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Tools for computer repairs

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  • Computer
  • USB Drive
Last response: in General UK & Ireland Discussions
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October 10, 2010 10:07:06 PM

I am currently studying comp A+ and afterwards if i pass i would like to offer computer repairs in my local area.

I have just bought a practice pc and know I need to buy the tools to help me fix it.

I was thinking I would need the following to start. If you could let me know what else you think i need that would be great.

Screwdriver + pliers tool kit
Anti static strap and mat
Wireless dongle
Usb drive.

Thanks for the help.

More about : tools computer repairs

October 11, 2010 7:12:16 AM

vallumlj said:

I was thinking I would need the following to start. If you could let me know what else you think i need that would be great.

Screwdriver + pliers tool kit
Anti static strap and mat
Wireless dongle
Usb drive.


[#0005ff]You'll also need two memory sticks with the up-to-date versions of the best anti-malware utilities, along with XP Service Pack 3, Vista SP2 and ther Norton Removal Tool :D  You need two because you can't take a stick from one job to the next without taking it home to make sure it's clean. Hardly any of the jobs I see in an average week are hardware related but not machine leaves here without being vacuumed out and the fans thoroughly cleaned.

You can't really start doing this without being aware of the most recent malware threats and you shouldn't practice on other peoples' computers without telling them you don't know very much yet.
[/#000ff]
October 11, 2010 8:49:13 AM

Thanks for the advice what anti malware program would you recommend?

Is Microsoft Security Essentials a good all round program?
Related resources
October 11, 2010 9:04:07 AM


It's quite good but you need stronger programmes for the kind of threat you're likely to be clearing up. A few in my armoury are:-

HijackThis from http://www.trendmicro.com which tells you what's going on and from where you can also take the online scan at http://www.housecall.trendmicro.com
MalwareBytes from http://www.malwarebytes.com
SuperAntiSpyware from http://www.superantispyware.com
Spybot Search and Destroy from http://www.security.kolla.de
ComboFix from http://www.bleepingcomputer.com (thoroughly read the tutorial first)

You also need to clear out the clutter before scanning
ATF Cleaner from http://www.atribune.org and
CCleaner from http://www.piriform.com are each capable of finding things the other cannot.

I repeat that this is too involved an issue to go into in a few Forum posts - you get experience as you go along and from reading as many Forum posts as you can. Go into the Windows 7>Security Boards and the same in XP and Vista then visit other Fora - TechSupportGuy, Windows Newsgroups, Bleeping Computer - it's all good practice.

October 11, 2010 9:54:09 AM

Needle nose pliers
Volt meter
Network cable tester
USB Drive enclosure (Both 2.5 and 3.5)
USB CD Drive (CD is read only - no virus infection risk for you / better than memory stick)
Mobile phone with WiFi support / Laptop - Ace for checking if PC / Router issue


And if all else fails one of these

October 11, 2010 1:57:22 PM


Did I forget to mention an angle grinder for those secure data destruction moments?
November 3, 2011 10:18:00 AM

Why the hell are you grave digging year old threads??
November 3, 2011 10:25:16 AM

audiovoodoo said:
Why the hell are you grave digging year old threads??





You must have missed his other posts - he's touting for business.

November 4, 2011 2:53:33 AM

And I reported him on one of the other ones :) 
!