We Fixed It!

One of the more enjoyable parts of fixing computers is finally figuring out those REALLY difficult repairs. Sure, a wipe and reinstall will fix most problems, but customers hate it because they lose their settings and programs. So it’s fun to try and find the method that will finally get a sick system back up to speed.

Google is an amazing resource for computer repair, as many people will document bizarre problems they’ve come across, and often fixes. I had a particularly difficult problem that I found an obscure solution for at the Lexington Computer Repair Blog and browsed around some other posts they had. Many in depth articles with complete sets of instruction. So motivated by that, I’m going to try and document some of the more interesting repairs we come across here at IT Xpress.

Personally, I’ve been involved with computers since I was in grade school using TRS-80 and Apple ][ computers. Despite training in college to design them (B.S. in Computer Systems Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), I ended up working in design and customer support. After falling, almost by accident, into the World Wide Web back in 1996 or so, I’ve been involved in IT ever since. Professionally I’ve been a Sr Member of Scientific Staff, Project Manager, IT Manager of multiple departments at Bell Northern Research (R.I.P.) and Director of IT at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering. The bulk of my IT knowledge came from hands on tinkering as a hobby or on the side when I was a manager. But I grew tired of the rat race, chronic lack of resources, and everyone being upset with you. So I stepped back, spent a ton more time with my kids, helped build a huge youth sports program here in town, and opened up a computer store to put food on the table. So I’ve been around the block you could say, and hopefully can share some insights from my 20 years of IT experience. Enjoy and I look forward to your feedback!