All about DIY computer repair

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

Do you repair your computer yourself? Is quite real. Here we will work specifically with computer hardware using a measuring and installation tool. Or we will try to replace individual computer components on our own.

DEAR READERS! If you are not confident in your abilities, you should not start. Not everyone, due to certain and understandable circumstances, is given the opportunity to independently figure out the malfunctions of your electronic friend. Think again if it's worth it ...

If you are going to delve into the physical repair of a computer, laptop, monitor, etc. in more detail, you cannot do without theoretical training. Repair of specific devices, examples of which will be considered here, most likely for your specific case will be useless and incomprehensible. So take a look at the site, I will make links to articles on theoretical training. I will try to chew thoroughly.

Further. The main focus will be on recovering information from hard and floppy disks. This is the most important place in the matter of renovation. Storage media are not expensive, but the data stored on them is of great importance to the user.

If we are talking about a stationary version, then I tend to the problems of repairing only its individual units. Blocks that make sense and can be repaired at home. Specific blocks:

power supply and troubleshooting due to an impending or detected malfunction
replacement of computer components. Repairing microcircuits (from the motherboard to RAM strips and replacing bridge chips) makes sense if the components of the computer are really expensive. And in this case, you have a direct road to the workshop. Save time, money and hassle. But with the help of my lessons, you will not allow yourself to be deceived both in terms of the cost of the issue and in terms of repair time. If the cost of the board does not exceed 2000 thousand, then believe me - sometimes it is better to save a month on beer and buy a new copy.
monitors. Separate column. CRT monitors are gone. Modern screens in their electronic stuffing no longer allow us, home-grown repairmen, to dig with grandfather's soldering irons with thick tips and an orderly dusty and gray solder. Soldering stations of considerable cost are now to help real fighters, allowing them to work with small radio components. So I will limit myself to a demonstration of the repair of dimensional attachment electronic equipment.
printers and other office equipment. I practically do not do it, but for the sake of replenishing my baggage of knowledge, we will also consider this issue.

Video (click to play).

I deliberately do not provide a list of the necessary equipment for repair. It is different for each example and will be cited separately.

Last thing. Assess your strength and margin of safety. Computer repair is the lot of diligent professionals. Both are key words. The apparent speed when restoring your equipment is a sign of a great experience of the repairman. Most of us are far from this, and it is necessary to come to terms with it for now. If you decide to call the master, first read the article on how not to be deceived by unscrupulous craftsmen.

Repair of equipment. Theory. Tool. Measuring instruments.

With your own hands

Installing Windows

Repair of equipment. Practice.

Computers are constantly working, the system and programs are updated. Due to our actions, or due to errors in programs, or maybe from the consequences of viruses, the system may start to glitch. 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.

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.
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.
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.
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?
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.

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 will most likely restore your computer to work.

Unfortunately, electrical grids 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:

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 in 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 may 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:

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:

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:

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

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 attached 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:

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:

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.

Often, the most expensive breakdowns to repair or replace relate to the motherboard and processor. If the processor burns out, then only replacing it with a new one, suitable for the connector, helps. It is important to know which socket is used in a given processor model, usually information about the socket is printed on the socket itself or indicated in the documentation for the motherboard. This is how the socket of modern Intel processors looks like: Image - All about DIY computer repair

When buying a motherboard, you should take into account the existing equipment - memory, video card, drives, and so on, so that you don't have to change anything. The ideal option would be to buy the same motherboard model, but this is not always possible - this market segment is updated very, very quickly, so there may be problems with the search.

when the computer is turned on, the cooler on the processor starts to rotate, but after 2-3 sec. stops, there is no signal on the monitor, when the cooler is turned off by percent. on again for 2-3 seconds, the power supply voltage is all there. When you disconnect the ATX 12v four-wire connector next to the cooler percent percent. does not turn off. Really percent. defective? Tell me, thanks in advance.

Now almost every home has a personal computer. Each user can do a computer repair himself, with his own hands.

The technique is quite reliable, especially in capable hands. Also, reliability, or better to say, the lifespan, will be added to it by a surge protector or UPS (uninterruptible power supply), because it is no secret to anyone that the voltage in the electrical network periodically jumps.

This phenomenon is associated with various factors, breakdowns in the network itself or a transformer box, the inclusion of three kettles, two hair dryers and a pair of heaters in one outlet, a strong wind plays with wires, well, and so on. And some elements of the computer are afraid not only of a jump in the network, but simply of the static electricity of the human skin. So, before we climb inside the computer, we will not grab our heads, but put our hands on the battery, after which we will take up the repair of the computer with our own hands, so to speak, closely.

So, the first problem - the computer does not turn on. The first thing we do, usually, we look to see if it is included in the network, after which we press the button ten more times. If it doesn't help, panic begins. You should not panic, check if there is electricity in the house. If so, there may be several faults. The most common problem is a faulty power supply.

By itself, it looks like a box with a fan inside. You can find out by connecting the computer with a different power supply. But few have one. You can also, after disconnecting the computer from the network, disconnect the power supply from the motherboard (wide connector, more often white, do not forget about the second smaller connector). When all the wires are disconnected, now we reconnect the computer to the network. On the wide connector of the power supply, we need to close two contacts: green and black (any black). If it does not start, we go to the store for a new one.

Wide power supply connector

Very rarely, the reason may lie in the breakdown of the power button. This is also easily verified. On the motherboard we find two pins where PWD SW is written next to them.

Power plugs on the motherboard

The easiest way to do this is to follow the wire from the button. We remove the button connection connector, and close them with a screwdriver. If it does not start, then it’s not her problem. Once again, this is an extremely rare occurrence and most likely the reason is in the power supply. After all, even a faulty motherboard will turn on, even for a second, but the cooling fans will work.

By the way, it is the cooling fans that are the main culprit for the huge amount of dust inside the computer case. Any electronics are afraid of dust. Especially difficult. So we periodically clean and blow out the computer. You can do this with a can of compressed air, a vacuum cleaner, a watercolor brush will help us a lot in this matter, I confess, I like the fox more.

The second problem is that it turns on and, immediately, turns off. I came across this several times in my practice. Either the motherboard or the processor is defective. Let's go in order. There are many voltage-rectifying capacitors on the motherboard. Due to overheating, they, over time, lose their capacity and fail. Therefore, make sure that the computer does not overheat. But don't rush to throw out the motherboard. The motherboard gradually fails from overheating. This is accompanied by the freezing of the computer, very often, with the same "Blue Screen of Death". So, the "mother" will not be covered right away, but will still shake your nerves for several months before that.

Processor and applying thermal paste to it

If it happened spontaneously.

Most likely, the processor is to blame, or rather, its insufficient cooling. And there is even a possibility that he is intact. What are we doing? Do not forget to put your hands on the battery. Disconnect the computer from the network. Remove the housing cover. We need to get to the processor. It is located under the largest heatsink, which, in turn, is located under the largest fan (in general, it is correct to call such a fan in a computer a "cooler") on the motherboard. You can see that there is a wire coming from the cooler, or rather three wires usually wound. Disconnect them. Now we are going to remove the cooler with the radiator. We are in no hurry to grab the screwdriver. On almost all modern motherboards, modern radiators are fastened with clips and removed / installed by hand.

You may have to tinker. Above all, do not apply force with your entire arm or body weight. Only gently and only with your fingers. Having removed this "construction", we see a small metal (on modern computers) box. The cover is opened by lifting the metal tab. We opened the lid and very carefully took out the processor. You will not see that it burned down, unless you throw it into the fire. First, look at the place where the processor was installed. There are many, many little paws. Look closely to see if one or more are bent.If it is bent, then holding your breath, you can try to straighten it with a needle, but I do not advise. We will postpone this procedure as a last resort. Next, we need thermal paste. You can purchase it at a computer store. Thermal paste helps transfer heat away from the processor to the heatsink. After all, if there is even the slightest angle between the planes of their surfaces, then there is also a gap. Thermal paste, as you might guess, eliminates this gap.

Extruding thermal paste onto the processor

You need to apply it to the processor, having previously cleaned it off from the old, dried one. Having put the processor in its rightful place, we install the heatsink with the cooler in place. We connect the cooler. We turn on the computer. If everything is the same, then most likely the processor will have to be replaced. We also apply thermal paste to the new processor.

Third case. The computer turns on and beeps without booting further or even without turning on the monitor. And we are all used to one short squeak every time we turn it on. This signals that the initial test is complete and that all components are in good working order. But when he beeps something like a melody, this is already a signal about a malfunction of some component. The set of these melodies is quite decent, the meanings of each melody depend on the firm and model of your BIOS. You can find out by finding the BIOS chip on the motherboard.

BIOS chip from AMIBIOS

If AMI is written on it, then we look at the table below, if Award, then we look at the second table even lower, and if not both, we go to a friend, neighbor, turn on the computer and go to Google: my.housecope.com/wp -content / uploads / ext / 1717. Search by the name of your BOIS.

This phenomenon is mentioned earlier in this article. May be caused by overheating of the motherboard. But not only this can become its cause. Overheating of the video card also results in a blue screen. Monitor the condition of the video adapter cooler. And, as has already been said, you should not play resource-intensive games in the summer heat. But this phenomenon itself is associated with a fatal error in the operating system kernel. When any program or driver running in the kernel tries to execute an invalid command, this error occurs. The only way is to reboot.

Fifth case. The computer hums like a tractor. This is due to the cooling system, namely the coolers (fans). Over time, the plastic gasket in the cooler bearing wears out, it gets clogged with dust. This leads to its vibration and buzz. The easiest way to fix this problem is to identify which cooler is buzzing and replace it with a new one. In general, it is very easy to identify this. The cooler in the power supply almost never buzzes. The cooler on the video card and the cooler on the processor can buzz. Let me tell you a little secret. There are coolers that can be disassembled, and there are that cannot. If the decision is made to eliminate the hum, then the old cooler is no longer a pity. We remove it from the radiator, for this we will have to twist it with a screwdriver. We need a small cross. So, here it lies in front of us on the table.

The place where the wires come out is usually covered with adhesive tape. We remove this film and watch. If you can disassemble it, disassemble it. The cover can be removed with a small flat screwdriver. Next, freely remove the axle with petals from the cooler case. You will probably see an off-white piece of plastic - this is the remainder of the gasket. It is necessary to clean the axle and where it is inserted with a match, cotton wool, cologne. Making a new gasket is not difficult. Take a clerical knife, find an unnecessary helium pen refill and carefully cut off a thin ring. It will be the new strip. As a lubricant - even sunflower oil. We put the axis in place, fix this case with a plug. And voila, the cooler runs as quietly as new.

Sixth case. The computer turns on, the system boots (but very slowly). Everything seems to work, but, again, the "My Documents" folder opens for almost a minute. Etc.A typical case of a hard drive failure. The hard drive is very afraid of dust. Try to blow it well. Do not try to disassemble. It must be sealed. If it does not help, apparently, you will have to buy a new one. If such a situation arises, it is better not to hesitate with the purchase. At any moment, he can finally give up. The result is irreparable loss of your data. Here I would like to say that a backup copy of your data is an insurance not to lose it. Buy yourself an external hard drive that connects to your computer via USB.

Photos and other personal files that are dear to you are best stored on an optical disc. When stored properly, that is, in a box on a shelf, this is the most reliable way. Here are some examples from my personal practice. I had an eight gigabyte USB flash card. There were a lot of documents, all kinds of programs and other small things. A friend asked to throw off the antivirus. It happens that the USB port does not supply the correct voltage. The faulty motherboard is to blame. It was in such a USB port that my flash drive was destined to please. It just burned out instantly. Nobody will return your data to you, but the program or reinstalling the operating system is a matter of fifteen minutes maximum.

I would like to give you some general tips for using your personal computer.

Disfigured Lyser Disc

And at best, to the terribly tedious process of disassembling the drive, cleaning it from disc debris, and reassembling it. This is a simple procedure, but not everyone can handle it. Do-it-yourself computer repair, after all, requires certain knowledge and skills.

When something breaks, and after reading this article, I think you can determine it yourself, when going to the store for a replacement, be sure to take the broken device with you. This is especially important for people who are far enough from technology. Indeed, in our time, you will be sold anything without a twinge of conscience. They will hardly care what kind of RAM you need (will fit your motherboard). With a smile on his face and with the words “Take it! This is the newest RAM. Better yet not invented! ”, You will be sold the newest, most expensive and most unnecessary for your computer.

In conclusion, I will say that I have done computer repairs with my own hands more than once. Friends and acquaintances often ask about this. We have sorted out all the main points. There is no point in fixing the rest of the faults. What is broken in a computer cannot be repaired without special education and equipment. Nothing lasts forever, all computer components have their own resource. The majority, by the way, will not run out of this resource even by the moment when they are completely obsolete. I have an old computer, it is over thirteen years old. During this time, only the coolers have changed in it, the buzzing was too loud. At one time, it was an expensive and very worthy purchase, but now, after so many years, most of us have mobile phones at times more powerful than that computer.

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No technique, even the most expensive, is everlasting. Therefore, no matter how sad it may sound, in any case, someday your computer will fail. No, it can turn on and work somehow, but we don't want to work on a PC that freezes and slows down every minute? The problem needs to be addressed. By the way, if you still have a warranty period, and you are sure that you yourself did not contribute to the breakdown, without further hesitation, hand over the equipment under warranty. Otherwise, check out the article thanks to which you will find out how to fix a computer with your own hands.