DIY computer repair

In detail: do-it-yourself computer repair from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

Image - DIY computer repair

Computers are constantly working, the system and programs are updated. Due to our actions, or because of errors in programs, or maybe from the consequences of viruses, the system may start to fail. Of course, almost any problem can be solved with someone's help or on our own.

Many people want to do their own computer repairs, but there are 5 things that you better not do if you do not have experience, or at least 100% accurate instructions on how to do it right. Instead of solving the problem that has arisen, it may turn out to be even worse. There is a lot of different information on the Internet, both in the form of articles and step-by-step video instructions. But a computer is a complex device, so some things should be done only with full confidence in the correctness of the actions.

  1. Editing the system registry... The Windows Registry is a complex hierarchical database of information. It stores all the settings and parameters of the operating system, installed programs and equipment. Stable and correct operation of the system directly depends on the registry. Corrupted or incorrect data in the registry can lead to a system crash. If Windows stops loading or starts to work worse after manipulating the registry, use checkpoint recovery.
  2. Removing files from system folders... In general, Windows warns that you are entering system folders, and by default their contents are not displayed (in the case of using the standard Explorer). But sometimes you need to delete or change files to solve a specific problem. But without special knowledge or correct and detailed instructions, it is better not to go there. There is a great risk of getting a broken system, and restore points may not help.
  3. Do not dig into the system unit... I'm not talking about the fact that in no case open the system unit. You just need to clean it from dust, add a memory bar or replace the video card. But some people try to replace the motherboard or the cooling system on the central processor or video card, and then they cry that nothing works. Computer components are very fragile and capricious things that are afraid of static stress and awkward movements. Step to the left, step to the right and at the exit we have a non-working computer, or even smoke. If the computer does not turn on, you can try what you are sure of, and leave the rest to the specialists.
  4. Don't play with BIOS... In addition to the operating system, the computer has another "mini-operating system" that controls the computer before Windows boots. The BIOS controls the CPU, fans, hard drives, and other devices, and stores the parameters of their operating modes. Changing the BIOS settings incorrectly can lead to a complete inoperability of the system, or to minor problems such as slow operation or inaccessibility of some devices. Do you need it?
  5. Command line manipulation... As many people know, the command line is a powerful tool for controlling the behavior of the operating system and other programs, but only with skillful use. If you run the command line and start executing commands, especially those related to changing the file system or other data, you must be sure that you are doing everything right. Otherwise, you may find yourself face to face with a more serious problem than it was before. And this is really bad.
Video (click to play).

Do not repair your computer yourself if you do not understand or have precise instructions.It is better to ask a friend or a computer technician for help for little money, or at least use reliable sources of information! For novice users, I advise you to watch a video on the program for optimizing computer performance and solving problems.

A computer breakdown is a very unpleasant thing, however, in most cases it is possible to repair computers with your own hands. This is especially true for modular repair - by replacing a problematic spare part with a similar one from the store, you are more likely to restore your computer to work.

Unfortunately, electrical networks in our country, and especially in its remote corners, are practically not protected from various voltage surges arising from the fault of large and small accidents, thunderstorms and other natural and man-made factors. If users do not buy a good surge protector equipped with a voltage and current stabilizer and a safety system, then sooner or later the home computer's power supply becomes unusable. The picture is complemented by the constantly decreasing quality of components, including the power supply unit.

The failure of the power supply unit is sometimes accompanied by sparks and loud bangs, after which you can find traces of soot on the walls of the power supply unit or traces of electrical breakdowns in the form of fused insulation inside the unit. If the unit “left” quietly, the traces may not be noticeable, however, take a closer look at the capacitors if they look like this:

Image - DIY computer repair

So, most likely, the reason is in them. You can try soldering, however, it is much easier to buy a new unit. To install, you need to unscrew the four fastening screws, disconnect all connectors, remove the old block, then put a new one, fasten it with screws and return everything to its original places. This little memo will help you connect the devices correctly:

A burnt-out power supply is often more problematic than you might think. Passing a current with overestimated characteristics through itself, the power supply unit often gives out to the devices a charge that is also higher in current or voltage. Doing so could damage the hard disk or optical disc drive. However, the reasons for the failure may be different - factory defect, incorrect operating conditions, resource depletion. In the case of drives, you don't even need to think about repairing - buying a new device will cost much less, after which it must be connected correctly. SATA connectors have become the de facto standard. The wide connector is responsible for power supply, and the narrow one - for data transfer; protection against incorrect connection is provided.

A hard disk breakdown can be preceded by various extraneous noises, knocking, emitted by the disk mechanics. If the mechanics are intact, then you can try to change the hard disk controller:

Image - DIY computer repair

If you bought a new hard drive or drive, you need to connect it correctly. The old IDE standard, which is inferior to the primacy, provides for the connection of a power supply of the Molex type and a special cable, on which up to two devices can work simultaneously:

Image - DIY computer repair

It is important to know in what order to set jumpers and connect devices, so that one of them is the main and the other is the secondary. Additional information, as a rule, can be found on a special memo card printed on the top cover of the device:

Image - DIY computer repair

The SATA standard provides for the operation of only one device, the connection type is described above. This is how it looks:

Image - DIY computer repair

At the same time, Molex is sometimes used as a power connector. It should be remembered that before using the devices, it is necessary to ensure that they are securely fastened to the case using special fasteners or bolts included in the kit, this will protect them from falling inside the case and will ensure the transmission of device vibrations to the case and their damping.

It may be useful for you

This type of malfunction can be determined only if there is a known working RAM module. As a rule, there are no external signs of damage.Random access memory is made using very small parts and technological processes that exclude its repair. You can try to wipe the contacts of the module with alcohol or clean them with an eraser, but this procedure rarely helps to bring them back to life.

The consequences can be different - using a memory module that is not suitable for frequency limits, overclocking the memory bus, overheating, static electricity. Symptoms similar to module malfunction are caused by improper installation of RAM in the channels - before installation, you should read the corresponding section of the motherboard manual. The instruction might look like this:

Read also:  Do-it-yourself refrigerator frost repair

Image - DIY computer repair

Installing and removing modules should be done with extreme caution - the modules themselves and the slots for them are quite fragile, so the use of force is unacceptable here. For correct installation, hold the module so that the slot divider aligns with the slot in the module, then insert the module into the slot and push on both sides to ensure an even force. It looks like this:

Image - DIY computer repair

After that, the latches should close, ensuring the retention of the modules and reliable contact. To remove the module, just bend the latches and the module can be replaced.

Every computer user who is fond of games, sooner or later, is faced with video card breakdowns. The reasons are obvious - using a video card in high performance mode for a long time leads to a variety of troubles. A constant high temperature entails thermal damage to various elements, which may be followed by a breakdown in electrical circuits and the failure of individual parts of the video card. One of the symptoms of overheating may be the presence of persistent or temporary “artifacts” - stripes, dots and other elements that are clearly extraneous and present in any video mode.

Repairing the card yourself is almost impossible. The maximum that you can try to do is restore heat transfer between the video card chip and the cooling system, change the fan or a pair of capacitors. However, this requires certain skills that the average user does not always have.

Replacing a video card with a new one is quite trivial - we remove the old video card by loosening the fasteners or unscrewing the retaining bolts, remove the card from the slot and install a new one. On this DIY computer repair ends.