Hard Drives - Why they Fail

Bit of a different approach to this blog as we replace dead hard drives nearly on a daily basis we thought it would make sense to explain what causes them to fail and what you can look for as a user to know when something may not be working correctly.

There are man reasons for them to fail ranging from the circuitry to a mechanical failure of the components that store and access your data. These failures vary and as a result so do the resolutions. Data recovery must be handled with care to ensure optimal outcomes as there are many variations in drives and failure type.

Difficulties faced as a user is knowing what’s going on inside our hard drive. Operating systems we use whether it’s Windows or Mac OS X generally won’t tell us anything about our hard drive until it’s too late but certain tell-tale signs can be help identify hard drive issues.

If your machine hangs up a lot or inexplicably freezes for long periods accessing files or programs could point to a hard drive on its way out, other times you may have blue screens, errors on boot, such as a missing registry file, corrupted drivers or missing MBR. Your hard drive may also make more noise than usual or feel it generating more heat.

Here are most common causes of failure:

Most hard drives will fail gradually due to wear and tear.  ( older the hard drive more chance of failure) 

Many will also fail from overheating. ( if you use the hard drive intensively could cause this issue ) 

Some will fail suddenly because of a physical shock.  ( they are very fragile even the smallest knock can damage them )

On occasions hard drives fail because of manufacturer defects or quality control issues.  ( out of your control and lightly to happen inside of warranty if the case )

Leeds Computer Laptop Repairs specialise in the repair of hard drives, data recover and free advise. If you require a reliable, cheap and friendly laptop repair service then call us now FREEPHONE: 0800 907 0025 | MOBILE: 0759 9585 666

Windows Vista Hangs on Log Off Screen

A client called us yesterday who had an issue by where the laptop would get stuck on the logging off windows splash screen. She was having this issue randomly occur and hadn't installed any new updates or software recently.

After digging a bit deeper and cleaning the registry up using CCleaner the issue related to some redundant software she had deleted but not fully un installed properly was at fault. Once the software was completely un installed and removed from the registry when logging off windows didn't hang or pause at the same point as before. We managed to get the laptop back next day and our customer was very happy. This issue usually relates to software conflicts that are preventing the computer from shutting down properly and should be the first thing to look at if you are having a similar issue.

Leeds Computer Laptop Repairs deals with all aspects of computer, pc and laptop repairs so if you have a problem with your device, call us now on FREEPHONE: 0800 907 0025 | MOBILE: 0759 9585 666

Laptop Won't Boot Windows freezes on startup at "Windows Starting Screen"

A customer dropped off a laptop today as we were recommended by his neighbour which is always good to hear. He's had an issue by where the laptop won't boot past the windows starting screen. He was having this issue after installing some windows updates. Straight away this pointed the finger at that as everything was fully working before this process!

After looking into this problem a bit further and uninstalling the updates that were causing the issue it turned out that an incorrect driver that the update amended was at fault. Once the driver was completely uninstalled the update was applied correctly, we then re installed the driver bringing it up to date. Was ready to drop back same day and very straight forward, though this issue can relate to pretty much anything that can do wrong with a computer so could have been a lot more work and cost.

Leeds Computer Laptop Repairs deals with all aspects of computer, pc and laptop repairs so if you have a problem with your device, call us now on FREEPHONE: 0800 907 0025 | MOBILE: 0759 9585 666

How to Take Ownership & Full Control Permissions of Files & Folders in Windows 7

Time to time a customer comes to us wanting a new build pc but to have access to their old files and folders on the new system. A customer that came to us wanted just that, in this scenario we installed their old sata hard drive into the new computer along side the new hard drive. When accessing my computer and entering the old drive to access their information an error occurs. The error says that access is denied and that the user does not have the correct permissions to access these files and folders.

To change these permissions and take ownership of the files and folders is quite straight forward and if you have the above warning message or errors a great guide to changing the permissions that we ourselves use simply click here. Once the permissions have been altered the files can be accessed and you will have full control of the drive.

Laptop Hinge Plastic Snapped

I thought I'd write up a new blog as I'm having a reoccurring problem pass over my work bench lately. It relates to the laptop bottom case and the screw fittings that holds the hinges to it. Laptop cases tend to be very durable but due to people using them incorrectly or picking them up by the top half of the laptop weakens the internal plastic as seen below.

After various different methods of trying to repair this plastic with glue, new hinges and clips I have come to the conclusion there is only one long lasting solution. To replicate the strength of the manufactured plastic fittings the only option I've found is to use nut and bolts. I have complete this repair about a dozen times so far, I simply use the old screw fitting that's damaged as a pilot hole and re drill it. The drill bit would be exposed in the bottom of the case which is where I'd attach the washer and nut to tighten.

This holds the laptop very securely and short of replacing the entire bottom plastic base is the only cost effective solution I've found. It is very cost effective and works well only a broad range of laptop makes and models.

If you have a similar laptop problem and need a repair company then please get in contact with Leeds Computer Laptop Repairs now for a friendly, quality and reliable service.

HP G61 powers on but no display

Today a customer called us regarding there HP G61 laptop which when she turned it on lights and fans came on but didn't display anything on the screen. After many attempts she decided it wasn't going to fix itself and arranged us to collect it. The first thing we always try is removing all power (adapter, battery) and hold down the power button in this state for 30 seconds. Then replace the adapter without the battery and the laptop will usually boot as normal. Once its booted restart and re insert the battery and use as normal.

This works is many instances including this one, what actually happens is static charge builds up within the capacitors of the laptop sometimes to such a degree the laptop will not function properly. Holding down the power button with the adapter and battery not it will disperse them allowing the laptop to once again work correctly. She was happy to have it back so quick and at a minimal charge as well as some advice she can use in future should it happen again.

Leeds Computer Laptop Repairs specialise in the repair of all technical device problems such as laptop repairs, laptop screen repairs, computer upgrades and more. If you require a reliable, cheap and friendly laptop repair service then call us now FREEPHONE: 0800 907 0025 | MOBILE: 0759 9585 666