computer repair?

[moonjewel]

Last night my computer started sparking like a fork in a microwave, then died. (the actual computer, not the monitor)

Does anyone have any experience with local repair shops? I'm hoping it's just the power supply, but petrified it's something more (threatening my thousands of pictures and writings). Help?

Comments

[commiecat]

We use Micro/Center here at work for printer repair beyond our scope -- they also handle general PC repair as well. I know they're good people. I think danadarko had some computer work done there after I suggested them -- you might want to contact her to see if she was happy with their service or not.

Their number is 376-1146 and they're located across the street from Royal Park/Ballyhoo's. I'd ask for Larry if possible -- he kinda long-winded but he knows his stuff.

HTH.

-commiecat

[commiecat]

And, for the love of god, please don't take it to Geek Squad or Firedog. :)

[moonjewel]

thank you thank you with sincere gratitude!

:)

[sita_137]

My exhusband used to work there! Larry doesn't respect women... it always bugged me that I would talk, and he'd ignore the fact that I was talking. [chuckle] I've had to work with him professionally since, and he does the same thing with other women. Mind you, he still lives with his mother, that might explain part of it. :)

[sita_137]

From my husband:

Were there visible sparks? Front or back, or just a crackling sound? Front sparks would be bad, and probably means she's either spilled something on it, or had the machine for so long without ever cleaning it to build up enough dust for a fire. Sparks in the back is probably just a bad power supply - they can be replaced with a bit of effort (she could offer the nearest IT guy a beer/coffee/what have you). If it's just a sound of sparks, she should find the IT guy referenced earlier and have him make sure all the cards, ram, cables, etc are seated correctly. Sparks would mean the stuff on the drive is safe (unless the whole computer catches on fire), but could be a bit of work to get it into shape to get the stuff off.

[moonjewel]

sparks in the back, VERY visable but my computer doesn't have the face plates (bad i know) so I can see everything....

[sita_137]

He's saying it's most certainly a power supply, and to bribe an IT guy.

(my husband is a computer engineer, btw. so i promise he knows what he's talking about. :) )