 OT - computer disaster (by NE [PA]) Dec 4, 2017 6:32 AM
 OT - computer disaster (by Robin [WI]) Dec 4, 2017 6:47 AM
OT - computer disaster (by S i d [MO]) Dec 4, 2017 6:59 AM
OT - computer disaster (by S i d [MO]) Dec 4, 2017 7:02 AM
OT - computer disaster (by David [MI]) Dec 4, 2017 7:14 AM
OT - computer disaster (by David [MI]) Dec 4, 2017 7:22 AM
OT - computer disaster (by NE [PA]) Dec 4, 2017 7:25 AM
OT - computer disaster (by S i d [MO]) Dec 4, 2017 7:27 AM
OT - computer disaster (by Homer [TX]) Dec 4, 2017 7:40 AM
OT - computer disaster (by RathdrumGal [ID]) Dec 4, 2017 8:11 AM
OT - computer disaster (by tryan [MA]) Dec 4, 2017 8:13 AM
OT - computer disaster (by Rangor [TN]) Dec 4, 2017 8:28 AM
OT - computer disaster (by Nicoel [PA]) Dec 4, 2017 8:55 AM
OT - computer disaster (by Salernitana [CA]) Dec 4, 2017 9:03 AM
OT - computer disaster (by RR78 [VA]) Dec 4, 2017 1:33 PM
OT - computer disaster (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Dec 4, 2017 9:56 PM
OT - computer disaster (by James [GA]) Dec 5, 2017 12:45 AM
OT - computer disaster (by nhsailmaker [NH]) Dec 5, 2017 5:27 AM
OT - computer disaster (by Kyle [IN]) Dec 5, 2017 1:45 PM
OT - computer disaster (by TonyT [PA]) Dec 5, 2017 2:02 PM
OT - computer disaster (by Vee [OH]) Dec 5, 2017 5:55 PM
OT - computer disaster (by Steve [TN]) Dec 6, 2017 5:31 AM
OT - computer disaster (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Dec 7, 2017 7:29 PM
OT - computer disaster (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Dec 7, 2017 7:31 PM
OT - computer disaster (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Dec 4, 2017 6:32 AM
Message:
Oh boy. I just dropped my laptop about 2-1/2 feet. It was closed and it fell straight down and hit the hinges side of the computer.
My screen is all horizontal straight lines now. Indecipherable.
This is the brains of my operation.
I'm taking it to geek squad at Best Buy.
My option (hopefully) will be to fix the screen or transfer the files to a new computer.
What should I ask these folks and what should I expect to hear from them? What will be a line of nonsense that they try to sell me?
I turned it off and turned it back on. Nothing else. I don't know anything else to try past that.
Thanks. --159.240.xx.xx |
OT - computer disaster (by Robin [WI]) Posted on: Dec 4, 2017 6:47 AM
Message:
When your laptop fell, it most likely damaged the connection between the "guts" of your laptop and the screen.
They may be able to fix that connection, but I wouldn't count on it. The bigger issue is whether the hard drive got damaged, since that's where your data resides. It's relatively easy to transfer the info from one hard drive to another.
The real issue though, is: the Geek Squad is awful. Unless they have someone uncharacteristically competent on staff, they will keep your computer for several days, then tell you they've fixed it when they haven't, or sell you an overpriced motherboard that doesn't fix the problem, or tell you they can't do anything and you need a new laptop. I'd suggest you look for a local owner-operated computer repair shop. You'll get a much higher level of competence and service, without the attempt to sell you what you don't need. --204.210.xxx.xxx |
OT - computer disaster (by S i d [MO]) Posted on: Dec 4, 2017 6:59 AM
Message:
Busted screens are common in portable devices. Unless you know how to DIY repair and can find the parts on a used/busted machine, it's probably not cost effective to fix it. However...
If you have a graphics card that supports dual (or more) monitors, you should be able to buy a new screen for $99 or so and switch the Display to make that the main (in your case, ONLY) screen.
A good rule is always have a backup on some form of external (thumb drives are cheap and effective) and/or "cloud" media. Also, with the Google account software suite, there's not much reason to do offline computing. They have everything you need for free, including word processing, spreadsheets, "power point" (i.e. presentation), photo editing, etc. That way when you drop your laptop, just go to your Google drive to open, view, edit docs with your tablet or smart phone until you can get a laptop/desktop machine repaired or replaced. --173.19.xx.xxx |
OT - computer disaster (by S i d [MO]) Posted on: Dec 4, 2017 7:02 AM
Message:
Btw, if you use the Geek Squad and don't have a data backup, I'd just ask them to dump your hard drive onto a thumb drive or onto your Google Drive, then you can use anyone's machine to access it.
If the hard drive is toast, that is a much more expensive and intensive data recovery scenario. I don't think the average Geek Squad is going to be able to handle that. Find a local PC parts supply store like Robin suggests. There may still be a few old-timers who know how to extract data off hard drive "platters"...but it's gonna cost ya.
The lesson here is back up early, back up often! With auto-sync on most devices, this should all be happening in the background constantly anyway. --173.19.xx.xxx |
OT - computer disaster (by David [MI]) Posted on: Dec 4, 2017 7:14 AM
Message:
given the cost of labor and materials, it's probably cheaper and less hassle just to buy a new laptop. $500-$700 for a decent one --12.156.xxx.xx |
OT - computer disaster (by David [MI]) Posted on: Dec 4, 2017 7:22 AM
Message:
as for retrieving the data, you can remove the HD yourself and put it in a USB enclosure and see if you can get anything --12.156.xxx.xx |
OT - computer disaster (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Dec 4, 2017 7:25 AM
Message:
I dont know if there's any issue with the hard drive, because you can see it starting up in the back ground, then it jingles the normal opening song that it plays. Then goes to the log in page. I just can't make anything out. --174.201.xx.xxx |
OT - computer disaster (by S i d [MO]) Posted on: Dec 4, 2017 7:27 AM
Message:
If it boots up ok like that your hard-drive should be fine. I suggest just using a spare monitor to pull the data off to cloud or thumb drive, then get a new machine. Geek Squad should be able to do that for a small cost, or find someone you know who has a spare monitor. --173.19.xx.xxx |
OT - computer disaster (by Homer [TX]) Posted on: Dec 4, 2017 7:40 AM
Message:
I haven't used laptops in years , but back then I was able to plug a regular monitor into the laptop. Now for the future, get carbonite, it really works. I had hard drive failure in July, went and bought a new computer and had all my files back within 48 hours. Can't beat that. --75.141.xxx.xxx |
OT - computer disaster (by RathdrumGal [ID]) Posted on: Dec 4, 2017 8:11 AM
Message:
Geek Squad is bad and overpriced. I would not even try to fix your laptop. Do you have a Staples? Buy a $50 external hard drive. Staples will transfer your data to the external hard drive for FREE, then your data is safe and you can buy a new computer.
Keep your business files backed up on the external hard drive. It is fast,easy and safe. --98.146.xxx.xx |
OT - computer disaster (by tryan [MA]) Posted on: Dec 4, 2017 8:13 AM
Message:
Have to expect this stuff to break ... in the future back up to an external drive.
This time I'ld remove the hard drive and reinstall in a compatible computer. --198.168.xx.xxx |
OT - computer disaster (by Rangor [TN]) Posted on: Dec 4, 2017 8:28 AM
Message:
My experience has been to see if you can attach another monitor to it so that you can still see everything. A few years ago one of my sons thought it would be good to pull a big broken trophy out of the garbage can at his gym and bring it home. Somehow it got dropped on the screen size of my closed Mac laptop which caused a dent and made about 50% of the screen unreadable. Took it to the Mac Authority near us and they got me set up. It is no longer really functional as a laptop since I am chained to a monitor but at least it is useable and that was years ago. --107.77.xx.xx |
OT - computer disaster (by Nicoel [PA]) Posted on: Dec 4, 2017 8:55 AM
Message:
don't use Geek Squad ... go to a local shop that local businesses use that has been in business for 10 or more years. --72.95.xx.xxx |
OT - computer disaster (by Salernitana [CA]) Posted on: Dec 4, 2017 9:03 AM
Message:
What Rangor from TN wrote. If you have a spare monitor or can borrow one, just plug it in and attach it to the 9-pin connector on your laptop. Most likely, you're fine and will see everything ok on the monitor. Hard drives nowadays are super strong and can withstand lots of abuse. Perhaps, the biggest pain is to order and wait for a new laptop screen. I bought a screen on ebay and used youtube videos to replace my laptop screen with a philips screwdriver. The screen took around four days to receive, and it took around 30 minutes or so to replace the screen.
Best of luck and please share what happens. --67.170.xxx.xxx |
OT - computer disaster (by RR78 [VA]) Posted on: Dec 4, 2017 1:33 PM
Message:
Everyone seems to have a 700.00 Iphone.
So at least spend 200.00 to 300.00 for a good used laptop off ebay. Save this as a backup computer. So with a data backup somewhere of your files you can be up and running in 5 minutes and not mess up your busy day.
Then can take your time to buy a replacement Laptop to get the best deal and more important when you can afford the time.
--172.74.xxx.xxx |
OT - computer disaster (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Dec 4, 2017 9:56 PM
Message:
NE,
Cloud.
What is this thing you call "laptop"?
Sunday's OfficeDepot has a real one for $199.
BRAD --68.51.xx.xxx |
OT - computer disaster (by James [GA]) Posted on: Dec 5, 2017 12:45 AM
Message:
NE -
It was mentioned before - plug in an external monitor as an interim solution. Post the model up if you are unsure.
Post this, figure out a backup solution.. --88.217.xxx.xxx |
OT - computer disaster (by nhsailmaker [NH]) Posted on: Dec 5, 2017 5:27 AM
Message:
You now have a very slim desktop computer
attach a monitor , get a bluetooth keyboard & Mouse and you are good to go
get a laptop when you can and then transfer your stuff over using a program you can buy online --24.34.xx.xxx |
OT - computer disaster (by Kyle [IN]) Posted on: Dec 5, 2017 1:45 PM
Message:
Another vote for an external screen. I have been through this several times. Once, the backlight on my laptop went out, so the screen was too dark to see other than to tell it was still working in some way. Hooked it up to a monitor and moved all the data to a flash drive.
Multiple other laptops have met their end from viruses or hardware failures. I now use Carbonite to constantly keep all my files backed up. Of course, since I invested in the backup 3 years ago, I haven't had a laptop fail, so I haven't been through the process of downloading the backups to a new computer and getting everything set back up, but the reviews I have seen from those who have were good. --73.102.xxx.xx |
OT - computer disaster (by TonyT [PA]) Posted on: Dec 5, 2017 2:02 PM
Message:
Get a free backup program that copies your selected data (not the whole hard drive) to a thumb drive every night. Then have 2 thumb drives and switch them out once a week or once a month and keep the spare in a safe place like your car (in case your house burns).
I use NT Backup which is free from the old Windows XP version but works fine with Windows 10. It copies 8GBs in about 15 minutes and I have it perform this at 2am every day.
With cloud backups, other people have your data which can be stolen/hacked and you probably have to pay a monthly fee. But it's incredibly convenient. --73.230.xxx.xx |
OT - computer disaster (by Vee [OH]) Posted on: Dec 5, 2017 5:55 PM
Message:
I am going to say the screen would plug into blue if you have colors, I did this years ago a few times but I fix my own stuff and after 3 new screens I just decided to shop a large monitor, there was a 24inch HP my step-daughter said cost her just over 100bux, thumb drives have been my friend since you had to have a 4 gig one to use a school laptop in class - that thing cost about 50bux at CSU bookstore! Surely you will begin to shop for a couple thumbdrives once you can see the info again, the cloud is where Santa hides his toys and I have always been afraid of that idea - a kid that looks just like me had some good xmas stuff the year I made my little brothers head go thru the bedroom door without much blood leaking... --76.188.xxx.xx |
OT - computer disaster (by Steve [TN]) Posted on: Dec 6, 2017 5:31 AM
Message:
Most people already own an external monitor - It's called a TV! Plug your laptop into the TV using an HDMI cable. --68.156.xx.xx |
OT - computer disaster (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Posted on: Dec 7, 2017 7:29 PM
Message:
Time to ask Santa for a new lap top...and an external hard drive --24.101.xxx.xxx |
OT - computer disaster (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Posted on: Dec 7, 2017 7:31 PM
Message:
Time to ask Santa for a new lap top...and an external hard drive --24.101.xxx.xxx |
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