How to be your own computer repair tech! v2.0 - Hardware & Software

I – General knowledge on what to do to a customers computer II – Fixing the computer III – Optimizing and automating the computer IV – Getting you name out on the market and prices [B]1- The customers computer[/B] Most customers are going to come to you for one of two reasons, first they aren't knowledgeable enough to fix their computer, and secondly they don't have the time to find out how; this is why you come in. Most of the time it is for a virus because the user got their computer in 2005 have a 1 year subscription to Norton (or have macafee :vomit:) and can't understand where the viruses came from! Your main job is to remove the viruses so the customer can use their computer like normal. [B]DO'S AND DONT'S [/B] [B]DO[/B] Attempt a fix with malwarebytes, combofix, MSE, AVAST ect, in [B]safe mode[/B] Disable/Delete thing you know are viruses in the Startup folder or in [B]MSCONFIG[/B] Tell the user of things you are changing before you remove them Document # of infected objects Malwarebytes/combofix/mse finds, and tell the user!!! Write down product keys to software like Office, Windows, CSS/CS3, etc etc.. You can do this easy with something like “magic jelly bean finder” Uninstall expired AV like Norton or macafee or other Give your customers multiple options Bring a tool set with you, it will make you look more professional and you shouldn't ask your user for a Phillips head screw driver, and use a anti static band hurr durr it is better to use it than destroy someones computer Speak in laymens terms to customers, telling them “Your intergrated gpu is the reason that 720p youtube lags” won't help you very much say something like “Your video processor is too far out of date to play new HD videos, you might want to look into buying X” Last but not least[B], ALWAYS TAKE A SYSTEM IMAGE OR MAKE A BACKU BEFORE TOUCHING THE CLIENTS PC! [/B]Maybe not always but if you can tell you are doing more than just a basic malwarebytes fix or MSE install make sure you back some of the stuff up! [B] DON'T [/B] Reformat until trying multiple scans or attempts to fix the clients computer, chances are the user has little to no backups and reformatting will only make it more complicated. - Users never back up their data, EVER, that is why they call you to wave your wand and fix it! Remove programs the user wants because yours are better! - This will only cause the customer to re install whatever they hell you uninstalled after you leave. Suggest the customer just buy a new computer, very few users will want to buy a new computer, suggest them upgrades like product cost + 15% = charge Will update as needed [B]II- Fixing their computer[/B] Now that you know the basics it is time to actually fix the computer! [B]IF YOU CAN'T GET ONLINE TRY CHECKING THE PROXY SETTINGS[/B] Internet explorer>tools>internet options> connections tab>LAN settings> make sure the only thing checking is auto detect settings uncheck everything else! [B]Carry a flash drive loaded with these programs[/B] [URL="http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html"]Malwarebytes[/URL] [URL="http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/"]MSE XP/Vista/Windows7 32bit and 64bit[/URL] [URL="http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix"]Combofix[/URL] [URL="http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download"]Avast![/URL] [URL="http://download.cnet.com/ccleaner/"]CCleaner[/URL] [URL="http://www.auslogics.com/en/software/disk-defrag/download/"]Auslogic Disk Defrag[/URL] [URL="http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage"]AVG[/URL] [URL="http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html"]Hwmonitor[/URL] [URL="http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html"]CPUZ[/URL] [URL="http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/"]GPUZ[/URL] [URL="http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/"]Decrappifier[/URL] [URL="http://www.gtopala.com/siw-download.html"]SIW.exe[/URL] [URL="http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/"] Magic Jellybean Finder[/URL] These programs will help you quite a bit when you are working on your clients machine The first step is to gather the problems of the computer, ask the users what is wrong, [B]WRITE IT DOWN, [/B]or get them to show you what is wrong with the computer. Once you got the problems go ahead shut the computer down and boot into [B]safe mode [/B]most of the time you should work here, it will be much easier to work here and most off the times you can work more effectively. Depending if you want to do flat rate or hourly depends if you should run CCleaner first CCleaner will remove most of the temp files that will cause Malwarebytes/combofix to scan and take longer. This is a good option if you choose flat rate jobs First run [B]A FULL SCAN[/B] with Malwarebytes, combofix or Antivirus. Document the found threats, and run CCleaner on the registry. Now disable things in the startup with [B]MSCONFIG[/B] to get here open the run console and type in “msconfig”. The 2 tabs we want are service and startup, [B]click on hide Microsoft services,[/B] no un-check anything that looks malicious, or is listed as unknown and looks shady. Reboot and start looking for problems. At this point it would be a good idea to install an Antivirus below are my personal line ups [LIST=1] [*]MSE - While it isn't “the best” it does have a very easy to use interface, can easily set automated scans(and limit processor usage), auto remove threats, and is very lightweight [*]Avast! - This is a very nice AV as well, pretty lightweight lots of features, only fuss I have about this is it will pop up with some BUY NOW things and users will start to worry. [*]AVG – Not at good as its former glory but still has some very good features, link scanner is great for people who you can tell google:“free porn” [/LIST] Run whatever one you choose and when it is finished let the user use the computer. Make sure that they feel comfortable with the changes and can still access all of the files they need. If everything goes smoothly just tell them if they ever need anything or know anyone who needs help to give you a call. [B]BUSINESS CARDS ARE GREAT FOR THIS.[/B] If the user says that problems are wrong after the change, such as XXXhotgirlsXXX.vbs.avi, or Tinkerbellmousepointerreplacement.vbs.exe isn't there or working explain to them why, say it was a virus or a security breach letting in viruses and such(because usually it is). Tell them you/they can install it but it might cause the system to run slow or get a virus, just tell the truth. Toolbars – everyone has these and they are a pain in the ass, Tell your customer what toolbars usually do, they collect info on what you search and sell them or target ads to you. Remove any that the user doesn't want, don't remove ones that you don't like because you don't like toolbars. III- [B]Automating the machine[/B] Users are stupid and will not choose to install updates or run scans, this is why you need to make sure the programs do it for them. MSE is very simple make sure MSE's config looks like this [IMG]http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/4504/mse1.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/6586/mse2n.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/8441/mse3.png[/IMG] [B]Automatic updates[/B] [IMG]http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/9906/updatesq.png[/IMG] Auslogic Disk Defrag [IMG]http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/8220/aus1.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://img695.imageshack.us/i/aus2g.png/[/IMG] :woot: :woot: that will help make sure the computer stays fast and only takes 5 minutes! :woot: :woot: [B]Suggesting upgrades [/B] Few customers will want to buy a new machine, while it never hurts to offer, upgrades are more likely to happen. [B]RAM[/B] – Best way to speed up a computer, most users will have the bare minimum needed to do things, 512mb and 1gb are common in today’s market. 1GB of ram will cost you $20 TOPS on newegg, you can install it for 10 or $15 [B]Hard drive[/B] – Good way to speed up a computer and give it more space, using something like a F3 or F4 samsung or even a basic 7200RPM Western digital drive will help users load programs much faster, and make it faster, $20 for install+$15 for data copying + drive price = total customer charge (for data copying Ultimate Boot Disk will help you out a lot) [B]Video cards[/B] – Most computers will have a PCI-E slot, a 3450 or 210G will provide a significant boost in performance over IGP, just keep it low end, don't push it with the power supplies in the machine. Video card price + 20 for install(drivers too) = charge for customer [B]Windows 7 [/B]- Buy the [url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116775&cm_re=windows_7_3_pack-_-32-116-775-_-Product]three pack[/url] 3 keys for 129?! SOLD! [B]MS Office 2010 [/B]- Buy the [url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116856&cm_re=office_3_user-_-32-116-856-_-Product] the 3 pack for 120[/url] If they want all and still need more power just suggest a new build. Knowing when to suggest a new build is also good, someone who just wants to play farmville and check email, a simple upgrade will make it feel new. A mom who has 2 kids, does online classes and that computer is the only one in the house, it would be a good idea to suggest a second or new computer. Say you can configure user accounts for each person in the house so they can't screw with you papers, download all the “free games” and mess up you work. [B]Optimizing[/B] Clean that sucker out, most people leave the computer on the carpet floor and it catches all dust/dirt/cat hair and anything you can imagine. A can of air will help you out a lot here, all you need to do is be outside where the dust can blow away. Doing this gives you a chance to look inside the computer and see what upgrade options you have, [B]check for bulged capacitors here, this means that the computer doesn't have much longer![/B] Set power options to high performance, the default is balanced, but high performance DOES ACTUALLY HELP, with XP it does nothing but vista and 7 you will get a gain in some applications, like HD playback, with this setting. Cut down or shut off Vram, unless they have under 2 gigs Vram should be 512mb or off, it does not help in this day and age if you have 2 or more gigs of ram. [B]Educate your client:[/B] Say things like “Most free games/screensavers/music/PC OPTIMIZERS/etc, are usually fake and will harm your computer” “If you are unsure of a program/website, try googling it and see if it checks out” “A good place to download things is from Cnet.com, make sure the program has good reviews and is tested for spyware” And anything you might see useful This will build a relationship between you and your customer, it will make him feel less like you are just trying to take his money and more like you are trying to help him IV – [B]GETTING YOUR NAME ON THE MARKET[/B] This can be tough at first but don't worry and try your best Flyers are great ways to get your name around, post these on public bulletin boards, at a grocery store, school, church, or taped to a stop sign. Make your point clear to see from a few feet back, be to the point on what you do, how much you charge, when you can do it, and how you can get contacted. Remember don't use too much technical jargon, yeah it gets the point across to a techy but not to the average client. [B]HOURLY RATE VS FLAT RATE FEES[/B] Hourly rate-can seem cheaper to clients and can attract more business, it can also short end you if you get things done fast. I would charge hourly if you are doing something like building a custom computer for a client, or working on getting all computers in a clients house fixed/networked. Flat rate fees – These tend to work better for you and the customer, telling them upfront you pay X for process Y will help solve some headaches. Can give you more $$ per hour than hourly rates, and will put you ahead of competitors who charge hidden fees and the like. [B]BEATING YOUR COMPETITION[/B] Look on craigslist, read the papers classified go to geeksquad, see what others are charging for thing, and a reasonably less amount. You can use this on your ads saying how much you can save. Use your parents and friends to get your name out! Got suggestions on anything I missed? Need me to cover a topic better? PM me I'll update with a sample flyer and prices after supper old thread [URL]http://www.facepunch.com/threads/1065659-Tips-to-having-your-own-computer-repair-job[/URL]! sample flyer [img_thumb]http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/7913/flyerqi.png[/img_thumb]

Will there ever be a Mac version? Some of my friends somehow managed to break their Macs. Somehow.

[QUOTE=Darrylop;28465227]Will there ever be a Mac version? Some of my friends somehow managed to break their Macs. Somehow.[/QUOTE] 1. Macs are also computers. They're not special 2. "Break" can be a lot of things. Be specific.

whats a good price for virus removal?

Well I read this and remembered that I had not defraged this install yet so i checked it. [img]http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/5374/auslogicsdiskdefrag2011.png[/img] Well for this install being less than 6 months old it sure got fragmented.

[QUOTE=meppers;28465506]whats a good price for virus removal?[/QUOTE] Check your local craigslist or something try to shoot for 15% lower, 25 is a good sweet spot [editline]6th March 2011[/editline] [QUOTE=Darrylop;28465227]Will there ever be a Mac version? Some of my friends somehow managed to break their Macs. Somehow.[/QUOTE] I am not going to write about something I am not very knowledgeable in, yes I am knowledgeable in Linux but define "break his mac" does he su rm -rf *?

[quote]IV – GETTING YOUR NAME ON THE MARKET[/quote] After helping the family a few times, it's more about getting it [I]off[/I] the market :sigh:

[QUOTE=Tools;28467001]After helping the family a few times, it's more about getting it [I]off[/I] the market :sigh:[/QUOTE] Fffff, I wanted to post again about DON'T help family. You'll never hear the end of it. My grandma called me four times today with computer issues...

Thanks I've learned more than 2 semesters of Computer Repair.

This is very useful. I've planned on doing a business based around this stuff, so thanks for giving me a kick start!

[QUOTE=Tools;28467001]After helping the family a few times, it's more about getting it [I]off[/I] the market :sigh:[/QUOTE] Just ask money, some how it scares them off. Ooh, I worked in a pc repair shop for a year as a intern, the boss like type was always away so I had to learn a lot of stuff to my self (thank god that a friend of mine was also a intern there).

[QUOTE=Tools;28467001]After helping the family a few times, it's more about getting it [I]off[/I] the market :sigh:[/QUOTE] MSE and auto remove most threats should do the trick [editline]6th March 2011[/editline] Also updated OP with windows 7 and Office 3 packs, and sample flyer

Going to post this again: [url]www.hiren.info/pages/bootcd[/url] It should have all the utilities that you've mentioned (And a LOT more) on a bootable version of Windows XP and Linux. Having the bootable version of Windows will save a lot of time if the customer's machine takes a decade to boot. It also bypasses whatever shit has buried itself into their Windows install that runs on startup (Allowing you to remove the bastards that normally require a reboot).

This is pretty good. [url]http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/[/url]

[QUOTE=Agent766;28467138]Fffff, I wanted to post again about DON'T help family. You'll never hear the end of it. My grandma called me four times today with computer issues...[/QUOTE] Unlucky you. my grandmother told us to take the computer, because she being the irish catholic she is, cursed it to be the devil. [sp]That 486 wasn't the devil, its the saint. Best performer ever[/sp]. I'll always miss that computer :saddowns: [quote=John Edwards][img_thumb]http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/7913/flyerqi.png[/img_thumb][/quote] A good tip is to do a spell check on your flyer. Also put some creativity into it, otherwise your shit won't stick out from the rest of autistic children in your area willing to fuck up your computer even more. And don't you think those prices are a bit steep? Some good "ideas" would be not "tiered" customer service UNLESS you're offering them a contract of some sort. Tiered service just tells the user "I'm looking to suck the money out of your wallet dry". What a good idea would be on "packaged" deals. Like, Tune Ups - $25 [defrag, chkdsk, registry clean, temp folder cleans. Even do a SFC check.] Basic Virus Removal - $20 (This is just a scan with MBAM in safemode) Advanced Virus Removal - $25 Assessment Cost. Indepth virus scan and removal. Tough viruses like Virtumonde(And its dangerious variants), and other invasive end-game viruses. Use your common sense on this, I had a listing of viruses and how much I normally charged. I ran an honest business. I also offered other things such as: Home Automation (Only got 2 clients to do this, it was an expensive and time consuming chore). This will have to have an Assessment, parts (with markup) then your labor. Networking Solutions. I had tons of clients for this. This was a full fledged wiring job in their home. Also time consuming, you need to assess the property and even maybe obtain blueprints (especially in multi-story homes). also don't forget to offer the solutions. I had a very robust plan for the client to look at. Such as different types of network configs (Wireless, Wired, Ethernet over Power). Then price estimates, for equipment, labor etc. Don't forget, you MAY need to recruit some nerd buddies to help you out. Be sure you charge for that labor too! Website Design. I acted as a middleman and had a friend did it all. No one complained since we all got paid well. Contracted Solutions. Helpdesk, 24/7 support (Email only, make sure your SLA is generous). Also don't force so many legalities and contracts into finalizing these. Make sure you market to small companies if you know what you're doing. This is a good foot in the door to expanding your business into a fully fledged business. Data Recovery. This is something I always pretty good at before the days of Hirens BootCD. It used to be my biggest money maker too, even at one point had my own clean room. I'm just going to reserve this one for our most advanced computer technicians in here. USE YOUR MIND: 1) Google is your friend. 2) Use common sense around hardware. 3) Remember, they're a customer and they're coming to [b]YOU[/b]. Not the other way around. Treat them with respect and dignity. Keep your ego at bay, but be assertive enough to seal the deal. 4) Never offer 24/7 support without proper pay, or proper support. Also don't forget, it doesn't matter how small or big your business is. It still needs to be registered. The government isn't always going to be getting up on your ass if its just you doing some neighborhood IT work. But if you're venturing into different services. You're going to need to look at starting up a business.

[QUOTE=Richard Simmons;28469101] A good tip is to do a spell check on your flyer. Also put some creativity into it, otherwise your shit won't stick out from the rest of autistic children in your area willing to fuck up your computer even more. And don't you think those prices are a bit steep? Some good "ideas" would be not "tiered" customer service UNLESS you're offering them a contract of some sort. Tiered service just tells the user "I'm looking to suck the money out of your wallet dry". [/quote] Yeah that was just a markup, for here The going rate for [B]virus removal only[/B] is 50 bucks in my area, and people seem to pay without any fuss. Woo hoo for living in a rich area!

[QUOTE=JohnEdwards;28469208]Yeah that was just a markup, for here The going rate for [B]virus removal only[/B] is 50 bucks in my area, and people seem to pay without any fuss. Woo hoo for living in a rich area![/QUOTE] This is why people rather get macs. These people are basically stealing money out of their pockets. Greed ruins a perfect business opportunity.

[QUOTE=Richard Simmons;28469228]This is why people rather get macs. These people are basically stealing money out of their pockets. Greed ruins a perfect business opportunity.[/QUOTE] Have you seen the cost or repairing a mac out of warrenty? PC's look like chump change. I also live near a bunch of white rich neighborhoods, and the largest naval base in the world. People don't mind the $35 charge, when I hear complaints or such I will lower my prices.

[QUOTE=JohnEdwards;28469285]Have you seen the cost or repairing a mac out of warrenty? PC's look like chump change. I also live near a bunch of white rich neighborhoods, and the largest naval base in the world. People don't mind the $35 charge, when I hear complaints or such I will lower my prices.[/QUOTE] Thats not bad. See, its all about market demographics too. I mean, prices will always vary. If you're running IT jobs in the ghetto.. you're probably going to be asking for a different price, or for a $10 crack rock or something. I have seen mac repairs too. They're not that much difficult to work with compared to other computers. I find them to be pretty fun to tear away at too. I had a client who busted their LCD screen. The screen itself was $150. I charged $400 for labor, and maybe a fine lesson: don't buy a mac.

[QUOTE=Richard Simmons;28469304]Thats not bad. See, its all about market demographics too. I mean, prices will always vary. If you're running IT jobs in the ghetto.. you're probably going to be asking for a different price, or for a $10 crack rock or something. I have seen mac repairs too. They're not that much difficult to work with compared to other computers. I find them to be pretty fun to tear away at too. I had a client who busted their LCD screen. The screen itself was $150. I charged $400 for labor, and maybe a fine lesson: don't buy a mac.[/QUOTE] Another thing about my prices is that if I did it too low compared to the going rate around me people might think, "what is the catch" or "is he really getting all the viruses" and most people go with the 50 dollar option, hey helps pay rent and bills

[QUOTE=JohnEdwards;28469366]Another thing about my prices is that if I did it too low compared to the going rate around me people might think, "what is the catch" or "is he really getting all the viruses" and most people go with the 50 dollar option, hey helps pay rent and bills[/QUOTE] Can't blame you on that. I used to keep it about ~2% lower than competition. People are willing to save a few bucks too. If they do ask, I normally tell them I'm trying to run a honest job. The ones who give you a try, will always come back and bring a few friends with. If you do a good job. Also, try to impress them while you're there too. Don't use big nerd words. If you try to speak to them like you're one of them (yeah I know we aren't). They appreciate you using laymen terms. I was never heart broken by a loss sale, if anything it helped me learn on how sell better. [editline]6th March 2011[/editline] Also, don't forget. Not every customer is the same. If you find a new customer to be cool for any particular reason, toss him a free service. Don't be afraid to ever wow a customer with what you've done. But don't wow them too much. Give them that extra 1%. Because when they come back to you, and you don't put in all that effort. They're going to really wonder. But also don't lose profit, never do. No matter how cool a customer is, they're not worth profit loss. So if they're making you drive a while, charge them accordingly. So set up a radius from your home camp (Otherwords, your mothers basement). To a safe driving distance where you will not be spending all your money on gas, or munchies. Or if it takes an entire G to drive back with. Also don't be afraid to bargin with your closest customers. the economy is rough for all of us. If they got something of approximate value, and they're willing to use that for service. go for it.

^ that I might continue some more updates and such tomorrow. I usually run a registry check and delete temp files as it makes my scans go faster. Bargining and reasoning with a customer will gain you many points and possibly more jobs, doing a good job of one customer chances are they will tell other people who have problems

Onsite repairs are the most tricky unless you have a van to bring all your gear around with you. Don't be shy in asking to take the machine "back to the shop" for the more intensive tasks; cleaning a computer can be a messy business and is best not done at the customers house as an example.

And somehow I always saved my self with one screwdriver and a usb drive.

I would recommend a flash drive with a read-only switch incase the computer has the virtual version of herpes. Also yes setting the computer to High Performance in Win7 actually changes the CPU multiplier to maximum.

I only hit the submit button ONCE slowpunch.

[QUOTE=Metalcastr;28470142]I would recommend a flash drive with a read-only switch incase the computer has the virtual version of herpes. Also yes setting the computer to High Performance in Win7 actually changes the CPU multiplier to maximum.[/QUOTE] They have USB drives like that?

[QUOTE=ChristopherB;28470344]They have USB drives like that?[/QUOTE] [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820709008[/url]

[IMG_THUMB]http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/8526/repairflyercopy2.png[/IMG_THUMB] Any critique? They've been pretty ineffective so far. Maybe someone can help me spice it up a bit?