There’s nothing more frustrating than having your computer flash the blue screen of death at you, nobody understands that better than a computer repair expert. So when you call up on the phone or drop in to the repair shop with your computer, the technician will be eager to help. In order to get the best advice or a timely repair, it will help a lot if you know how to explain the nature of the problem.
The Technician Knows Your Computer Is Not Working
Otherwise he or she knows you wouldn’t have phoned or be anxiously standing in their workshop. So before you rush for the phone, or your front door, just pause, take a breath, and prepare to explain the nature of the problem. By making sure you’re ready with a detailed description of the problem, you’ll actually save time and possibly money on your computer repair. The technician will be able to clearly interpret what you are describing. He or she will then be able to hone in faster on the issue.
This is particularly important if you are making contact with a computer repair technician over the phone. You may even find that what appeared to be a catastrophic malfunction is something the technician can help you fix over the phone.
Things to Include in Your Explanation
Here are a few things to consider and include in your synopsis of a computer problem:
What task were you performing on the computer when the problem first occurred?
Have you tried any troubleshooting steps and if so, what did you try?
Did the computer display any error message on screen? If so, what was the message?
What are the exact symptoms of the problem? Often when a computer breaks, there will be a number of events (blue screen, noise from the computer, even heat or smoke).
If the problem has been manifesting for a while, has the behavior changed in any way since the first time it occurred?
The easiest way to make sure you’re equipped with all this information is to jot some notes down. This can be especially helpful if you are taking your PC or laptop directly to the computer repair shop. Even if the technicians are busy when you arrive, you can leave the notes with them to study when they take a look at your computer. Similarly, if you are in a rush and dropping your computer in on the way somewhere, you can give a brief explanation and leave the notes to tell the whole story.
If you’re going to be talking with a computer repair expert on the phone, remember to have the make and model of your computer in mind or written down as well.
When it comes to actually explaining the nature of the problem, try to be as clear and detailed as possible. For example, if you are having problems starting a certain program on your computer, you might describe it as follows:
“My computer is a Lenovo Z575 laptop. I have Microsoft Office installed on it and I’m having a problem opening any of the Office applications. When my computer has been switched off for a while, I boot it up and I can then open my Office programs. Then when I try to close an application, it won’t close and I have to close it through the task manager. After that, if I try to open the same program, it just won’t open. I have tried double clicking the desktop icon and also opening the program folding and clicking the program icon in there. The only way I can get the same program to open is by shutting the computer down and then restarting.”
This explanation tells a technician everything about what’s happening with your computer. You’ve described the computer make and model, what you are trying to do when you have the problem, the particular circumstances surrounding the issue and what troubleshooting steps you’ve tried. So much more useful than “my computer doesn’t work properly.” Don’t you think?
Requesting Computer Repair over the Phone
If your computer repair center provides telephone support, they may well want to try and resolve your problem over the phone. If they are able to do so it will save time and money for you and the repair center, so everyone’s a winner. Therefore the following guidelines will help you to get a fast, efficient fix for your computer fault, unless it turns out the fault does need an expert repair.
Make your call to the computer repair center when you have some time and not when you are in a rush or trying to deal with other things.
Try to be in front of your computer when you call and be ready to follow the technician’s instructions for troubleshooting your computer.
Make the call when you are not likely to be disturbed. Sometimes troubleshooting can take a while.
Try to phone from a quiet location. Your fault will be resolved faster if you and the technician can clearly hear and understand one another.
If possible, try to use a phone with a hands-free facility so you can perform tasks on the computer while speaking with the technician.
Try to Keep Emotions in Check
Having a computer problem can be an incredibly frustrating experience, especially if you rely on your computer for business. However, if you get overly emotional or even angry while the computer repair expert is trying to help you, it will not resolve the problem any more effectively. Try to remember that the technician is trying to help you. He or she didn’t manufacture the computer or develop the software.
Whether you receive help with your computer over the telephone, or you physically take it to the repair center, following the tips in this article will help the professionals to help you. Prepare a full explanation of the problem. Describe it clearly and in detail while remaining calm. Computer repair professionals are happy to help you and derive satisfaction from successfully solving problems.
For computer repairs in New Jersey, Dave’s Computers provides a fast and efficient computer repair service, either at their premises or at your home. If you’re having a computer issue, prepare your synopsis and give them a call on 908-428-9558.
by David Molnar
