Débunking the Myth of Unfixable Computers: Common Fixes and Ethical Practices

Have you ever had a computer or laptop that a technician said it's unfixable and advised to sell the device or junk it, only for it to turn out to be a minor fix?

It is not uncommon for technicians to declare a device unfixable when the issue might actually be minor or easily repairable. This can happen due to a misdiagnosis or because the technician may not want to invest time in troubleshooting what seems like a complex problem. Simple issues such as a loose connection, a failing hard drive, or even software glitches can sometimes lead to a device being deemed unfixable. Many users have found success by seeking a second opinion or doing a bit of research to identify and resolve the problem themselves. It's always worth checking before giving up on a device!

My Approach to Computer Repairs

I, personally, have experience in fixing both my own computers and those of others. The way I work is as follows: I calculate the cost of the parts and labor and if it surpasses the current selling price of the computer or 70% of a new one, I recommend against fixing it unless the computer has sentimental value or contains important data that can be backed up in other ways.

However, if it is a minor fix, I do not hesitate to fix it. I would never advise a customer that it cannot be fixed, saying it's trash, and then proceed to fix it and resell it. That is a scam and a fraud and is illegal. Anyone who does that needs to know it and report it.

Common Fixes and Repair Costs

Let's consider a scenario where a user has a minor issue such as reinstalling the operating system (OS), like Windows 7, and trying to recover data because the system is infected with viruses. In this case, my standard labor rate for such a task is $200. However, Windows 7 will reach the end of its life in January 2020, just a few months from now. Therefore, I would advise the user to purchase a copy of Windows 10 Pro, which costs approximately $150.

Now, if this is an older computer with 4GB or less of RAM, I would further recommend upgrading the RAM for an additional $60. If this is DDR3 RAM, another question of obsolescence arises. What about the hard drive? Is it old and nearly full, on its last legs? These factors come into play and influence the decision to either spend money on minor repairs or to simply apply that money towards a fresh start.

Warranty and Professional Repair Services

Consider the scenario of a relatively new computer, a year or so old, that I designed and built. It would likely be repaired under warranty for little or no charge unless it was clearly the owner#39;s fault. For example, they opened the case, poured a cola on the motherboard, dropped it out of a second-story window, or from a moving car.

In conclusion, it's crucial to approach the notion of unfixable devices with a critical eye. Many issues are easily resolved with a little research and effort. At the end of the day, it's about transparency, ethical practices, and making informed decisions based on the entire picture of the situation.

Keywords

computer repairs unfixable devices minor fixes

References and Further Reading

For more information on this topic, you can refer to the following resources:

Microsoft: Windows 7 End of Mainstream Support Accredited Computer Repair Training Tech Support Alert: Tips for Designing and Building Custom Desktops and Laptops