Category: Recent Jobs

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Sunday Tech Support

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Sunday Tech Support

I dropped back the laptop I finished fixing yesterday, then back to the office to finish remote support on a laptop I was working on yesterday that had  turned itself off. The customer and I couldn’t get it to connect again, so I drove over to pick pick it up. Back at the office I fixed the remaining problems, then jumped back in the car to return it to the customer. Social distancing, and antibacterial wipes were used, of course. The laptop had been very slow (for example, when opening Microsoft Excel), and occassionally locking up. Here’s a list of some of the things I did to fix it.

CDI Caution

  • The first thing I checked was the hard disk health. It reports it has reallocated sectors. In simple terms, it has had trouble reading several blocks of data, so when it did finally get read the data, it moved the data to ‘spare sectors’. I explained to the customer that if this was my own disk I would replace it as it’s the first sign of failure. However, we agreed to check the disk periodically and if the number of reallocted sectors increases, we will rplace the disk. Meanwhile, I set up an online backup (second copy) of the customer’s files.
  • I removed TotalAV Antivirus. It had been installed by mistake after an advert popped up a fake warning saying his antivirus was due to expire, and to ‘click here’ to continue protection. Clicking it downloaded and installed this software, even though the customer already had McAfee antivirus (which I don’t recommend either).
  • I removed Booking.com adware (advertising malware). It’s nothing to do with the holiday booking site, it’s an unwanted app that periodically shows adverts.
  • I had to do a password reset to log in to OneDrive.
  • I repaired some corrupt Windows files, did a tune-up, and installed a Windws Update.

I also provided phone support for a couple of internet and router/modem/hub connectivity problems. There were some other calls too, but this post is long enough and it’s 9:30pm and I’d like to get out of the office.

If you have any computer propblems that you need professional help with, please phone me if you’re in the UK. Phone numbers are on this page on a green icon (somewhere, depending on whether you’re on a computer, tablet or phone). If you’re outside the UK I can still help. Use the Contact Me form on this website and I’ll be in touch. Thanks!

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Today at CBits Tech Support

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Today at CBits Tech Support

Hi.

Another Saturday doing tech support during the Coronovirus pandemic. Here’s a selection of the work I did today.Update to the latest version of Windows 10

I had picked up a laptop earlier in the week from a customer in Langdon Hills (Laindon) Essex. It was running very slowly and locking up. Doing remote support with those problems is impossible, so I offered to pick it up, observing social distancing. Having solved the slowness and locking up, the Windows Updates kept failing. It takes a long time troubleshooting this because each update attept takes a long time. Eventually I got the updates to work. One final abtibacterial wipe and it’s ready to go back to the customer tomorrow (Sunday).

I spoke to several customers on the phone who logged me in for remote support. These jobs included:

  • Updating the Skype app on a laptop, and resetting the Microsoft password that is used to sign in to Skype.
  • Installing the Viber Windows desktop app and linking it to the existing phone app.
  • Reinstalling NortonLifeLock 360 Premier.
  • Turn off Facebook Notifications that pop up (slide in) from the right of the screen.
  • Discussion about the new Google Meet chat that shows on the left side of Gmail.
  • Two password resets for different customers, one for Microsoft and Skype, and other for Amazon.
  • Advice and product recommendation for a WiFi range extender for an existing TP-Link wired Powerline Adapter.

Finally, another remote support session to do another Windows Upgrade. The customer had this message. “You’re currently running a version of Windows that’s nearing the end of service. We recommend you update to the most recent version of Windows 10 to get the latest features and security improvements.” However, his desktop PC wouldn’t update to the newer Windows 10 Version 1909. I was able to sort this out remotely.

If you need tech support, please phone the numbers top-right of this page. You can also subscribe for free to receive emails of updates here. Look for the ‘Subscribe’ option.

All IT, Recent Jobs

Recent Jobs

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Recent Jobs

Working on a Sunday to catch up with filing job sheets. Here’s a small selection of recent work undertaken.

Decommissioning a Windows XP computer. I was going to remove the hard disk and put it in an enclosure so the data didn’t go off to the recycling centre, but someone had already removed it. So, it’s safe to take it to the tip.

Telephone support for email problems, followed by more phone-based email troubleshooting (this time for TalkTalk email).

Remote support for a regular customer for suspected virus clean-up.

Upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 on a desktop PC and a laptop for the same couple. Microsoft is still not charging for this with the method I use, and since the customer pays me a monthly subscription (retainer) the work was done using up their contract hours making this a free upgrade to Windows 10.

 

Remember, I offer remote support worldwide, so please contact me if you need my services.

 

All IT, Recent Jobs

Recent Jobs

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Recent Jobs

I don’t often get time (or don’t remember) to post recent jobs on this site, but here’s a few that I did recently.

Install a new TalkTalk router on Canvey Island, set it up, and connect the laptop and phone via WiFi.

Troubleshooting AOL email on an iPad in Langdon Hills, backing up two laptops, and sorting out a couple of password problems including a password reset.

Troubleshooting problems on a Microsoft Surface RT and a 4th Generation iPod.

 

If you need help on these issues or any other issues, please contact me.

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Recent Jobs

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Recent Jobs

Just a random selection of recent jobs I’ve completed for customers.

  • New HP Laptop and printer set-up
  • Windows not booting after using system restore to attempt a fix, and printer problems – fixed. Set up email on Android phone, and set mobile broadband data use warning and limit
  • Same-day-service for business customer to fix “no internet” problem. Also installed and set up Dropbox, and set up and run their first backup
  • Windows Login problem solved, Windows Updates completed, Antivirus installation
  • Non-starting Windows PC problem solved, advice on Windows Updates, and advice and tuition on Kindle Fire Tablet
  • Failing hard disk on a laptop. Backed up data, replaced hard disk with SSD (Solid State Disk), installed Windows 10, restored data
  • Windows XP won’t shutdown. I know, Windows XP! Retro! Also, fixed line, wired phone sometimes can’t dial out.
  • New printer installed and set up so customer can print from PC, iPad, iPod and Android phones. General PC tune-up highlighted Windows Updates were failing (now fixed), and a security checkup (Norton auto renewal).
  • Lenovo Ideapad set-up, Norton installation and activation, Gmail account creation.
  • iPad locked during update and couldn’t access iTunes server on Windows Vista, solved by using another computer and resetting the iPad and installing updates.
  • Computer infected with viruses and malware due to Norton not working – disinfected and fixed Norton, updated Windows, tested emails. Installed ad blocker on another PC. Advice on tablets and phones.

If there’s anything I can help you with please contact me on the numbers top-right of this page or by using the Contact form by clicking here.

Thanks for reading.

All IT, Recent Jobs

Recent Jobs

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Recent Jobs

This topic only gets occasional updates. Not every job I do is included here, but here are some of the recent things I’ve been working on.

Windows Updates. Lots of Windows Update problems. Lots! Windows 7 takes ages to search for updates, and often fails. Windows 8 and 8.1, and Windows 10 often have problems too. There doesn’t seem to be one fix that fixes all problems. If you need your Windows Updates looked at then please let me know. I have a way of doing Updates without having to use the “Check for Updates” feature that can often resolve the issue.

I recently did remote support to help a customer set up a YouTube account, a YouTube Chanel, and upload her first video.

Phone support for a “laptop won’t turn on”.

Phone support for a browser locked by a fake virus warning.

Telephone support for another browser locked with a fake warning, and the screen was turned sideways.

 

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Zeus Virus Removal

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Zeus Virus Removal

A new customer called me to say that his laptop was locked with a warning that he had a virus (Zeus virus) and it was playing a loud audio warning and displaying warning with a number to phone to have it removed.

I’m pretty sure that he didn’t have the Zeus Virus, he had some fake virus warning that is designed to lock you out until you call the fake tech support phone number to let them log in and sort out non-existent problems and charge a fortune for it.

His “free trial” of McAfee had expired, and after fixing the virus warning I recommended my combination of security software and did a full scan for him to ensure no infections remained.

 

If you have any type of virus warning on your computer, or thing you might be a target for fake tech support, please contact me on the numbers top-right of this page or via the Contact form on the right of the menu bar at the top of this page.

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Recent Jobs catchup

by Colin BowenLeave a Comment on Recent Jobs catchup

It has been a very busy time recently. I’m catching up with paperwork today, so here’s a selection of the recent jobs I’ve completed. “Remote support” is where I’m in the office and a customer logs me in via the internet, “on-site” is where I visit the customer’s home of office premises, and “return to base” is where I bring the computer back to my office to complete the work.

PC Tune-up via remote support.

Customer called saying he had a warning on his computer that he had a virus and “someone is trying to exploit your hard drive”, and that his files would be deleted in five minutes. He logged me in for remote support and less that 30 minutes later his computer was back to normal.

For another customer, he had a hard disk failure that needed a replacement, including data recovery and backup, supply and fit new hard disk, install Windows 10, and restore data from backup. Initially the customer reported several problems such as Chrome freezing when trying to attach files, Word and Excel freezing when using cut and paste, and Excel freezing when using “open” or “save as”. My diagnostics revealed that the hard disk was failing. Return to base to complete the work as it was more convenient for us both.

Security set-up on three PCs. Same customer as above logged me in for remote support on his three computers (one desktop, one old laptop, and one new laptop) to ensure all had my recommended combination of security software/apps.

Another long job. Customer contacted me about her computer freezing the un-freezing, constant cut-outs of Wifi, and the cursor jumping all over the screen when she was typing. I went on-site to take a look, but had to bring the laptop back to the office for more diagnostics. It turned out to be two separate issues; the freezing and WiFi issues were caused by a faulty DVD/CD drive (maybe shorting out), and the jumping cursor was caused by a faulty touch-pad. I removed the DVD/CD tray and disconnected the touch pad and returned the laptop to the customer (with a mouse she could borrow) while I sourced replacement parts. When the parts were in I went on-site and fitted them there.

That’s enough for now.

If you need help, please contact me on the numbers at the top-right of the page, or via this contact form this contact form (click here). Please do not leave comments to request help, as I may not see them for some time.