Operating System Repair

Computer Services Center

What is OS Repair ?

If you own a PC, you are likely familiar with the Operating System:  Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and the new Windows Vista.

 

The operating system is what enables all of the programs on your computer to work.

All of the programs installed on your PC, like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, QuickBooks, etc. rely on the operating system to perform certain functions.

 

For example, if you print a document, from any program, what usually transpires is that the program creates a “job” of your document and hands the job over to the operating system.  The operating system examines the job, may ask you what printer you want to use to print it, how many copies, etc., and then sends the job to the printer in a format the printer can understand.  The printer generally whirs, makes a few noises and eventually spits out the printed document.

 

The operating system is also in charge of all the hardware devices installed on your PC.  The keyboard, the mouse, the monitor, the printer, the hard drive, the sound card, the video card, etc.  It has special software called “drivers” that make these hardware components work.

 

Oooops !

Over time, or through an accident of some sort (like a forced shutdown of your PC from an abrupt power outage), these drivers, or the operating system itself can become corrupted.  And then it’s time to “refresh” or “reinstall” your operating system.

 

Even Microsoft has been known to recommend an operating system refresh every 36 months...even for PCs that are NOT experiencing a problem with the OS.

 

There are two ways to “refresh” your PC;

 

OS Install

The OS Install method does an in-place overwrite of all of your operating system files.  It does not damage or interfere with your data.

 

Any missing files are installed and any damaged files are replaced with fresh copies.  This usually fixes many “broken” operating systems.  It is recommended for any operating system...broken or not...at 36 months.

 

This is usually where most repairs end.  Ours goes further with an additional set of services that will guarantee you that your Operating System is working properly.

 

Hard Drive Rebuild

The Hard Drive Rebuild method is the most complete method.  We wipe the entire contents off your hard drive and build it from scratch.  This includes backing up your data and installing the operating system.

 

Most shops stop at this point and return your PC to you.  We provide a complete and comprehensive service that we will guarantee your PC will be in better shape than the day you got it from the factory (and believe it or not, it was NOT in great shape that day !).

 

Other Problems Affecting the OS

Certain errors make it hard for your OS to do it’s job.  This can involve errors with files and how they are stored on disk.  Our HDD (Hard Disk Drive) Maintenance service can resolve many of these errors.  This service is included in a Hard Drive Rebuild and an OS Install, but is also available separately.