The Top Ten 1st things to try before calling a Computer Technician :1. Don't panic.
The very first thing you do is step back and relax. you want to proceed in a very systematic way. I know it doesn't seem so, but this is the most critical action you can take so as not to make matters worse. 2. If at all possible save your current work.
Sometimes this isnt possible but if you can save your work you will save a lot of time later by not having to re-do it . 3. Backup your Files.
If the problem appears to be a Hard Drive Failing issue Backing up is critical. Most people do not backup their files. It's important to keep regular backups but in the event your faced with an emergency Backup your files. You can use either a USB Flashdrive or if you use Zip drives or CD \ DVD Burner you can use them as well. The main thing is to backup your Data using whatever whatever media is available to you. 4. Reboot your computer.
After you have done steps 1 through 3 you should try re-starting your computer. the best way to do this is to completely shut down the Computer. let it sit for at least 2 minutes and then restart it. Most often this simple little step is all that is needed to fix whatever the issue is. 5. Check all Cords and Wires?
I know this sounds simple but sometimes a little bump is all it takes to dislodge a cable from the computer. So double check all the cables and wires plugged in to your Computer.
If you do find something unplugged and you don't know where it goes, dont panic. most cables are designed in such a way they will only plug in to 1 place, the exceptions could be PS2 Keyboards (little round connectors) and USB Connections
The PS2 Connectors are usually color coded Purple for keyboard and green for mouse, if its a USB connector it doesnt matter which one you plug it in to it should still work just fine 6. What was the last thing you did?
Did you just install new Software? or did you complete an update to your computer? knowing the last thing you did successfully will help you to narrow down what could have gone wrong. In fact thats the first thing a seasoned Tech will ask you should you need to call 7. Check your Hardware?
Sometimes Hardware becomes out of rythm. This is how you check for Hardware issues, right-click on My Computer, left click Properties, left click on the Hardware tab, then click the Device Manager option. Now you should see the Device Manager window. The Device Manager lists all the hardware devices on your computer. Devices that aren't working properly will have a yellow exclamation mark next to them. Double-click on the problem devices to open a dialog box that might have details on the problem, and a list of suggestions about how to fix it. 8. Check for Viruses.
Next you should run a complete Scan of your computer to make certain you don't have any Viruses or Spyware causing problems. If you don't have up to date Antivirus software you can download it for free at Avast You should also check for Spyware again if you dont have an up to date spyware prevention program I would recommend SpyBot Search and Destroy. I have found that by scanning the computer with these 2 programs I am able to remove 99% of all viruses and malware. 9. Install Updates.
If you have just one program or a piece of hardware thats not working you can usually find updates on the manufacturers website. 10. Check online for support.
Last resort is to look online for assistance. Most of the time a simple search on Google will turn up information by other people who have had the same problem as you. If you have tried all of these things then you need to schedule an appointment with us to Diagnose and repair the issue for you. Schedule Computer Repair Appointment Columbia Gorge Cybertime Serves the following Comunities
The Dalles, Hood River, White Salmon, Bingen, Carson, Stevenson, Cascade Locks, Mosier, Dallesport, Dufur, Tygh Valley, Maupin, Rufus, Biggs Junction, Wasco, Moro, Goldendale, Centerville, Lyle, Celilo | 
