I can fix almost any problem you are experiencing with your computer.
Some laptop/netbook/all-in-one computer issues that require soldering work, or proprietary parts such as broken screens, keyboards, and jacks, can only be done by your manufacturer or a specialty shop.
Virus Infections and Other Malware
This is the most common issue for the average computer owner. The most common type disguises itself as a virus-scanning program and alerts you to many false infections or other non-existent problems on your system to try and scare you. They then offer to remove these made-up issues for you if you buy their "product". These infections also commonly lock you out of many, if not all functions and programs in your computer, claiming that they are infected or damaged. Consider yourself relatively fortunate if your virus is an attention-hog like this. The scariest types are the ones that don't make any fuss at all. They quietly lie low on your system, not blocking or slowing anything, and wait for you to enter a password, credit card number, bank account number, or other sensitive information so they can send it back to the hackers that programmed them.
Well, here's the good news. No virus infection has been too tough for me to defeat. I have a 100% undefeated record against all virus infections I've gone up against for my clients and you have a 100% guarantee that your computer will be returned to you virus-free. How do I do it? Its called a re-format. More specifically a "secure erase". Along with clearing the computer's "CMOS", this erases everything on the computer, even the most powerful malware, without a doubt.
Now, don't panic. As part of this service, all your personal files such as documents, pictures, music, video, e-mails, favorites, etc. are backed-up securely off of your computer before this happens. Your backups are also scanned for virus infections, cleaned, and put back on your computer where they belong after the re-format. Programs, by nature, cannot be backed-up, but they can be re-installed to your computer after the re-format just as if you were putting them on to a new PC. Simply provide me the discs and license keys for your programs you need back on. If they were downloaded (like iTunes, Firefox, Skype, etc), simply make a list for me and I'll go re-download and install them. There are several other small tasks I perform before I give your system back such as diagnostics and system updates to make sure everything is in working order. Once I'm done, your computer is good as new again, or even better!
The most that I, or anyone else, can do is to guarantee your system is going back to you clean. Keeping it that way is YOUR responsibility. Once your system is clean, you should invest in a quality security suite immediately if you don't already have one. I will make a recommendation to you at the time of service and can even install and configure it for you, leaving you instructions on how to purchase. There are free anti-virus products out there, but because they don't perform quite as well, I would not recommend them unless your system is only for casual use and you don't perform any sensitive transactions on it like purchasing or banking. For those looking for a free anti-virus solution, Microsoft offers Microsoft Security Essentials as a free download for all genuine Windows users.
Computer Fails to Power On
If your computer acts completely dead when you try and turn it on, and nothing at all responds, no lights, no fans, no nothing, most of the time it is a failed power supply on tower computers. On the back of some tower computer models, a blinking light near the power cord jack will indicate that this is most likely the case. This is the unit that your power cord goes into, and is relatively easy, quick, and inexpensive to replace. In laptops, it could be the AC adapter, battery, or jack. Another possibility is that the motherboard failed. This is a much more difficult situation that may require you to replace a whole host of parts and could get expensive. Either way, call and I'll get you scheduled for a quick diagnostic to find out the cause.
Computer powers on but no picture on monitor
This one unfortunately points to a failed motherboard more often than not, especially if accompanied by a loud fan noise. It might also mean just the video card, or the part on the motherhboard that outputs video, has gone bad. In that case a new video card might be the solution. In laptops, this can indicate that you just need your screen or one of its related components replaced. This one is usually quick to diagnose as well, give me a call and we'll figure it out.
Computer powers on and shows something on monitor, but never makes it to the Windows desktop.
This can have many possibilities, but usually nothing that will break the bank. One possibility is that the hard drive (unit in the chassis that stores all the computer's information, including Windows and programs) has failed or is on its way out. These are relatively inexpensive to replace as well, but will require a re-install of Windows since new drives do come with nothing on them. Hopefully any important files and data you had are backed up. In some cases, the information on the drive can be salvaged, mostly, but in others, the drive is completely un-readable. Another cause might be a virus infection that corrupted Windows or the "boot sector", which is dealt with as a virus (see top). Windows can also become damaged, corrupted, or otherwise unable to start by many other means such as power outage at a bad time, improper shutdown, a "driver" malfunction, software or hardware malfunction/incompatibility, or good old Murphy's Law, among other things. These issues require a more thorough troubleshooting and diagnostic procedure to pinpoint, but are usually correctable without costing too much.
Computer has gotten way too slow
Everyone's favorite problem. It works, so you don't want to spend money on it, so you continue pulling your hair out, gritting your teeth, and inventing new words. No, you don't have to spend $400 to buy a new one. I'll make your current one as fast as new, if not faster! Its called the "Fast-As-New" Tune-Up and its available for a fraction of the cost of a new system. Take stress off of yourself AND your system. Check out my Tune Ups section for more information.
Crashes, Freezes, Blue-Screens, Reboots, etc
Another pot-luck problem. These symptoms can be caused by malfunctioning hardware, problems in Windows, other software, drivers, and even the environment (dust and high-temperatures). If you can reproduce the problem by doing something specific, it will help me narrow down the issue. If you've noticed your computer freezing or shutting off specifically during hot days, usually accompanied with the high-pitched whine of a fan in overdrive, your system could be overheating! Usually excess dust buildup is the cause of overheating, but it might be something more serious. Give me a call and I'll run a diagnostic and troubleshooting to find and fix the issue.
Lost Files or Data
This is another unfortunate problem that transcends simple parts or computer replacement. Data is irreplaceable. Sometimes when hard drives crash, they are completely unreadable. ALWAYS have a good backup procedure! There are professional data recovery specialists who can get your data back. These guys have professional FBI-grade equipment such as clean-rooms and electron microscopes to help recover data, but they usually charge no less than several hundred dollars for this service!
Stealth Computer Services is proud to offer an affordable alternative to expensive, professional data recovery. I don't have crazy equipment like the pros do, but if the drive still has some degree of functionality, chances are I can recover some, if not all of your data intact. Give me a call and I'll test your drive to see if I can save your data AND your wallet.
Take good care of it!
Just because your system is fixed, doesn't mean you should just forget about it and move on. Every computer needs proper care and preventative measures and maintenance to deliver a long and trouble-free lifespan. Please visit the Care and Prevention section for more information.
Not worth it? Build a new one!
Is it not worth putting any more money into that old clunker? Let me build you a new system to take its place. Your old files can be copied over as well! Please see the Custom System Builds section for more information.
Learn to do it on your own!
Would you like to learn how perform some of the services Stealth performs for you? If so, you may be interested in my Training and Tutorial service...
