January 19, 2009
My laptop has been giving me cryptic Windows system error messages, and then just shutting down. I am concerned that I may lose my data, or some morning will not be able to start up my system. My laptop is a three-year-old Dell. Should I take it in for repair, or go out and buy a new one? It would be nice to get a smaller laptop that is lighter.
First things first — back up all your critical files, pictures, videos, tax documents, etc. The loss of this data far outweighs the repair or replacement of your laptop.
Now on to the hardware and error messages. It is peculiar for Windows to force a shutdown of your laptop, suggesting that a serious piece of the operating system has been corrupted or damaged. There are a couple of things you can try at home, if you are comfortable doing this. If you have the original Windows operating system CD, try to repair the Windows installation.
Should you take your laptop into a local computer store for repair, expect to pay about $300 to $400 for the work, and possibly one to two weeks for them to complete it. For that cost and time without your laptop, it may be worth looking into a new laptop.
Considering that it is three years old, newer models are generally faster, cheaper and better performing. The cost differential between repair costs and a new one may make it an attractive option.
My recommendations: Take it in for a diagnostic, and pay the $40 or so for it. If it costs more than you're comfortable paying for the repair and the downtime, go hunting for a new model.
I work in Information Technology, and as a result my family and in-laws use me as their free computer support for all things related to their computer problems — e-mail support, new hardware issues, Windows problems, etc.
Is there an easy way I can connect to their computers so that I can do some troubleshooting and fixing before resorting to going over to their houses?
Yes, there is a number of easy-to-use and reliable remote connection software. You can Google "remote connection software" and find a bunch of software. Most applications will require you to download and install a host application on the computer you are looking to control, along with a secure, password-protected login account. Once completed, you can login to this account online and connect to the remote computer.
Your family will see a box on their computer indicating that you are controlling the computer, and be able to see what you are doing on their screens.
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