Computer Repair Help By PCTechBytes » Tools

Universal USB Hard Drive Adapter Without Enclosure

Dave — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:36:18 +0000

If you’re a computer repair tech or a person who loves to upgrade PCs, then you understand the importance of being able to quickly move data from one drive to another. While you can pull the drive out of one computer and “slave” it to another, it’s just not practical to need to fool around with jumpers and cables that can end up causing problems. A Hard drive adapter is an ideal way to handle moving data from one PC to another, but an even better way is to use a hard drive adapter without an enclosure.

For this, we like using a USB Universal Hard Drive Adapter.

A USB Universal Drive Adapter is a way to turn a SATA or ATA hard drive into a USB drive so you can simply plug it into the front of your PC. You never need to open the case of the host computer, which is the best part. This adapter will even allow you to interface with 2.5″, 3.5″, or 5.25″ hard drive or optical drives. It has LED lights on the cable so you know it’s properly connected.

So if you’re looking for a fast and easy way to move data from one PC to another, or if you want to backup to a hard drive without installing it in your computer, a Universal adapter like this is a great option and a must have tool for any computer repair technician.

If interested, you can buy a USB Universal Drive Adapter here.

Must Have Portable USB Apps For Techs

Dave — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:43:05 +0000

Field technicians need a have a compilation of applications and tools they can run from a known good source whenever entering the hostile environments of a home or office they need to service. Since the there can be a wide-range of issues when dealing with computer in the field, it’s best to carry a collection of apps with you that can be run from a USB drive and leave no trace of themselves behind. These are a collection of must-have portable apps for computer technicians on the job.

Portable Apps For USB Drives

CodySafe – CodySafe is a mini-launcher for a USB drive. If you are to run apps from your USB drive, you will need a convenient way to access them. CodySafe allows you to install and run apps so you can launch them on another PC while leaving no footprint behind.
ClamWin Portable – It’s often the case a computer in the field will have some type of malware infestation. It’s a good idea to have a portable anti-virus on a USB drive in case other methods of removing the viruses fail.
Portable Web Browser – Having a self-contained, portable web browser is a great way tp access the Internet if the browser on a client’s machine has been compromised or has become corrupt. Here are several solutions for you.
PC Decrapifier – PC Decrapifier is a great program to use on machines purchased from major brand name manufacturers. It removes what is called “bloatware,” which are a collection of trial programs pre-installed at the factory. Typically, these programs nag you and run in the background, thus slowing a computer down.
RockXP – Allows you to Find product activation codes and reset passwords in Windows XP. Passwords are often forgotten and product activation codes are frequently lost, so this is a great tool to recover them.
Restoration -Restoration is a free file recovery program that helps you retrieve files that have been recently deleted and removed from the Recycle Bin.
Pendrive Linux – You can run this portable version of Linux right off of a USB stick. It’s a great tool from troubleshooting a doing a process of elimination when dealing with troublesome hardware issues.
FileZilla Portable – Filezilla is a fantastic FTP program. They also have a portable version. If you need to move a lot of files from your FTP site to a client’s PC, then this is a great portable FTP program.
Defraggler - The general consensus is among technicians is that the built in Defragmenter utility for Windows is less than impressive. Defraggler is a lightweight and portable file defragging alternative to the default option in Windows.
TightVNC – TightVNC is a remote desktop server / client solution that can allow you to access your home or office computer directly from your client’s machine. This is helpful for transferring files and performing other tasks that require getting files from a known good source.

While there are certainly a lot more portable applications you can put on a USB drive, these ten provide a good start and cover most of the issues techs will face when out in the field dealing with unknown variables. If you have more suggestions, please let us know.

Computer Technician Tools

Dave — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:44:57 +0000

When people think of computer technician tools they often think of multi-meters, soldering guns and precision screwdrivers. But when computer techs are in the field, they often need to access various programs and utilities they have saved to thumb drives or disks. There is a service called Dropbox that gives users access to 2 GB of space free. Technicians can load up that 2GB with executable files they access from client’s locations. For instance, a technician can use the Dropbox service to place current versions of Malwarebytes, AVG and other security software.

The great thing about Dropbox is techs can actually send links to friends, family and clients to directly access the programs. So for instance, if a piece of malware is preventing an end-user from accessing Malwarebytes.org, a user could access the Dropbox link and install the program that way.

There are endless possibilities for technicians to take advantage of a service like this. The free version is 2GBs, a 50GB version is $9.99 per month and a 100GB plan is $19.99 per month. The free version should be enough for most techs to place critical files online. But if techs plan on storing .iso files, they should probably choose the 50GB option.

Get your Dropbox today.

Remotely Access Computer

Dave — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:00:25 +0000

Remotely access computer via special tools to make software changes and configurations on a PC that could be located halfway around the world. There are several different programs to use for this, including Microsoft’s own Remote Desktop. But if you’re in the business of repairing computers for a living, the choices become fewer. The key to a good remote desktop application is ease of use for the end-user. A lot of these programs require some knowledge of IP addresses. While the commercial programs act as a go-between designed for ease of use so your customers do not have to feel the anxiety and frustration of having to figure out what their IP address is.

Remotely Access Computer Utilities For Technical Users

TightVNC is a popular option for those who use Windows and Linux computers.

UltraVNC is a Windows client that gives you a lot of features to tinker with.

Remotely Access Computer Through Commercial Utilities

While the cost for a good commercial remote desktop client can get costly, technicians really need to invest in the cost if they plan on providing a remote helpdesk business. This service is a must for local computer manufacturers that need to provide warranty support for clients, as well. Dell, HP, Acer and other larger manufacturer’s provide similar services, as well.

Both LogMeIn and Citrix’s GoToAssist allow customers to go to a website to remotely access computer. This gives technicians access to their customers PCs within seconds. While these services are very comparable, you should check the price model which would best suit your company’s needs. Both offer free trials and provide the end-user with a convenient and simple way to allow a technician access to their PC.

Computer Benchmark Tools

Dave — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:55:01 +0000

Test the performance of your PC with the most popular and thorough benchmark tools on the Internet. The following will help you test vital hardware components, such as your CPU, motherboard, Internet connection and much more. Benchmarking utilities are critical in optimization and troubleshooting. Most of the benchmark tools listed below are free, while others might be shareware.

Get the most out of your computer by downloading some of ouf favorite benchmarking utilities. Below are some of our favorite websites offering benchmark software:

PassMark Software – Great site with a lot of benchmarking utilities. Free trials.

SiSoftware Zone - One of our favorites.

CPU-Z is a freeware detection program base on the Panopsys hardware detection engine.

Cache Burst 32 – CacheBurst32 is a diagnosis and benchmarking utility designed to measure bandwidth and latency of computer memory and cache subsystems.

Monitor Asset Manager – Monitor Asset Manager is a Plug and Play monitor information utility.

Cable / DSL Speed Tests – BroadbandReports.com is a great place to test your connection speeds.

PC Pitstop – Their free automated tests will get your PC running faster, make it more stable, and identify security problems.

Motherboard Monitor – This handy utility will monitor your motherboard and provide you with information about your motherboard`s temperature, voltages, fan speeds ,CPU temperature and more.

If you have benchmarking software you like, be sure to let us know about them.

Top Computer Resources For Techs in the Field

Dave — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:52:41 +0000

Whether you’re a computer technician in the field or a computer user that enjoys tinkering with DIY computer repair, you need to have a list of resources at your fingertips that you can rely upon. Not everything you read on the Internet is accurate. So if you’re in the business, you cannot afford to waste time hunting down solutions for your problems. PCTechBytes is adding some of our favorite online tech resources. This evolving list will help you in repairing, upgrading, removing malware and troubleshooting complicated PC problems so you can get on the the next job quickly.

Top Windows Resources:

Microsoft Knowledge Base

You really have to start at the source when it comes to Windows. The Microsoft Knowledgebase has troubleshooting guides for just about every version of Windows, as well as most hardware and software that interact with it.

Wikipedia

Wikipedia is a resource you can use to check facts. While most of the information here should be correct, it is a site that can be edited by people that can have bad information. But the Wiki community keeps it a pretty reliable source of information.

Top Virus and Malware Removal Resources:

SARC is a Symantec website that deals with viruses, their explanations and removal. Its a great resource for identifying the viruses of the month and finding ways to remove them from infected computers.

Top Anti-Malware Downloads

MalwareBytes - Free -Anti Spyware

AVG Free - Free Antivirus

aVast! - Free Antivirus

Super Anti Spyware – Free Anti-spyware

Major Computer Manufacturer Support

Get model-specific tutorials for any Dell, HP, Acer, Gateway or Sony computer you’re working on. Once you input the model number, you will have access to drivers, troubleshooting tips and manuals for your Dell product.

Dell Support

HP Support

Acer Support

Gateway Support

Sony Vaio Support

Top Motherboard Manufacturers

The following motherboard manufacturer’s can provide you will information for most boards you’ll find in a computer case. Download drivers, manuals or other important facts from their respective websites.

Abit | AOpen

Asus | BioStar

Gigabyte | Shuttle

Top BIOS Manufacturers

You can find BIOS codes and updates for the BIOS running on most motherboards from these top BIOS manufacturers.

AMI-BIOS | Award / Phoenix

Hard Drive Manufacturers

Get information, diagnostic and other utilities from major manufacturers of hard drives.

Western Digital

Seagate

Maxtor

Boot Disks

Boot disks enable you to access Windows when it cannot load or boot to an alternative OS like Linux. This can help you repair and installation or diagnose problems with hardware that are preventing the Operating System from running.

BootDisk.com

Linux Live CDs

Ultimate Boot Disk

You can find other valuable resources and tips for repair in our computer fourms. Or, if you see something we’re missing, please feel free to make a suggestion as we plan on expanding this list to cover most hardware and software problems you’ll face in the field.

PCI Diagnostic Card

Dave — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:27:47 +0000

Every technician should carry a PCI diagnostic card. Computer troubleshooting can be a lengthy and expensive process–especially when a computer is completely dead. Sometimes using diagnostic tools is the only way to truly reveal a hardware problem at the board level. We find that using tools such as multi-meters and PCI Diagnostic cards save time and quickly pinpoint the root problem. A PCI diagnostic card in particular can be helpful to diagnose problems with the CPU, RAM and other board-level devices that would be almost impossible to figure out without trial and error.

Buy A PCI Diagnostic Card

PCI Diagnostic Card In Every Tech Bag

Fortunately, the cost of these cards has really come down in the past few years, so much so that normal users can afford them. If you have multiple PCs in the house and consider yourself an intermediate user, these cards can be useful for you. But certainly every tech should have this diagnostic tool in their computer tool case.

There are several good ones on the market, but our favorite cards are those that have the ribbon cable with the LED readout on the end. Since these cards plug into an open PCI slot, the ribbon cable allows you to easily see the error code. Some cards have the LED on the side of the card itself, which usually requires a tech use a mirror to read it.

PCI Diagnostic Card Conclusion

If you have any questions about PCI diagnostic cards, be sure to visit our free computer forums and discuss this topic with other geeks and technicians that have experience using this valuable tool. Or read our other computer tools articles.

A Computer Repair Tool for Every Job

Dave — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:01:24 +0000

I often get asked what is the primary tool I use for computer repair. When I tell people the tool I use the most is “logic” they stare and me as if expecting me to follow-up with a punchline because that isn’t what they were expecting to hear. But it’s true. Applying logic to what you already know about each computer component can quickly help you narrow down the source of the problem. I will quickly outline the thought process you should run through when faced with new computer repair job. Following this process should help you resolve the issue in a timely matter so you can move on tot he next task.

Is the problem hardware or software? Hardware problems are generally pretty easy to diagnose. For instance, if the computer will not boot or starts up and quickly shuts down, there is probably an issue with the power supply or motherboard. It could be a misconfiguration in the BIOS that is triggering a shutdown based on temperature settings, but it clearly isn’t a problem with Windows. The problem can also be system crashes, which could be caused by faulty RAM or a dying hard drive. So you should be able to quickly run scans on the RAM (using memtest86) or the hard drive (using chkdsk) to determine hardware problems. If the hardware checks out, you can be looking at a Windows problem.

Start in Safe Mode. What does this tell us? If you tap F8 at start-up and can get into Safe Mode, the problem is probably with a driver, a misconfiguration in Windows, or even a virus. The hardware is probably fine.

The bare essentials.One of the first things you should do when faced with a strange computer problem is remove any non-essential computer component. This includes all external devices like printers, scanner, thumbdrive, etc. You can also remove internal cards like Network Interface Cards (NICs), sound cards, modems, USB and firewire cards, etc. You can even unplug the CD ROM drive, hard drive, and take out extra RAM. If the system is dead, it could be any one of these things that are causing the problem.

Of course, this is a very broad example of applying logic to computer repair. Every PC job is different. But by taking a step back and thinking before acting, you can save yourself a lot of time and expense. Whether you are repairing your own computer, or if you’re a technician fixing someone else’s PC, you want to finish as quickly as possible. As a novice computer repair person it helps you gain confidence. As a technician, it makes you look professional and can help bring you more work and improved reputation.