The only California State Licensed computer repair outlet based in Pacific Palisades.

 

BEFORE YOU CALL...

1. Is your computer still under a warranty or "extended warranty" that you may have paid for? If so you may wish to call the manufacturer so that you can A) have them fix it (for free) and B) not void the remainder of your warranty.

2. PCR does NOT work on MAC's. Just all versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7.

3. Sorry no residential out-calls.  If your business is located in a commercial real estate location, PCR can either pick up your computer ($20 extra in Pacific Palisades) or perform the work on-site (but only for certain issues). 

4. How old is your computer? Is your computer really worth fixing? Generally speaking, if the cost of repair exceeds half of what it would cost you to buy a replacement computer, then you might consider buying a new computer. PCR can migrate your data to a new system if you need help in that regard.

5. You can opt out of a full hardware repair but there is a mandatory $35 diagnostic fee.  charges $69.95 for an initial diagnostic.

Before bringing your computer in, PCR can provide you with a FREE "guestimate" as to what might be the root cause of your computer problem based on the symptoms you describe. At that time you may just decide that your PC is beyond repair. PC's with certain failed non-standard parts that are only available used or refurbished are often not worth repairing due to the costs and inherit higher part failure rate.

6. Is a lost Internet connection the only problem that you are having? If so your Internet service provider (ISP) or wireless provider may be able to fix this for you for FREE. Click here for details.

7. PCR is not a retailer of parts, software or computers. PCR is geared towards repairing home and small business computers, troubleshooting Windows operating system issues and hardware components found inside the computer.

8. If possible, back up your personal data including certificates (if any) and cryptographic keys (if any). Experts recommend that you have two safety backup copies of your data, for a total of 3 copies. Do NOT rely on just one backup method (example - external USB drive or Carbonite). Also be sure to verify that your data is properly backed up (for example compare file sizes to the original file sizes). Protecting your data is priority one on every computer that comes in for repair, however PCR is not legally liable for data loss. Read the waiver of liability and warranty.

9. No courtesy support for AOL's browser. CLICK HERE for details.

10. You may wish to visit this page for simple fixes to simple computer problems, or visit the basic computer maintenance page.

11. As part of the standard diagnostic & repair, Palisades Computer Repair (PCR) diagnosis and repairs internal computer hardware parts and the Windows operating system only. PCR guarantees this performed work for 30 days. AFTER the repair, PCR does NOT cover support, warranties or guarantees on any peripheral parts or software. Beyond what is covered under the labor warranty, PCR may provide limited support on other issues as a courtesy only shortly after the repair. Thereafter support is provided at a rate of $30 per hour, with a half hour minimum. BEFORE the repair please describe any specific concerns you might have with regard to software program and peripheral device settings, compatibility and functionality. CLICK HERE for a more detailed explanation.

This is the same policy you will find at other computer repair places such as and

 

Call 310-454-6912 (24 hours a day)

or email

 

 

WHAT TO BRING...

1) A legal, valid Windows product key (usually found on a sticker affixed somewhere underneath or on one side of your PC)

2) The ability to fix your computer fully and without delay can sometimes depend on whether or not you have certain discs:

Drivers CD (Helpful but usually not required. May also be labeled "System Restoration" or "System Recover")

3rd party software CD's (Example: Microsoft Office. If a specific software needs troubleshooting, or if reinstallation of Windows may be necessary it is important to have these discs.)

3rd party hardware CD's (example: printer / scanner installation CD's. Helpful but usually not required.)

3) Secondary hard drive -- Do you have critical data that you need backed up?  If so then please bring your own drive (internal or external drive), otherwise PCR can back up your data to an in-house drive. Remember that you should always have at least 1 but preferably 2 redundant back ups of your critical personal data - When you count the original drive, that's a total of three copies. Store the 3rd copy in a safe off-site location.

3) If this is a laptop computer problem, please bring your power adapter (that runs from the wall outlet to the computer). Make sure to bring the correct one that goes with your laptop, as different power adapters deliver different voltages. You do NOT need to provide your mouse, speakers, data or power cables, external monitor, etc.

4) If your monitors connect via a dual DVI-D splitter please bring the Y-adapter....

 

5) Please make a note of ALL issues that exist with the computer, and any recent changes that have been made (example: software or hardware updates and installations). Also note the approximate time (day and hour) when major computer failure occurred, when virus infection may have occurred, etc. All of this information is sometimes helpful.

NOTE: Not accepting credit cards at this time. Only accepting personal checks, money orders, or cash.

 

 

 

 

California State licensed by the Bureau of Electronic & Appliance Repair -- License # 87351

As of November 2011, I am one of only two State Licensed freelance repair techs in the West side area.

About Pete, the computer geek:

I am a Pacific Palisades resident since 1999 and a computer "geek" since the days of Windows 95. How geeky am I? The last 10 books I read were probably owner's manuals. I launched PCR in 2008. My studies include the Comp TIA A+ course (that most computer techs study) and the MCDST course, however the vast majority of my computer know-how comes from hands on experience repairing, building, testing, and constant studying of computers. Computer repair is about 5% classroom study and 95% learning by doing. In between computer repairs I test removal of the latest viruses found on malwaredomainlist.com so virus identification and removal is one of my specialties!

 

I am a Fresno State graduate (class of '87) , with a 4 year degree in Broadcasting, but as the landscape of the entertainment industry changed due to the Internet revolution, my focus shifted to computers. I combine the two fields somewhat by offering online intellectual property protection of movies, music, software and books.

Beware of unlicensed "techs"!

Virtually ALL of the freelance techs who work on computers in the Pacific Palisades / Westside area and solicit business in local papers are UNLICENSED! That's right -- NOT licensed as required by law. That means that no background check has been run on these individuals by the Bureau of Electronic & Appliance Repair. Just who you are trusting with your PC and data? As of November 2011, I am one of only two State Licensed freelance repair techs in the west side area.

Thinking about taking your PC to the "other geeks"?

Here's an undercover news story posted on YouTube about incompetence that goes on at some major chain stores. Watch what happens when something as simple as the BIOS boot order is changed on a computer that is otherwise perfectly healthy...

 

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Since 7/31/09