Where To Go For Computer Help? (Portland: house, buy, prices) - Oregon (OR) - City-Data Forum

Minervah · 06-18-2013, 05:58 PM

So, here I am asking my fellow advice givers if anyone can suggest a good place for me to go to for my decrepit, cranky computer that is getting very finicky about what websites it does and does not want to visit, CD being one of them. Sometimes, like now, I can post just fine. Other times it won't allow me on or it will let me on but I can't navigate.

I want to hire someone to take a look at the "patient" to see if it can be saved before I think of investing in a new one because cost is a definite worry for me. Actually I am looking for a service like the one I had last time that made house calls but that one is no longer in business and if anyone knows of a reliable one, would they mind passing it along.

Thanks.

skiffrace · 06-18-2013, 06:33 PM

Is your main issue the inability to work with certain sites? If so, the problem may be confined to your browser. If you are not using Google Chrome, install it and use it.
Google "chrome install" first - it will point you to www.google.com/chrome - the official download site.
If changing the browser does not fix it, someone should look at the security settings on your machine. I assume you have a desktop, and herein lies the problem. You may find qualified help to make a house call, but it won't be free.
You can also try freegeek.org
If you decide to hire paid help, do consider a new machine instead. You can buy a decent laptop for under $400, or go mobile with Google Nexus tablet for half of that.

karlsch · 06-18-2013, 06:50 PM

Download this free program, CCleaner (originally called CrapCleaner) and run it. You might want to just "Analyze" (which won't delete anything) first. CCleaner - PC Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download

It has been around for a long time and has been used by many millions.

hamellr · 06-18-2013, 07:09 PM

Minervah, I'd offer but unfortunately my schedule is busy until about the end of July.

But, you have an absolutely awesome service just down the road.

12:01 Computer Repair
2037 SE Hawthorne
Portland, OR 97214

I have heard nothing but good about these guys, and a five star average on Yelp with 37 reviews is dang impressive!

Minervah · 06-18-2013, 08:06 PM

Argh!!!! After successfully posting in the Oregon forum, I am now having lots of trouble posting this. Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I have tried a couple things already but I will try some of these. I can read your emails because I subscribe to all my forums and threads messages via Outlook which is my default email program separate from IE.

Hamellr, I understand the busy schedule and thanks so much for the recommendation of the place on Hawthorne. I have seen them but since they were fairly new I didn't know anything about them and although Yelp and websites like those are helpful, it always is good to hear form others in the biz. And they are certainly in the "hood."

If I need to call on someone they will be the ones. So far I have tried an AVG Cleaner but it didn't help. I wil give Google Chrome a try. I have it but t don't have it doing anything. I'll try the CCcleaner too.

Sherwoody · 06-18-2013, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minervah

Argh!!!! After successfully posting in the Oregon forum, I am now having lots of trouble posting this. Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I have tried a couple things already but I will try some of these. I can read your emails because I subscribe to all my forums and threads messages via Outlook which is my default email program separate from IE.

Hamellr, I understand the busy schedule and thanks so much for the recommendation of the place on Hawthorne. I have seen them but since they were fairly new I didn't know anything about them and although Yelp and websites like those are helpful, it always is good to hear form others in the biz. And they are certainly in the "hood."

If I need to call on someone they will be the ones. So far I have tried an AVG Cleaner but it didn't help. I wil give Google Chrome a try. I have it but t don't have it doing anything. I'll try the CCcleaner too.

Be sure to update whatever version you have by clicking the upper right button and choosing "About Google Chrome." It will update automatically if needed. I update mine at least once a month to take advantage of any improvements they make. The newest version was uploaded today. (Version 27.0.1453.110 m) Good luck....

Sherwoody · 06-19-2013, 09:09 AM

You mentioned your computer was old, how old is it? What operating system does it run? If it's XP or older, I would suggest you spring for a new one if possible. I get the "Deal of the Day" emails from Best Buy. Today's is Dell Inspiron Desktop 4GB Memory 500GB Hard Drive I660S-1538BK - Best Buy for $299.99 with free shipping.

Steve Pickering · 06-19-2013, 10:35 AM

Go to Fry's. You can get a low end refurbished that will be three times the PC you have now (Or More) for what it will cost to have yours looked at. We were there yesterday and they started at around $200. There are laptops and tablets in that range too.

Minervah · 06-19-2013, 10:53 AM

This morning it is behaving itself so far. Sloooowly. I think as has been suggested, the main problem is with my browser. I just started running Windows 8 not to long ago. With every update there seems to be a problem. l know, I know, I believe if it ain't broke don't fix it. Well, it weren't broke but I fixed it and now it's broke.

Still, the 'puter is old. New mother board about three to four years ago. The rest maybe ten. And yes it is a desk top.

Did I mention I also have a digital converter box for my analog TV? It's not that I am a Luddite, I just hate to get rid of things that still work especially when I don't work. But I had no idea that some of these prices for computers were so low and I admit I am not up to date on the latest computer stuff.

I really appreciate the education you guys are giving me.

PS

Adding that is is XP. So, it would be advisable to upgrade in any case?

Steve Pickering · 06-19-2013, 11:41 AM

There is your problem. Easy fix. Get rid of Windows 8 unless you have a tablet or touch screen or "NEW" computer.

Not a subject for debate. If you have a XP Computer, Windows 8 will kill it. Period.

And XP is not so bad with Service Pack three.

Also do not put Windows 7 on any machine with less than 2 gig of memory. Even the Starter version barley runs in 1 gig.

Windows 7 will run on many made for XP boxes if they were fairly new and have 4 gig or more, but XP will do just as well. Do not run more than one Anti Virus program also.