The PC crashed. I'm trying to understand what caused it.
The PC crashed. I'm trying to understand what caused it.
@punkncat
,
Your responses are really appreciated! I also addressed the matter with SkyNetRising, though much of what I said is in this thread. I wanted to add my thoughts as well.
It seems the PC is now running with the updated motherboard, although I haven’t personally checked. I apologize if my previous comments caused confusion. I’m currently using talk to text on my phone and am posting nervously, just in case.
The issue is that they assured me everything was okay except the motherboard, and now they’re demanding more money because the graphics card is damaged. It looks like each charge is $150—motherboard $150, GPU $150, labor $150. I should hurry because the new GPU is on sale! This makes me wonder if other components are also faulty. Did they properly test my PSU? My expensive sound card? Anything else? I really doubt it.
This means I’ll have to take it elsewhere and spend even more just to get back on track.
Fortunately, I have a ride tomorrow morning and plan to request proof of the PC’s condition before returning it. It would cost $300 for the services they promised, but apparently they didn’t deliver.
I spoke to my bank today and they mentioned I could potentially file a dispute later, but it would be tough to prove on my side unless the PC still works, since it was dead when I handed it over.
I never thought this would happen.
Regarding the main reason for the failure:
I hope I can contact the project manager handling the original repairs in my area. They’re a government-funded organization here for low-income and disabled individuals. Even though I can’t give an exact timeline due to my condition, it seems clear their work caused the problems. They can’t damage people’s homes.
I just read your second message about reviews—thank you for that. I’ll definitely pursue this issue thoroughly once my PC is back in good shape. They have all five-star Google ratings, which is surprising given what happened.
I would have preferred working with Geek Squad instead.
Thanks again!
I would request your previous components back. Inform the store you intend to try selling them to recover the repair expense and sell them. The shop will likely be less eager to return your parts, but I suspect you may have already discarded them. If they do return them, you’ll at least have the reassurance that perhaps the motherboard is still functional and you didn’t hand them another part.
In the future, you’ll have some peace of mind knowing you might not have thrown them away already.
Not claiming every detail about what happened in your basement is the full explanation for where you’re now, but I’ve already replaced many dead motherboards with fresh batteries.
Some systems behave differently when the battery is dead—no response when you press power. Was that your concern, or was it the power supply?
I don’t fully trust shops. I always label the back of the motherboard with a marker and my name, noting when I worked on it. Once, a system returned to me after an owner had problems for months. They sent it back to the shop, charged for a new motherboard, and when I brought it back a month later, it was still dead.
They only cleaned out the computer and put a partially dead battery in. They charged a huge amount for the repair instead of fixing it properly. All they needed was a brand new battery.
Thanks for reaching out, but I'm not sure how to proceed. The person who helped me had issues with their work and didn't seem reliable. They mentioned trying a new battery but didn't follow through, which makes me doubt their honesty. I'm worried about whether other parts are still functioning or if any tests were done. The biggest concern is they won't give proof of fixing the issue. I'm not sure what to do next.
The situation is quite odd. My friend bought an HP Omen but it wouldn't start properly. He returned the first one, then brought a new one to the service desk and it worked without problems. He takes it back home, but it doesn't function there either. Eventually, we discovered a problem with his home power setup, though the idea was that if the store hadn't powered it up, there would have been no evidence or explanation about its proper operation.
@punkncat
Appreciate the message again! I'm not familiar with this process beforehand, and it's not ideal to leave without seeing proof. Especially in cases like yours, if something fails at home or with other parts, I expect a fair resolution and my money back. I have a witness for about 99% of these situations.
She mentioned she wouldn't be able to power it up at the counter—it's a PC repair shop, after all. I'd assume they should have designated spots for plugging in PCs. A trustworthy shop would test the machine thoroughly, showing it's functioning properly with integrated graphics.
I checked their Google reviews yesterday and saw many people mentioning they could bring in PCs, test them on-site, and even do work for free. I now think those reviews might be fake. Most of them cite two non-existent employees, and none of them mention the people I've worked with.
This situation is clearly improving.
@Zerk2012
Thanks again! Apparently the new motherboard—just a minor upgrade from my old one—works. But they claim they can't confirm what was tested or whether the machine started properly. For my knowledge, these reviews seem fabricated. They usually reference two people who don't exist and never mention the individuals I've collaborated with.
I'm starting to believe this is getting worse.
@Cyberat_88
You're welcome! Apparently the updated motherboard functions, but they insist they can't verify the full test results or turn it on for me when I visit. Some of my drives might be damaged, and if the power supply wasn't checked properly, it could have caused total failure.
I'm still puzzled about why everything else worked but the graphics card is now dead. I asked them about it, and they said they didn't know because they weren't the one who handled my PC. They suggested it might have worked initially but failed later.
I don't think they realize the issue lies with them since the hardware was in their possession and used during testing. I'm planning to wait until next week when the technician returns before picking it up.
I'll demand an explanation and stop being overly polite once I'm there.
@Cyberat_88
Thanks for the kind words! The only thing needed was a cutting board—or something similar nearby. My PC was in the perfect spot, so here I am.
I've contacted the project manager but haven't received much clarity yet. They seem closed on Fridays, so I should learn more early next week.
Considering their role and reputation in my community, I truly hope they'll cooperate and resolve this. Looking back, I should have involved them before taking it to a shop.
If they refuse, I'm confident I can escalate the matter to higher authorities in the state.
I hope this doesn't lead to any conflict or animosity, as I depend on this organization for essential services as a disabled homeowner.
I'm deeply upset and concerned this issue is worsening with each visit.
Hopefully, things will improve soon.
Thank you all again!
It seems like you're trying to convey that the video card is outdated and easy to remove. The message emphasizes frustration with the current situation.
Exactly! That's what they claim they're doing ("again," "double check" everything) before I come to collect it. But somehow they've told me they won't activate it while I'm there.
Like I messaged punkncat, that's their mistake.
I'll bring someone along and if it fails when I get home, I'll contact my bank to dispute the charges.
I've already talked to my bank, they advised me to verify it before making any payments, but the service isn't responding.
Any reputable shop would handle this properly.
The hardest part is realizing I didn't really need or want any of this hassle. I just wanted a legitimate repair that diagnosed and fixed my PC correctly.
It's strange how this turned out. The only positive was knowing I'd receive my old parts.
I should have kept all the serial numbers to confirm they're genuine.
Thanks again!
how long has the pc been lying in the basement.
important facts about motherboards and parts generally they avoid humid environments.
pc boards and graphics cards are constructed from multiple layers on the pcb. if the pc gets hot and releases moist air, it may lead to the pcb expanding and contracting, causing widening and cracks in the pcb or joints of the components to fail.