different PSUs that may have an 8-pin or 20-pin motherboard connector.

A 24-pin cable is commonly found in some power supplies. Make sure you plug in the 24-pin cable into the power supply tester. Ensure the black test lead is in contact with the 24th pin.

Some testers may have several connectors. In some cases, you will need to press the button to test the connections. Most testers have a simple LED light indicator that displays voltages.

To check your motherboard, you will need to connect it to the PSU tester. If you use a non OEM PSU, you will need to be careful with the pins. Do not put your hands on the floppy disk or molex pins while the unit is on.

Your PC repair can check your voltage tolerances. They can also help you fix any problems you might be experiencing.

Non-magnetic screwdrivers

If you have a computer or a laptop, you might have seen magnetic screwdrivers. These tools can be useful when repairing your device, but they can also cause damage. For example, they might obstruct the drive motors on your PC, or they may even cause the internal speakers to break.

Aside from being safe, they can prevent screws from falling out, which can be a pain when you are working on your laptop. You can also keep your components organized. The right set of tools can help you to repair your cell phone, PC, or video game console.

Usually, a computer repair kit comes with a bunch of different tools. These include a flexible shaft, a strong magnetic tip, a mini sucker, precision tweezers, a cleaning brush, and more. All of the pieces are packed in a sturdy oxford bag. Some are designed for iPhones, while others are made for other mobile devices.

The XOOL Computer Repair Set is another good option, and it features an ergonomic swivel top, a flexible extension shaft, and more. It also comes with an ABS plastic storage case. Another important feature of the kit is the magnetizer.

Aside from a magnet, this computer repair kit also includes a spudger, a magnetic tweezer, and a variety of screwdrivers. In fact, this is a great kit for people who are prone to arthritis.

Lastly, a good computer repair kit should come with a silicone heat-resistant mat. This is an important tool for electronics repairs, since it is able to withstand temperatures of 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

While a lot of computer repair kits are built to last, there are some that will eventually break. This is why it’s best to choose the right one based on your needs.

58 in 1 precision screwdriver kit

One of the best gifts for computer geeks is a 58 in 1 precision screwdriver set. The tool set has all the tools you need to fix up and upgrade any computer system. You can upgrade RAM and hard drives, as well as perform maintenance on other hardware. It comes in a convenient carrying case. Some of the more impressive features include the best handle for your buck, a multi-color LED light and a multi-purpose tool with a 3-claw parts retriever to boot.

While the 58 in 1 Precision Screwdriver Set is a bit pricey, the benefits are well worth the investment. The set has one of the best handles in its class, with a comfortable grip that extends from 5-1/8 inches to 7 inches. Several specialty bits are included as well, including the square and star bits. The best part is the fact that these bits are made of hardened nickel chrome molybdenum, which should hold up under heavy use.

The 58 in 1 Precision Screwdriver Set deserves a spot on any home improvement center’s hardware shelf. This is an excellent start to a thriving electronics repair career. Whether it’s a simple power cord or a complicated hard drive, you’re sure to find what you need in this handy kit. Best of all, the 58 in one tool set will save you from a costly repair bill. Plus, the tool set will let you keep your hands clean. That’s the true test of a well-rounded home improvement kit. Whether you’re a home improvement pro or a do-it-yourselfer, the 58 in one tool set will ensure that you get the job done in no time.

Smartphone toolkit

The smartphone is a ubiquitous sight today, but gadgets still go wrong. To make the repair process go as smooth as possible, you’ll need the right tools. That’s where the smartphone toolkit comes in. Aside from the usual suspects, the toolkit includes the aforementioned spinning end caps, fancy aluminum handles, and storage bags. It’s like carrying a mini workshop in your pocket.

While the oh so fancy iPhone may be out of the picture, the smartphone toolkit has you covered with Android and iOS devices. The kit also boasts a number of handy-men tools, including a built-in extension bar, a spudger, and a pair of precision screws. Among the goodies, you’ll find all the essentials and more, from a reversible ratchet driver to a flex extension.

The smartphone toolkit is a no brainer if you have your eyes on smartphones, tablets and small electronics. With the kit, you’ll be ready to tackle any repair job, from the small stuff to the large. You’ll also get all the essentials for the larger tasks, such as a replacement screen, a new battery, and a new camera.

The smartphone toolkit is certainly the most comprehensive kit available. Featuring fancy aluminum handles, a spudger and an impressive array of precision screws, you’ll be ready for anything. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or a professional repair specialist, you’ll be glad you picked up the smartphone toolkit. Touted as the best mobile phone toolkit on the market, it’s also one of the best options for consumers who are looking for something to do in the comfort of their own home. Moreover, the kit has a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, a price tag that can’t be beat. Despite its high price tag, you can’t help but want to buy it.

Ontrack EasyRecovery

Ontrack EasyRecovery computer repair tools are designed to recover lost data from all types of computer storage devices. Including hard drives, USB flash drives, memory cards and more, these recovery tools allow you to restore files that have been lost because of data loss, partition corruption or virus attacks.

With the help of Ontrack EasyRecovery, you can fix corrupted files, recreate photos and videos that were damaged, and even rebuild a damaged drive. You can also use the program to scan and repair files that are deleted or formatted.

Ontrack EasyRecovery is a fast and reliable tool that is easy to use. It has a simple user interface that allows you to select your location, file types, and scan type. All of this is done with the click of a button. The program also offers you a preview function to check if the files you want to recover are recoverable.

Moreover, the program is easy to install. The installation process includes a series of prompts. Upon clicking the Install button, you’ll be directed to the main interface. After this, you’ll be able to choose the drive to scan.

Next, you’ll be asked to fill out an information form. This information will be used to find the right recovery scenarios. A list of deleted partitions and files will appear. If you need more help, you can call the customer support. Alternatively, you can access the Live Chat feature during business hours. However, the response time may be a bit long.

When you need more than the basics, you can also choose from one of six plans. These plans vary by price and feature. For example, the Professional plan includes recovery from damaged disk images, formatting, and recovery from damaged and virus-infected drives.

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.