Computer Repair Tech - What do I need?

J

jkalex05

New Member
Im doing some computer repairing for a side job. I purchased a 130 piece computer tool kit from tigerdirect. Im basically doing house calls for computer issues ranging from internet connectivity to viruses and slow computers due to adware/spyware ect.

Other than the tools what else should I get?

I was thinking I need a copy of Windows XP Home/Pro/Media Center, and maybe even Vista.

Other than that is there anything I should have?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
Windows CDs are always a good idea. Often you'll need to reinstall, repair, reload files, recovery console, etc... and often the user won't have the CDs themselves. I always keep a memory stick with me loaded with some up to date key programs, particularly (all these are free):
  • Free antivirus (AVG, Avast, Antivir, etc...)
  • Free antispyware (AVG, Adaware, Spybot, SuperAntispyware and lots of others)
  • Free Firewall (ZoneAlarm and others)
  • Sysinternals tools such as ProcessExplorer, Autoruns, etc... are great to have as well (provided you know how to use them)
  • HijackThis
  • File deletion tools
  • Cleanup tools
  • Registry cleaning tools
  • Very common drivers
  • Diagnostic & Info tools
  • Service Packs (XP SP2, some people still don't have it)
  • Other key apps
I'd also keep some key bootable CDs, particularly things like memtest, BartPE, etc... Also remember to have the driver CD for the memory stick for those who are still using Windows 98.

A laptop is good to have along with an external USB cable so you can plug a client's drive in if necessary for backup, scanning etc...

On the hardware side of things it pays to have some common replacement parts on hand, RAM, cables, PSUs, etc... Not to mention plenty of replacement screws and jumpers :)

I keep a lot more than this with me, but these are some of the most commonly used.
 
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^^^ What ceewi1 said! Also, you mentioned internet stuff; a kit for repairing patch cord would be nice too. At least a Stripper/Crimper and RJ-45 heads, maybe a few female connectors as well.
 
oh and you may want to keep a wireless router/keyboard/mouse on you, you have a great selling opportunity while fixing the machine. You could say something like...."huh quite a bit of cable clutter back here...ever thought of getting a wireless keyboard and mouse combo, you can get some good ones online, or i have a couple in the back of the car" hehehe :D
 
I have found that an external usb cd/dvd burner is useful. I have run into corrupted files that did not allow the internal one to be accessed.
 
a few live linux distros wouldn't hurt either. they come in handy for various tasks.
And I would highly advise you to invest in steve gibson's SpinRite6, that is the best data recovery tool of them all!
 
What would be the best route to get Windows CD's? Do businesses get a discount. Or am I just going to go and buy them myself?

That pen drive was a great idea. Im gonna get a nice one, put it on my key chain and put as many cleaners in there as possible.

Thanks for all the tips guys. Appreciate it.
 
Keep a Linux LiveCD on you... You can wipe some HDD's if viruses have taken over.. I would get some DBAN, too. I have 3 Cruzer Micro's with HijackThis, PCWizard, Everest, Speedfan, ProcMon, etc. I have some more stuff... I also have a Win98 Disc, XP OEM disc, and did have a Win2000 Disc.. Just as an idea, since you are on the run and probably loading discs into god only knows what kind of computer, I would make an ISO of my OEM discs and keep them on my home pc just in case you damage your others or originals....(I assume that's legal, if illegal is the safest way, so be it)


http://www.dban.org/

EDIT: Above, I didn't mean to distribute illegal copies, I meant to have backup ready ;)
 
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