What is a Laptop Hinge?

Before we dive into the specifics of laptop hinge issues and solutions, let’s start with the basics: what exactly is a laptop hinge?

A laptop hinge is a mechanical component that allows the laptop’s screen to pivot and stay in place at various angles. It is essentially the “joint” that connects the display panel to the laptop’s base, enabling you to open and close the laptop smoothly.

A typical laptop hinge consists of two main parts: the hinge itself and the brackets or screws that secure it to the laptop’s chassis. Hinges are designed to be sturdy and durable, but like any mechanical component, they can wear out or become damaged over time.

Laptop Models Commonly Susceptible to Hinge Damage

It’s worth noting that not all laptops are equally prone to hinge problems. Some home computers, such as the HP Pavilion x360, Spectre x360, Asus ZenBook, Lenovo IdeaPad, Dell Inspiron 2-in-1, Dell XPS, and Acer Aspire, have standard plastic hinges that are more susceptible to wear and tear over time. These hinges can develop issues like stiffness, wobbling screens, or even complete failure.

On the other hand, business-grade laptops like the Dell Latitude, Lenovo ThinkPad X series, W series, P series, T series, HP ProBook, HP EliteBook, HP Dragonfly, Apple MacBook Pro, and Apple MacBook Air come equipped with metal hinges that are generally less susceptible to damage. The use of metal hinges enhances their durability and longevity.

See our video of how we fix laptop hinge below:

Some computer users don’t expect their devices to fail, and see this as a sign that the computer is dying and that they need to replace it.

Like most electronics, laptops and desktop computers can break at least once in the device’s lifetime. And usually it’s not a major heart operation.

Learning more about a computer’s lifespan can help inform your decision to repair or replace your faulty computer.

What is the average lifespan of a computer?

In its early days, computers could last very long: 8 to 10+ years. Now they don’t.

Computers now last 3 to 4 years then a repair is needed to get it working again. Its performance may also drop after a few years.

Disk formatting explained: When should I format my hard drive?

What does formatting a hard drive do?

When you want to wipe a hard drive clean, you can do so by formatting the drive. This process wipes all the data on the drive and sets up a new file system, which allows the operating system (OS) to read and write new data on the drive.

Disk formatting is usually done to prepare a new drive for its first use. It prepares the available space for OS installation and use. The three main things that you can do with a disk format is full data removal, file system change, and possibly refresh your computer for better performance.

If you’re looking to recycle or trade in your computer, you’d probably need to perform a disk format beforehand. You’ll be able to wipe out all your data, so it stays out of the hands of others. Disk formatting also installs a new OS onto the drive, so the next user can start out with a clean slate.

You may also try reinstalling your OS when you come across problems on your computer. Disk formatting could possibly solve a number of software issues. You could try doing this to solve problems like BSOD (blue screen of death) or boot errors. If your computer is running a bit slower that you’re used to, reinstalling the OS could also help as well.

With that said, remember to backup your data before you format the drive. As we’ve learnt, disk formatting wipes all the data off the drive, so you might want to get important data off the drive first. If you only have a few files that you need, just drag and drop onto an external hard drive or cloud storage. Alternatively, you may also use File History (Windows) or Time Machine (Apple macOS) to create full backups onto a hard drive.

How to format a hard drive

The easiest way to format and reinstall the OS on a hard drive is through the computer’s built-in recovery mode. Both Windows and Mac computers have recovery modes accessible from boot up, and you can proceed with the disk formatting there. Another way is by going to Settings > Recovery, then resetting your computer from there.

After you’ve backed up the necessary data, restart your computer to enter recovery mode. For Windows laptops and desktop computers, you’ll need to enter the boot menu. That’s F8 for Dell, Esc for HP, and so on. There’s different keys for different brands of computers. For Macs, you’ll need to press both Command and R. Just press the right keys repeatedly when the logo splash screen comes on after you restart the computer.

Then you can choose to reset the PC, or “reinstall macOS” for Mac computers. There should be an option for you to reset the computer and keep the files, but if you’ve backed up your data, you can just choose the option to wipe everything. This process will take a while, so be prepared to have to sit around for a bit.

Using apps to format a hard drive

There are a number of ways to format a hard drive, and that includes disk management on Windows. You can do this on the same computer, or take out the drive and connect it to a different computer. This gets you better control of the process. Then open Disk Management from the Start menu, and you’ll find your drive there.

Make sure you don’t mix up the drives that you see on the app and format a drive that you didn’t mean to. You might want to rename the drive before you connect it to another computer. After selecting the drive that you want formatted, you can choose to format it.

Can data be recovered after the disk is formatted?

So you might have formatted a USB drive or hard drive by accident, and lost data as a result. The data has been deleted, but can sometimes be recovered. In most cases, data recovery doesn’t work all the time, but some files can still be salvaged.

Unfortunately for hard drives that have been formatted and have a new OS installed, the chances for data recovery are much slimmer. After a period of use, data sectors where files used to be become overwritten by new information. So the data that used to be on that sector is completely gone. Same goes for deleted files. Once they are overwritten, the data can’t be recovered.

Cleaning up the drive for more space Vs. cleaning up for better performance

So now we know that formatting a hard drive removes everything altogether. This prepares everything for a clean OS installation. But if you’re just looking to find more storage space out of your drive, you definitely don’t need to format it. You simply need to look for certain unused files and delete them, or move larger files onto an external storage device.

One thing to be sure though, cleaning files does not help to improve your computer’s performance. A lot of computer users think having a lot of files on their computers will slow it down, but it’s actually more about the programs installed on the drive. So giving the drive a clean slate can help with its performance. It won’t be a huge improvement though, since hard drives do lose performance over time. A hard drive replacement or an SSD upgrade would do much better for performance.

How to clean up storage space on your computer

Disk cleanup apps

System cleanup or disk cleanup on Windows computers is a built-in tool to help you scan your computer for unused files or previous installation files that you can remove. After a quick scan, you can pick and choose things to clean up your hard disk.

This is a Windows-only app, Apple computers don’t have such a function to help clean up your hard drive. You may try out third-party disk cleanup apps like CC Clean to help identify unused files that can be cleaned for more space.

Look for large media files

Cleaning up documents won’t have that much of an effect as they don’t take up much space usually. Their file sizes are a mere nothing compared to media files like photos and videos. Same goes for installed programs, which usually don’t take up much space. You’re free to uninstall apps that you don’t use anymore, as that can free up some space for the OS to work better.

Look through your media files and go from there. You can transfer them to an external hard drive, or upload them to the cloud. Uploading them to the cloud might take a while depending on your internet speeds, but it’s a secure backup that’s always accessible. As long as you have an internet connection, that is.

The wind-up

Now that you know what formatting does, you can confidently decide what you want to do depending on your data needs. Just know that if you’re looking to refresh your computer and make it run better, try formatting the drive and reinstalling the OS. Otherwise, simply deleting files off the drive won’t do much except clean out some storage space.

If you’re looking to recover data off of a formatted drive, or need some guidance on transferring your data to a new computer, we can help! At Safemode Computer Service, we offer expert advice and solutions to any computer issue you may come across. We have a “no fix, no fee” policy on all computers from Windows PCs to Apple MacBooks and iMac desktops (Ts & Cs apply). We are located conveniently in Enmore, Sydney, a quick stop from the CBD and the Inner West. Got a question about data recovery? Call us today or stop by our Enmore story today!

7 questions about your hard drive that you’ve always wanted to ask

We use our hard drives everyday on our laptop and desktop computers, but most people still have things they don’t know about their drives. Have you ever wondered what wiping the drive does to your data? Or how bad sectors can damage your hard drive?

All those questions and more will be answered in our following guide. Here’s the 7 biggest questions about hard drives, answered.

1. Is data on a formatted drive gone forever?

So you’ve accidentally formatted a drive that you didn’t intend to. Or you forgot to back it up before you did. Not to worry, data on a formatted drive is not gone forever, and can usually be recovered.

This is where data recovery services or software can help you. As long as the drive is still in one piece and that the data was not on a damaged part of the drive, you should be able to recover it. This is only possible if you haven’t started using the formatted drive though. When the data sectors are overwritten, you probably can’t recover old data.

2. Can magnets wipe a hard drive?

This is more of an urban myth. It has some truth to it though, even if it doesn’t apply anymore. Back then, consumer computer storage was mainly in the form of floppy disks. These were storage devices that can be wiped with a magnet. This information was then passed down and applied to future storage drives, which led to this urban legend.

Computer storage technology has come a long way since then, and many advancements have surely been made. Hard drives are way more sturdier than floppy disks, and can’t be wiped with simple magnets. So you certainly don’t have to worry about those fridge magnets lying around your workspace. Unless you work with industrial-strength magnets then, because that’s a different story.

3. Do hard drives last forever?

Hard drives are indeed pretty sturdy with its metal casing and all, but they don’t “last forever”. Yes they can last pretty long, up to 5 years time. However, while they can still work and last long, their performance will drop significantly within that period. So no, they do not last forever.

Bad sectors cause permanent damage on the hard drive and this can lead to data corruption and loss. This is something all computer users can’t avoid. Bad sectors come from things like physical damage and logical faults, and will accumulate over time. Some of these bad sectors, like soft bad sectors, can be repaired. But it’s not the same for physically damaged parts.

When it gets to a point where bad sectors are so spread out across the drive, the drive will start to fail. You may start to experience errors in startup or notice a drop in performance. The only solution to this problem is to replace the drive entirely with a new one.

4. Can abrupt power shutdowns cause bad sectors?

When an abrupt power shutdown happens, like a hard shutdown or sudden power cut, the hard drive also loses its power source. In situations like this, if the hard drive is in the middle of writing data on the disk, it may create bad sectors.

The good thing is though, these should only be logical bad sectors, also known as soft bad sectors. Unlike hard bad sectors, soft bad sectors can be repaired with disk repair software. Even so, it’s always safer to keep this from happening and turn off your computer properly whenever you can.

5. Will wiping the drive get rid of bad sectors?

We all want to get rid of bad sectors. Keeping the hard drive from accumulating bad sectors is an important part of its care. Some might try wiping the drive entirely to get rid of these pesky bad sectors. Unfortunately, that will not work.

Bad sectors are physically damaged parts of a hard drive. This sort of damage is also irreversible. All you can do in this situation is to repair soft bad sectors and mark bad sectors off from the drive.

6. Are SSDs indestructible?

While SSDs do boast much better durability and longer life spans over traditional hard disk drives, they are not entirely indestructible. Solid-state drives are lightweight storage devices that do not contain moving machinery to work. This makes them sturdier and is the superior storage device.

SSDs may not be prone to shock damage or any sort of machinery-related issues, but they are susceptible to other kinds of damage. This includes extreme temperatures. SSDs are more vulnerable to overheating damage than spinning drives, which only rely on spinning rotors to work. Heat can damage the circuitry or memory chips on the SSD. It’s a good idea, not just for the sake of the SSD, to keep your system cooled efficiently. This benefits the whole system, and keeps your computing experience smooth.

7. How many backups do I need?

You definitely need at least one backup. The more the better, actually. You never know what could happen. The external hard drive might fail, or you might find yourself in a situation without an internet connection.

Backups in general are very useful for all computer users. Hard drive failure is a common computer issue that can happen at any time. You could find yourself with corrupted or lost files, or even a complete hard drive failure. To prevent this sort of tragedy from happening, having a backup would really help.

You can choose from offline backups like external hard drives, or online backups on cloud-based storage services. Both are great options that can suit the needs of every computer user.

Got more questions?

We’re happy to help! Safemode Computer Service is a trusted computer repair service in Sydney, and we can definitely help with any computer issue you have. From laptops to desktop PCs and Macs, our experienced technicians can offer you advice and the right solutions. We are conveniently located in Enmore, Inner West Sydney. Come by our store or call us for a chat today!

7 common DIY computer repair mistakes to avoid

So you’ve decided to fix your computer by yourself. Great! A lot of computer issues can be fixed easily, and we encourage users to take the leap to do so. Whether you are a computer enthusiast or just keen on DIY projects, you can certainly complete computer repairs on your own. All you need is enough research and the right tools to fix your laptop or desktop computer.

However, some computer users with little technical knowledge make mistakes by following amateur advice from family or friends, or even complete randoms on the internet. Their negligence in following the wrong advice or their ill-preparedness can lead to bad fixes or even further damage on their computer. This can cost you the time needed to fix your computer and possibly more expensive professional repairs.

It’s better to be prepared than be completely in the dark when you’re dealing with complicated and delicate computer hardware. DIY repair mistakes are sometimes something you aren’t aware of and might not be able to catch. Here are some common DIY computer repair mistakes to avoid and learn from:

1. Opening up the computer unnecessarily

While it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with your computer’s hardware, opening up your computer too many times might not be the right thing to do. When you open up your computer unnecessarily before preparing the right tools and parts that you need, you may end up with a higher chance of breaking things. And that’s definitely not what we want.

Other than for hardware tests, try not to do anything to your computer’s hardware before you have the right tools and spare parts to do so. Just like surgery, it’s better to go for a minimally invasive procedure than opening up the patient multiple times just to take a look inside. Try running a few tests and doing some research on what you need before you start doing anything.

2. Misdiagnosing the problem

Research is very much an important first step in solving your computer issue. We recommend doing a fair bit of reading before doing anything on your laptop or desktop computer.

Even so, some online advice from people on support forums or tech discussion boards might not be right for your specific problem. You might end up following some complicated solution to a basic problem that might not even help. Without an accurate diagnosis of the problem, you probably can’t get anywhere by blindly going forward with the repair.

It’s often better to get advice from trusted sources, or simply from your computer’s manufacturer. Try calling or chatting online with a support representative to diagnose your problem properly. You can usually get the right support advice from them without even leaving your house.

After getting an accurate diagnosis and solution to your issue, we can then start looking at how to get that done. You’ll need the right tools and spare parts to complete the job.

3. Not preparing the right tools for testing and repair

To find out what’s wrong with your laptop or desktop computer, you might need to do some extensive tests on your hardware first. This includes basic diagnostics and in-depth tests on specific parts on your device.

Using boot diagnostics is a good first step in your process. It is also known as pre-boot diagnostics or Apple diagnostics on Mac computers. This is a simple built-in tool on most computers, where you can test almost every hardware part on your laptop or desktop computer. It can report any possible hardware issues on parts like the hard drive, RAM, or optical drives. To enter pre-boot diagnostics, enter a key specific to your computer’s brand (“Esc for HP, “F12” for Dell, “D” for Apple…) when your computer is booting up. Then it should run and find what’s wrong with your computer.

You may also want to try using branded support apps like Dell’s SupportAssist or HP’s Support Assistant. These support apps also come pre-loaded on your computer when you buy it, and can help with diagnosis and troubleshooting as well.

In-depth testing

Other than using general hardware testing tools, you might also need to do some more extensive tests on specific parts on your computer. There’s a chance that you can’t get much conclusive results from running boot diagnostics. It is only a basic diagnostic tool after all. So for these part-specific tests, you’ll need different kinds of tools and software to complete.

Be prepared to have the tools ready to take out parts of your computer for testing. You’ll also need a separate desktop computer for this as well. This gets you better isolation for the part while you test it with dedicated software. A desktop computer will also also come in handy when you need to create a USB bootable installer to reinstall your OS.

A mistake that some amateur computer repairers make is not having the things that they need for testing their computer. This may include your standard toolkit for disassembling your laptop or desktop computer, or the spare parts needed to test for hardware faults.

Some other tools that you may need are: a SATA to USB enclosure box for hard drive testing, spare RAM chips, or power adaptors from kitchen appliances for desktop PSU testing. It’s a good idea to have these tools and parts at the ready. That way you won’t have to waste your time and effort to open up your computer more than you need to. Learn more about the different free tools that you can use to test your computer’s hardware here.

4. Buying incompatible hardware

Another computer repair mistake that some might make is buying the wrong replacement part for their computers. Each computer model is different and may need specific types of hardware. And as technology advances, computer parts come and go when they become obsolete. Newer models come with newer versions of hardware. This can make it harder to repair older models, as some of their parts can go out of market while the manufacturer stops offering support for them.

A lot of computer users might not know what they actually need and buy the wrong replacement parts for their faulty devices. This may be because of misdiagnosis, or that they do not know what is compatible with their computer.

What to consider

For the most repairs, it’s safe to just go with the exact same part as a replacement. If you can find a compatible alternative, that also works. You can look up these parts and their reference numbers from your computer’s manufacturer. However it will be a little difficult for Asus or Acer users. Their branded parts have no part numbers and are quite hard for regular consumers to identify. Mac users also need to pay attention to the Apple proprietary parts in their devices, to make sure that they don’t get the wrong replacement parts.

For parts like the hard drive, you will usually have more options to choose from. As long as the drive is compatible with your computer, you can choose to get a faster drive or one that has more capacity. You can also consider upgrading your hard drive to a solid-state drive as well, if you are looking for a performance boost.

Repairs for laptop screens and motherboards on the other hand, don’t have that much elbow room. You will have to get the same exact part to replace your faulty one. But you probably won’t have to worry much about these. Motherboard and screen repairs might be a bit too complicated as a DIY project. They require a great deal of care and expertise in computer tech that not many computer users have.

5. Not testing thoroughly after repair

To make sure that the fix actually worked and everything is installed properly, take the time to run boot diagnostics again. You can do this before closing up the cover on your laptop or desktop computer. All you need to do is install all the essential parts, and run boot diagnostics. If there is any problem, this could save you the time from taking everything apart again. As we’ve learnt, it’s best not to open up your computer too many times.

6. No backups

Keeping regular backups is a healthy computing habit. Even when your computer is working fine, it’s always useful to have a backup of your files or even your entire OS.

Having a backup will certainly be helpful if your computer crashes, or if anything happens while you fix your computer. It will also make the whole process easier when you don’t have to worry about your data. Keep your data close by with an external drive or simply put it up on a cloud-based storage system.

7. No static protection

While this isn’t that much of a troubling issue for most repairs, protecting yourself from static is always a safe practice. Always turn off and disconnect your computer from its power supply before opening it up. Also, make sure you’re not working on carpeted surfaces or near any pets. That could accelerate the chances of static and also make it harder to disperse.

Learn to ground yourself in case you do catch static while working on your computer. You simply need to discharge the static by touching the ground, or a metal object that is on the ground.

Some of these mistakes are pretty easy to make, and these missteps could sometimes complicate the repair or even cause further damage. Try learning from these mistakes and become better and more skilled at repairing your own computer.

What to do if your Mac won’t boot up: fixing Apple startup issues

A lot of things could cause a Macbook to stop booting up properly, or not even start up at all. It could be a software or hardware problem. Either way, you’re probably looking to boot it up normally again.

Here’s a few things you could run through to fix the problem and get your Mac working again. This includes some simple checks and software resets as a first step. Then we can move on to checking on your hardware and repairing any possible faults.

Having said that, Apple computers have sophisticated designs. Fixing Apple computers is a challenge even for a computer technician who is only specialized in Windows PC. DIY repair for a novice user is often not possible. After you’ve gone through the tips below and your computer still doesn’t work, it’s most likely that you need professional computer repair services.

6 easy tools and tricks to test and diagnose your laptop

Is your laptop acting up but you have no idea what’s wrong? All you need are some simple tools and a little time to figure out what might be the problem. Computer hardware issues can look like a range of things and can be quite tricky to detect immediately. Here are 6 simple tools and tricks to diagnose what might be causing your computer issues.

1. Computer built-in tools

Before we get into the more in-depth software tests, we should first cover the basic tools that are already on your computer. These built-in tests are where you should start out, when you want to figure out what’s wrong with your computer. Sometimes you have a general idea of what the issue is, but running built-in diagnostics tests can still be quite helpful.

Boot diagnostics

On every laptop or desktop computer, there is an option to run diagnostics before it boots up to its operating system. This is known as pre-boot diagnostics, boot diagnostics, or Apple Diagnostics for Mac users. It is a base-level test for its hardware, to find out possible faults and failures. You can test your laptop’s hardware like the hard drive, RAM, or battery.

To enter boot diagnostics, you’ll need the specific key required, depending on your laptop’s brand. This would be “Esc” for HP, “F12” for Dell, “Enter” for Lenovo, Acer, Asus, or IBM, “D” for Apple Macs with Intel processor, or holding down the power button for Apple Macs with Apple Silicon processor then Command-D. Restart your computer and press the corresponding key when it starts up. It should run on its own and report any possible issues that it can find.

Boot diagnostics can come in handy as a diagnostic solution when your laptop turns on but doesn’t boot. When you can’t get your computer to boot to Windows or MacOS to run software tests, starting boot diagnostics can be a helpful way to find out what’s going on.

Built-in support software

Other than boot diagnostics, you can also try using your computer’s branded support software. These software come preloaded on your Windows device, and can be used for troubleshooting and contacting online support. Apps like Dell’s Support Assist and HP’s Support Assistant are examples of this.

Now that we’ve covered the basic tools, let’s move on to some dedicated software tools for testing specific parts of your laptop. Some of these methods may require some disassembly, but it’s nothing too difficult for any computer user.

2. Testing a hard disk drive

Chkdsk (Windows)

“Chkdsk” is a built-in tool in all Windows computers used to test and attempt repairs on hard drives. It is a pretty useful tool for hard drive testing, where it can mark off or possibly repair bad sectors. Type in “chkdsk” as a command, or go to the “Properties” window of your hard drive and run it from the “Tools” panel.

Disk Utilities (Apple Mac)

Similar to chkdsk, running First Aid from Disk Utilities can also attempt repairs or isolate bad sectors that are harming the drive’s health. If a hard drive failure is detected, it can also offer support solutions to repair the hard drive.

Dedicated analysis software

Dedicated hard drive analysis software like Seatools or WD Data Lifeguard are some great free tools to test your hard drive. You can install and use it on your current laptop to test your hard drive for errors.

For a more thorough test that can get you better results, you may also take out your drive and test it separately. This would usually be done on a desktop computer. You’ll need a SATA to USB enclosure box for this as well. The enclosure box powers the hard drive separately from the desktop computer, so this keeps it isolated for in-depth testing.

These extensive tests on your hard drive will most probably take longer than boot diagnostics or chkdsk. But it can offer some conclusive results about your hard drives and what you should do next. Learn more about testing and repairing a faulty hard drive for Dell, HP, or Apple computer users.

3. Tools for solid-state drives

A lot of modern laptops these days come with solid-state drives instead of hard disk drives as the main storage drive. This is because of the technological advances that make SSDs a much better option over traditional spinning hard drives.

While SSDs are much more durable than HDDs, they will still eventually start to fail after a period of prolonged use. And just like HHDs, SSD manufacturers do make free companion software tools for analysing and testing the drive for faults. This would be apps like Samsung Magician and Intel SSD Toolbox.

4. RAM failure testing

A RAM analysis software that most techs recommend would be Memtest86. You can install it right away and test your RAM with it on your laptop. Or you can do it on a desktop computer.

Another easy way to test your RAM is by swapping out the RAM chip with a spare one and see if the problem persists. This works great in fixing situations like startup issues where you can’t boot up or turn on your laptop.

However, most laptops have their RAM chips embedded on the motherboard these days, and that makes it impossible to swap out the RAM. Detachable RAM chips are more common on older laptop models and desktop computers.

5. Troubleshooting lines and distortion on laptop screens

Lines or image distortion on your screen would generally lead you to think you have a screen failure right? Sometimes it’s not that easy to tell just by looking at it and accessing the problem visually on the screen.

Image distortion can definitely indicate a screen failure, but sometimes your laptop may be experiencing a video card failure instead. When your laptop screen is showing distortion like artifacting or columns of different colours instead of thin lines, that’s a sign of video card failure. Another sign of video card failure could also be a laptop that won’t turn on at all.

It’s not always easy to diagnose screen or video card issues, so here’s a straightforward trick to find out: Connect your laptop to an external monitor or your TV via an HDMI cable. If the image looks normal on the second display, you have a faulty laptop screen. If the image remains distorted or does not appear on the display at all, you have a video card issue. You’re looking at replacements for either part failures. We explain more about screen image distortions and screen replacements in our guide “What to do with a busted laptop screen“.

6. Stress testing your video card

Another way to test the status and perform stress tests on the performance of your GPU is by using dedicated analysis software. Using Geeks3D’s Furmark is an effortless way to do so. Not only can you test for GPU failure, there’s also stats on the video card’s performance. This is a handy tool for gamers keen to keep up their computer’s performance to run graphics-heavy programs.

Need more help?

These free software tools should help you get a better idea about your laptop’s problems and what needs to be fixed. For more help, check out our blog! We cover issues like computer boot up issues, or what to do after you’ve spilt over your laptop.

If you find yourself lacking the skills you need to diagnose and fix your laptop by yourself, why not bring it to us? At Safemode Computer Service, we offer a free initial diagnosis and quote to repair any computer issue that we can help with. Along with computer repairs, we can also advise and install upgrades to refresh and bring your computer up to today’s speeds.

Our expert and friendly services are highly-rated in Sydney, especially in the surrounding Inner West suburbs where we are located. Book an appointment with our experienced technicians at our Enmore store today.

10 Computer myths debunked: common misconceptions about computer repair

Just like urban legends, there are a few common misconceptions about computer repair that a lot of people believe. Because of how they’ve been talked about so much, people do start to believe them. However, some of these are not true. Oftentimes believing in these myths can lead to misdiagnosis or improper treatment of computer issues. They could make more trouble without fixing the real issue.

Even if some of these myths were true at some point of time, computer technology has advanced so far ahead that a lot of things have changed since then. Those truths don’t apply anymore, and become myths.

As computer repair experts, we thought we’d shed some light on these common misconceptions and bust these myths. Here are the top 10 computer repair myths busted.

1. We can repair only the failed part of a whole component

Most of the time when a piece of computer hardware is failing, you’ll need a full replacement of the part. Computer users will sometimes request to replace only a small part of the component, without understanding how the hardware works. Of course, this doesn’t apply to all computer parts, some parts we can indeed fix the problem area on its own.

Small parts that require complete replacements

An example of this would be laptop video card repairs. In most laptops, the video card is mounted and embedded on the motherboard. That means that it’s impossible to take it out from the motherboard without breaking it. So a laptop video card replacement essentially means a motherboard replacement. There is an exception though, for the Apple Macbook Pro 15-inch 2011 model. The video card on this Macbook is a known issue, which created a demand for an advanced method to replace the video card on its own.

On desktop iMacs from 2012 and onwards, a cracked glass panel on the screen would also call for a complete screen replacement. It is a fragile 27-inch screen panel, and cannot be replaced on its own. This would cost at least $700 to replace the whole screen.

For laptop keyboards, even when one key is not working properly, the whole keyboard needs to be replaced. Each key cap that is mounted on the keyboard is connected to its mechanics, and replacing the single key won’t fix the problem. The key could be jammed, or have accumulated rust on its connective points. Either way, we have to replace the whole keyboard to fix a keyboard failure.

Misdiagnosis?

Sometimes users might misdiagnose their laptop problems as well and request single replacements for the wrong part. We’ve gotten requests over the phone to replace the laptop screen hinge, which is a solid metal part that is quite hard to break. It usually is either the front bezel or back cover of the screen, or the upper cover of the keyboard that is actually broken. These parts may also require complete replacement of the screen, depending on the model of laptop.

2. Batteries last forever

Contrary to some belief, laptop batteries are consumable parts. They last 2-4 years, depending on use and charging cycles. We can expect these batteries to fail just in the same way as the batteries in toys, cameras, and phones.

Failing laptops can expand, leak corrosive liquid, or even heat up quickly and catch fire. So if you notice an error message like “service battery”, or “replace battery”, it’s best you get that checked out as soon as possible.

3. You need to drain your laptop’s power before charging the battery

Laptop batteries are lithium-ion batteries, which allow you to charge it many times without harming its battery life. It will continue to hold charge even after multiple charge cycles.

Some computer users believe that it would benefit battery life to drain the laptop’s power before charging it again. There’s actually no real proof of this, and you can even leave the power cable plugged in the whole time you use the laptop as well.

4. My laptop is not turning on because of a dead battery

Unless your laptop is not plugged in and has no power, this statement is not true. A laptop does not need a working battery to turn on. As long as it has a power supply from the charging cable, it should turn on and boot up just fine.

When a laptop is not turning on at all, this would usually mean a more serious hardware issue. A part essential to the start up process may be faulty, and is causing your laptop to be unresponsive. You could likely have a hard drive or motherboard issue, or even have a faulty video card or RAM. Just remember, you probably don’t need a battery replacement when you can’t turn on your laptop.

5. Having lots of files will slow down your computer

Will having lots of files clog up your system and slow your computer down? The answer is, no. Having more files on your hard drive will only take up its storage space, and not its performance.

The thing that will slow down your computer is having lots of startup programs. These are apps that start running once you boot up your computer. This can cause slow boot up times, or slow down your computer’s performance. You can check on the impact of these startup programs from the “startup” tab of Task Manager. You may also disable these apps from starting automatically from boot up, to smooth things over.

6. A virus is making my computer go crazy

Computer viruses are often the scapegoats of computer issues. They are often blamed for most computer issues, which most of the time turn out to be a hardware issue. Most computer users don’t expect their hardware to fail, so they turn to thinking that they have a virus.

Something like the keyboard making jumbled or incorrect input or image distortions are often incorrectly thought to be virus infections. These are actually hardware failures that need replacing. A computer virus is a program that infects your OS, and can’t damage your hardware.

To be fair, computer virus infections can cause significant changes. Just not damage. Some signs of a virus infection include inappropriate pop-up windows, browser homepage changes, slow performance, and data security breaches. To combat this, make sure you’re browsing the web safely and install antivirus software to protect yourself.

7. Antivirus will stop me from having any computer virus

While antivirus can help you browse the web safely and protect your computer from viruses, there’s no guarantee. Even with a paid subscription of the best antivirus software, computer viruses today are very advanced and can be smart enough to find a way in.

Think of it this way: When we are sick, medicine or treatment from a doctor will cure your illness, but will not protect you from illness forever. Antivirus works the same way, it is definitely useful, but is not effective 100%.

8. Magnets can harm hard drives

Because of how magnets can wipe floppy disks, some continue to believe that magnets can harm other storage devices like hard drives. Hard drives are quite sturdy, and can’t fall from a magnet. Unless it gets hit by substantial force, the hard drive cannot be damaged with simple domestic magnets.

The only magnets that can destroy a hard drive are industrial-strength ones only found in labs or junkyards. These are the magnets that can distort the drive. Otherwise, the only way to wipe a drive is by using software to overwrite its memory sectors multiple times.

9. Wiping the hard drive can fix bad sectors

Wiping a hard drive can delete everything off the drive, including all the files and the OS as well. Users might come up with this idea to fix a failing hard drive, but it will not fix the drive. Bad sectors are permanently damaged parts of the hard drive.

Wiping the drive will only remove the data stored on it, but you can’t necessarily “delete” bad sectors. The only way to fix a faulty hard drive is by replacing it completely. If the damage is not that bad yet, disk repair utilities can sometimes solve some soft bad sectors, but that is not a true fix. It may only buy you another year or so on the drive, until you have to deal with it properly.

10. Only techs can fix computer issues

Just like other DIY projects, you totally can fix your computer by yourself! Most computer hardware replacements are pretty straightforward. You won’t need to get a technician to do them.

Take hard drive replacements for example — they are installed just the same way they are taken out, just by unplugging and plugging in the SATA cable. Even tech beginners can try this and nail it on their first try.

While more advanced computer repairs like motherboard or battery replacements should be left to the professionals, we do encourage DIY repairs. Not only can this save you the time and money, but the sense of accomplishment that comes with it is a pretty good feeling too.

Do your research

Computer myths that have sustained over time should definitely be debunked, as it can prevent you from diagnosing and repairing your computer properly. With a good amount of research, you should be equipped with the right tech know-how to treat your computer.

Need help with computer repairs in Sydney?

You might not all have the time or technological knowledge to deal with your computer issues on your own. That’s where we can help you out. At Safemode Computer Service, we offer the best professional computer repair services in Sydney. We can diagnose and repair computer issues like hard drive failure, liquid spill damage, and virus removal.

Located in the Inner West, our experienced technicians can help you diagnose your faulty computer in no time and offer the right advice to fix it. Call us about your computer issue, or visit our Enmore store today.

Why you should be backing up your data: 4 easy ways to keep your files safe

Backing up your data from time to time is always a good idea. Keeping a backup at all times can save you from the tragedy of losing your precious files if it happens. You may also be doing this before switching to a new computer, or before getting your computer repaired. Either way, there are many ways to backup your data that can help you feel at ease that your data is safely stored. It could be quite a beneficial thing to take a few moments to do.

Why should you back up your data?

Any important data should be backed up. We may never know what could happen to our computers at any time, and data could get lost or corrupted when the computer does fail. So you can thank yourself for backing up your data when that does happen. While most computer users do know that their hard drive will fail eventually, they may not know that they could lose their data as well. Along with hard drive and other computer-related failures, another reason to back up your data is simply, convenience and ease of access.

Hard drive failure

The inconvenient truth is, all hard drives will fail after roughly 2-4 years of use, no matter how you take care of it. While traditional hard disk drives with moving parts are more prone to damage, even the more durable solid-state drives can fall to bad sectors. The accumulation of too many bad sectors is one of the main causes of hard drive failure.

Bad sectors are physically damaged and unusable parts of the drive. They usually start out as very small parts, where the drive can still work great. In fact, a hard drive is always manufactured with a very small number of bad sectors, as it is impossible to make a perfect one. But once the drive comes across software issues, improper shutdown, and physical scratches on the disks platters, it will accumulate more and more bad sectors. It’s fine when they are isolated in a small area, but after a few years of use, they will get more spread out.

At this point of intolerance, data loss or corruption may occur, and even escalate to hard drive failure. You may notice slower performance, slower boot up times, or even errors like “SMART failure” and “no bootable device”.

Before it gets to total failure, keeping a regular backup of important files is a great precautionary measure. You won’t have to worry about losing your files or having to search frantically online for data recovery hacks. If you choose to get your laptop or desktop computer professionally repaired, you could also save money and time by not needing data recovery done.

Convenience

Speaking of data recovery and time saving, having a backup could make things easier for both you and the technician who’s fixing your computer. And this isn’t just limited to hard drive repairs either.

When you have a backup of your files, you might be able to save money and get a shorter turnaround time on your repair services. You won’t need data recovery services and the technician can work better when not having to worry about data loss. Being prepared can go a long way, after all. Learn more about how you can reduce the costs of repairing your laptop or desktop computer here.

We can offer you some tips to pick the right method of backup for you. This depends on the types of files you’re looking to back up, or even together with your operating system (OS). Deciding on what kind of files you need to back up and the right method is important in making the process hassle-free.

Your data backup needs

What you’re backing up is one of the first things you should consider. You can backup only specific files or data by a simple drag and drop onto a hard drive, but backing-up all your files including your OS can also be something you may want to do. This brings us to the different methods that suit different data backup needs.

Backing up to an external hard drive

Using an external hard drive for backups is the traditional backup method. Simply drag and drop data to the drive to back it up. Alternatively, you can use Windows 10’s built-in “File History” to back up data, or Apple MacOS’ “TimeMachine” to backup your files.

You can either use File History or Time Machine, or just drag and drop your files onto an external hard drive. It’s a good idea to have a combination of both options in case one doesn’t work. All important data should stay on a computer, a server, or a mainframe computer, not on an external hard drive. This is because the hard drive inside computers is more well protected than an external hard drive. A common mistake that people do is only backing up their data only when their computer crashes. Backups are meant to be done before the system crashes rather than after it has crashed.

Up in the cloud

Using an online option to store your files offsite in the cloud is also a popular option to keep your backed-up files updated and ready to use at all times. As long as you have an internet connection, you’ll be able to access the cloud to backup and use your files.

Popular cloud services include Microsoft’s OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Apple’s iCloud. These often come with a set amount of free storage with subscription options for more storage space. Cloud storage can help you automatically create backups from time to time, so you can set it and forget it. Having an offsite backup can also give you a sense of security that your files are safe in case your onsite backup fails.

One thing to keep in mind though, you would need a secure and reliable internet connection, like NBN, to maintain regular backups. With that said, you may also want to use the cloud for only smaller files, like documents, and not larger ones like video files. If you are only creating backups for a smaller amount of data, cloud storage can be a cost-effective and low-effort option for you. Other than the popular options mentioned above, software for dedicated cloud services are also available.

Creating an image of your drive

Apart from simple backups on external hard drives and cloud services, there are some more advanced and in-depth types of data backups. This includes creating a disk image of your hard drive. Imaging a hard drive involves compressing everything on your hard drive and creating an archival image of it. The image can be used to restore your data and boot up a new hard drive. This would come in handy if your hard drive crashes or you’re switching to a new hard drive.

The difference between creating a disk image and creating a standard backup is whether the OS is included. On a disk image, your operating system is copied onto a disk image to boot up or restore a drive. You can image your drive on both Windows and Apple computers.

Network Attached Storage (NAS)

A method more suited for business use than personal use, NAS is a more large scale network backup system. It makes use of a group of drives connected to a network. This is like keeping an onsite cloud backup that is accessible by multiple users at the same time. Because of this, most businesses use this to back up multiple devices at the same time over the network.

Besides choosing the type of device for your NAS, you would also need a professional technician. Setting the NAS requires some system settings configuration that only professionals are familiar with. Business computer servers are much more complicated than personal computers or home servers. You might want need to call in an expert to make things easier for you.

Things to consider

Depending on your computer use, you can decide what kind of backup method that is best for you. You may want to only back up specific files or even your entire system, and the right backup can save you time and effort to do so. Depending on the sizes of the files, you might also want to do a combination of online and offline backups. Uploading large files over the internet can take a long time, so using an external hard drive might be better.

It may also be a good idea to keep multiple backups of different files, both onsite and offsite. These backups can guarantee that your backed up data is safely stored and accessible at all times. If things are too complicated for you, it’s best to seek professional advice to help you set things up.

What we do at Safemode Computer Service

Whether you need a hard drive repair or help with backups, we are happy to help! We can advise you with the different types of backups that you can choose from. Company network server configuration is also something we can do. Desperate and need help recovering lost data? No worries, our experienced technicians can have a crack at it. But be prepared though, data recovery repairs are not always successful.

Either way, our highly-rated services are available in Inner West Sydney, where we are located in Enmore. We are a quick stop from the surrounding suburbs of Marrickville and Newtown. Come on down to our Enmore store or make an appointment today!