Computer advice needed

[Riverrose28]

Hi everyone, I need some help with my computer. It is not reading any disks, DVDs, or CDs. I've cleaned it out with compressed air, and still no action. It has been over a year since I took it into Best Buy and had it totally cleaned out. Question is, is it worth it to take it in for cleaning, or is there something I can do at home?

I'm thinking that since it is an older model that if I take it in for cleaning and it doesn't fix the problem then I'll need to send it out, spend lots of money, only to be told it can't be fixed.

Your advice is much appreciated, cause if I need to buy a new one it would save more money then trying to get it fixed, paying for service and then having to buy one.

 

[chandab]

While I don't know if its the best course of action, I've cleaned the dust, pet hair and cobwebs out of my tower myself. I should probably do more, but I just make sure its completely powered off, open the side and clean out the ick, put it back together and we're ready to go.

If you open it, you would be able to check the connections and make sure all are tight, but since its not reading discs, DVDs, etc, it might be something more wrong.

Last year, we sent hubby's computer out for an upgrade; can't recall exactly what Wes did, but at least, new memory cards to increase storage and speed. And, just a couple weeks ago, it got a new hard drive. Next failure, it'll probably have to be replaced; but since he only surfs the net, the old one is ok for now.

 

[Carolyn R]

We had this issue with a computer from best buy. It was basically a glitch that had to be programmed out of it. For some reason the computer told the drivers to uninstal and they needed reprogrammed to function. Makes one wonder if it is not purposely done at a specific point to prompt an owner to get their machine serviced (like certain vehicle manufacturers have a preset amount of miles that a service light comes on in the vihicle, just to take it into a dealership garage to have them shut the light off and tell you what they can offer to keep your vehicle running longer

)

 

[Riverrose28]

Oh Carolyn, I feel this way too, sometimes I feel like a fish caught on a hook, they give me some line, then reel me in, give me some line, and so on and so on. This is the third tower I have bought from them, seems like it is never ending, take it in for service, only to pay, then it still doesn't work right, then told you need a new one!

Think I'll at least try Chanabs advice and take it apart and see if cleaning it better helps, whatelse do I have to lose.

 

[chandab]

You might also look into an independant computer service company that isn't Best Buy, and see what they have to say, especially if cleaning the cobwebs and dust bunnies out and checking connections doesn't work.

And, it really sucks that computers are obsolete almost as soon as you remove them from the sales floor. The one my husband uses is 5-6 years old, I'd have to check records for sure. Mine is 2 years old, and so far its a gem (except what I did to it myself and had to have fixed).

 

[kristen_ttg]

When you pop in a disc does it actually do anything? Lights flash? Humming noises? Do you get any kind of error messages or "this disc needs to be formatted" alerts?

It's probably 1 of 2 things:

1) The drive is physically dead and needs to be replaced (no lights? No humming? Dead)

2) The drive is fine but the software that runs it (drivers) have become damaged/corrupted and need to be reinstalled. Just google a how-to on reinstalling drivers. It won't hurt anything to try.

If your machine is old, I wouldn't bother replacing the CD drive unless you can get one for free or a few bucks off freecycle or Craig's list. A new basic CD drive will run you about $15-$20 and is very easy to replace, but an external USB mounted one will cost about $30:

http://www.newegg.com/External-CD-DVD-Blu-Ray-Drives/SubCategory/ID-420

And you'll be able to keep it and presumably get some use out of it after you retire your current machine. You could also just remove the new CD drive and keep it around, but I think the external is probably more practical.

No reason to pay a tech a dime. You can fix it yourself for a lot cheaper.

 

[Riverrose28]

So glad I asked for help, and thanks to all that responded, I've now got several alternatives to try.

 

[AngC]

If I take my truck in for service, I just know they're using x-ray eyes to peer into my purse to determine my checking account balance.

That's why the husband takes care of that sort of thing; at least he's a little more knowledgeable/capable of fending them off.

I wouldn't take a used toilet to Best Buy/Geek Squad for service. Here's an interesting and relatively impartial comment on Best Buy services at a Consumer Reports subsidiary:

http://consumerist.c...eek-squad-geek/