Computer Maintenance
Troubleshooting, Installations & Cleanup
Computer Running Slow?
If your computer is running slow or if certain programs don't work any longer, I can help.
I provide the following maintenance and troubleshooting services:
- Ensuring your computer's operating system and programs are updated.
- Installations of new software and devices.
- Removing obsolete or unwanted programs.
- Diagnosing computer crashes, failed programs and installations.
- Recommendations for hardware upgrades that will improve your experience.
In some cases I may recommend purchasing a new computer.
Assessing the Problem
Troubleshooting services start with an assessment of the problem followed by recommendations and solutions that work.
Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance ensures that your computer is running as smoothly as possible with current versions of your software installed and obsolete or dangerous software removed.
On-site or In-shop
These services are available either on-site (in-home or in-office) or in-shop (you can drop off your computer).
On-site servicing is more convenient and is necessary for the setup or troubleshooting of most network-related issues.
- On-site and in-shop services are only available in Greater Victoria and by appointment.
- In-person restrictions are in place for my safety.
Getting Prepared
Before any servicing of your computers, review preparing for a service call. This will ensure the best chance of recovery and has hints that may allow you to resolve issues on your own.
Start by recording the information about your computer hardware and software.
Backup Your Files
You can help speed the process by ensuring that you have a recent backup of your computer files, particularly:
- your documents, music, photos, videos and other data files;
- your emails including email addresses;
- Firefox or Chrome bookmarks & Edge favorites;
- critical system files; and
- any other files that are important to you.
Locating Your Data
Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems store documents in the Documents folder by default, but they may be stored elsewhere by the user or program settings.
- Modern Windows programs store their data in the hidden folders (usually AppData:
C:\Users\[UserName]\AppData). - Legacy programs may keep their data in the same folder as the program.
- There can be exceptions. See program documentation.
Software & License Numbers
You should also have these items handy:
- operating system software*;
- software program disks as well as downloaded licensed software;
- license keys for your operating system & purchased software;
- setup instructions from your ISP;
- any network or proprietary software & instructions; and
- user names & passwords for services requiring installation.
*Recent computers don't generally come with software media. You can reinstall Windows from within Windows itself or download the installer from Microsoft.
Discovering What Went Wrong
It helps to know what you were doing when the problem occurred as well as any error messages that were displayed (a screen capture is easier than writing it down).
This is not about blame — knowing what you were doing as well as what other software was running helps to identify the possible causes of your problems and speed up recovery.
Selective Reinstall
Sometimes the problem can be resolved with a selective reinstall of the program or the hardware drivers involved.
- Windows System Restore may recover your system.
- Other solutions may require looking for aberrant settings or corruption in the system files.
- You can also try Microsoft's Recovery Options for solutions.
Is a Clean Install Needed?
In some cases I will recommend a "clean" install consisting of backing up your files, then formatting the hard drive followed by a complete reinstallation of the operating system and all apps not included with your computer or operating system.
By removing all files you can eradicate problems that may not be corrected by a standard reinstallation.
All corrupt and unnecessary files are deleted from your computer including any infected by a virus or malware as well as any remnants of uninstalled software.
Backups are Critical
This process will wipe all programs and data from your computer.
It is essential that you have reliable backups of at least:
- your data files (documents, photos, etc.); and
- your user files (email backups, email addresses and browser bookmarks or favorites).
If your email is retained by the server (Shaw, Telus, Gmail) it should be unnecessary to restore emails from backups, but backing these files up ensures that you don't lose emails by other means.
The Restore Process
The operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS or Linux) will need to be reinstalled, then the drivers for all hardware including printers and accessories then all programs not installed with the operating system.
Backup Your System
A full backup of your system is recommended prior to any servicing.
The backup will ensure that recovery is possible if your system or data files are lost. More about backup strategies.
Prepare for Disaster
Knowledge about critical files and system recovery for your operating system will assist you in preparing for potential disaster as well as keeping you from deleting or changing critical files that can lead to an operating system malfunction.
Loss Unlikely But Possible
While every effort will be made to save photos, music and other data, recovery of these files after a catastrophic failure is more difficult (and sometimes impossible).
Adds to the Cost
It also takes time to make these backups so it will add to the cost of recovery.
Hidden Files
I can back up hidden and obscure settings most users don't know about to avoid lost critical data but may miss files stored in unusual places on your hard drive.
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Updated: September 14, 2024