Fall Computer Checkup: 5 Problems You Shouldn’t Ignore
Fall is a great time to take care of those computer problems you’ve been putting off. Maybe your laptop is running hotter than it used to, Windows seems slower, your storage is nearly full, or you’ve been wondering whether your older computer is worth repairing at all.
At Twin Cities PC Repair, I see these problems every day. And after 20 years in business, one thing I’ve learned is that computer problems rarely fix themselves. A small issue today can turn into an expensive repair—or lost data—tomorrow.
If you’re looking for computer repair in Bloomington, MN, here are five things I recommend checking before we head into the busy fall and holiday season.
1. Is Your Computer Slower Than It Used to Be?
Computers naturally accumulate software, updates, temporary files, startup applications, and other clutter over time. But a noticeable slowdown shouldn’t automatically be dismissed as “the computer getting old.”
There may be a specific reason for it.
A slow computer could be suffering from a nearly full SSD, insufficient memory, excessive startup programs, Windows errors, malware, overheating, or even a storage drive beginning to fail.
One of the first things I look at when diagnosing a slow computer is why it’s slow rather than simply recommending replacement.
Sometimes a relatively inexpensive SSD or memory upgrade can dramatically improve performance and extend the useful life of a computer for several more years.
Other times, I’ll tell you that putting more money into the machine simply doesn’t make sense.
That’s one of the advantages of dealing with a local, independent computer repair shop. My goal isn’t to sell you the most expensive solution—it’s to find the right solution.
2. A Hot Computer Is Trying to Tell You Something
Does your laptop’s fan seem to run constantly?
Does the bottom of the computer get extremely hot?
Does performance suddenly drop while you’re gaming, editing photos, or doing other demanding work?
Those symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.
Dust gradually collects inside computers and can restrict airflow through cooling fans and heatsinks. Thermal compound between the processor and heatsink can also deteriorate with age.
When temperatures become excessive, modern processors can reduce their operating speed to protect themselves. This is called thermal throttling, and it can make an otherwise powerful computer feel surprisingly slow.
Gaming laptops are especially susceptible because powerful CPUs and graphics processors are packed into a very small space.
Cleaning the cooling system, checking operating temperatures, inspecting the fans, and replacing old thermal compound when appropriate can help restore performance and potentially extend the computer’s life.
3. Back Up Your Files Before You Need Data Recovery
Here’s something I wish every computer owner would remember:
If an important file exists in only one place, it isn’t really backed up.
Hard drives and SSDs can fail. Computers can be dropped. Windows can become corrupted. Ransomware can encrypt files. Laptops can be stolen. Sometimes a computer simply doesn’t turn on one morning.
Important photographs, tax documents, business files, family videos, and other irreplaceable information should have more than one copy.
Microsoft has a helpful Windows backup overview explaining several available backup options.
I generally recommend having important information stored in more than one location, such as your computer plus an external drive or reputable cloud service.
If your drive is already acting strangely, that’s different.
Freezing, corrupted files, disappearing folders, extremely slow file access, startup problems, or unusual noises from a mechanical hard drive can indicate a more serious problem.
Twin Cities PC Repair offers in-shop data recovery, but the best data recovery job is the one you never need because you already have a good backup.
4. Computer Scams Are Becoming More Convincing
One of the biggest technology threats I see isn’t a defective computer.
It’s social engineering.
Scammers don’t necessarily need sophisticated malware if they can convince someone to voluntarily give them access to a computer.
Fake Microsoft security warnings, subscription-renewal invoices, antivirus notices, bank alerts, delivery notifications, and browser pop-ups are designed to create urgency.
They want you to react before you have time to think.
Be especially suspicious when someone unexpectedly asks you to install remote-access software, provide banking information, purchase gift cards, transfer money, or give them access to your computer.
If something on your screen doesn’t look right, you’re welcome to contact me before taking action.
I’d much rather answer a quick question than see someone lose thousands of dollars to a scammer.
5. Should You Repair Your Computer or Replace It?
This is probably one of the most common questions I’m asked:
“Patrick, is this thing even worth fixing?”
Sometimes yes.
Sometimes no.
And that’s exactly why I think an honest diagnosis is important.
A five-year-old quality laptop that needs an SSD may have plenty of useful life remaining. An inexpensive eight-year-old laptop needing a motherboard, battery, and screen probably isn’t a smart investment.
I consider the computer’s processor, RAM, storage, physical condition, Windows compatibility, repair cost, and what you’re actually using it for.
If repairing it makes sense, I’ll tell you.
If replacing it makes more sense, I’ll tell you that too.
Twin Cities PC Repair also offers new and certified refurbished computers, so I can help you find an appropriate replacement without overselling you on features you’ll never use.
I also build custom desktop and gaming computers when an off-the-shelf PC isn’t the right solution.
Bonus: Don’t Forget About Computer Security
Security software is another area that’s easy to neglect until there’s a problem.
Keeping Windows updated, using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication where available, maintaining current security software, and being cautious about unexpected emails and pop-ups can dramatically reduce your risk.
For customers who want an additional layer of protection, I also offer Residential Managed Antivirus for $9.99 per PC per month.
In addition to managed antivirus protection, the service includes system-performance monitoring for hardware and system errors.
There’s no long-term commitment, and you can cancel anytime.
Your Local Computer Guy in Bloomington, MN
Twin Cities PC Repair is celebrating 20 years in business this year, and I’m incredibly grateful for the customers throughout Bloomington and the Twin Cities who have trusted me with their computers over the years.
I’m a one-person, locally owned computer shop, which means when you call Twin Cities PC Repair, you’re dealing directly with me—the same person who will diagnose, repair, upgrade, or build your computer.
I provide residential computer repair, laptop repair, virus and malware removal, data recovery, hardware upgrades, computer tune-ups, new and certified refurbished computer sales, and custom PC builds.
My Bloomington location is also conveniently located near the Mall of America and MSP Airport, making drop-off and pickup easy for customers throughout the south metro.
Has Your Computer Been Trying to Tell You Something?
Slow startup?
Constant fan noise?
Random freezing?
Windows errors?
A failing battery?
Strange pop-ups?
Or maybe your computer simply doesn’t feel as fast as it used to.
Don’t wait until it completely stops working.
If you’re looking for dependable computer repair in Bloomington, MN, give me a call and let’s figure out what’s going on.
Twin Cities PC Repair
Residential Sales & Support (651) 456-8655
Twin Cities PC Repair Celebrates 20 Years: Hardware Trends, Computer Scams & Why Local Service Still Matters
This year marks an incredible milestone for Twin Cities PC Repair—I’m celebrating 20 years in business! I want to sincerely thank every customer who has trusted me with their computers, laptops, and technology over the past two decades. Your referrals, repeat business, and support have allowed me to do what I love since opening my doors in 2006.
Technology has changed tremendously over the years. I’ve worked on everything from Windows XP desktops to today’s AI-ready Windows 11 computers. While the hardware has evolved, my commitment has remained the same: provide honest recommendations, quality repairs, fair pricing, and the kind of personalized service you simply won’t find at a big-box retailer.
Here’s a look at what’s happening in the world of technology this month.
Computer Hardware Continues to Improve
Computer technology continues to advance at an impressive pace. The latest processors from Intel and AMD offer outstanding performance while using less power than previous generations. Whether you’re gaming, editing photos and videos, working from home, or simply browsing the web, today’s computers are faster and more efficient than ever.
Artificial intelligence is also making its way into modern computers. Many new systems now include dedicated AI processing hardware that can improve video conferencing, boost battery life, and accelerate certain applications. While these features are exciting, I always encourage my customers to buy a computer based on what they’ll actually use—not just the latest marketing buzzwords.
If you’re thinking about replacing your computer, I’d be happy to help you choose the right system for your needs and budget before you spend your hard-earned money.
Memory and SSD Prices Continue to Offer Great Value
One of the most cost-effective ways to breathe new life into an older computer is by upgrading the memory (RAM) or replacing a traditional hard drive with a solid-state drive (SSD).
Fortunately, memory pricing has remained relatively stable, and SSDs continue to offer excellent performance at affordable prices. In many cases, these upgrades can make an older computer feel dramatically faster without the expense of buying a brand-new system.
One thing I’ve always believed is that if your computer can be upgraded instead of replaced, I’ll tell you. My goal isn’t to sell you something you don’t need—it’s to recommend the solution that makes the most sense for your situation. Sometimes that’s a new computer, but many times it’s a simple upgrade that can extend the life of your existing system by several years.
Computer Scams Are Becoming More Sophisticated
Unfortunately, scammers continue finding new ways to target computer users, and I see the results almost every week.
Some of the most common scams I’m currently helping customers recover from include the following:
Fake Microsoft or antivirus pop-up warnings claiming your computer is infected.
Emails pretending to be your bank, Amazon, UPS, FedEx, or another trusted company.
Text messages demanding payment for fake tolls or shipping fees.
Tech support scams asking you to call a phone number or allow remote access to your computer.
Fake subscription renewal notices and invoices designed to trick you into sending money.
Whenever you see one of these scams, remember a few simple rules:
Never call the phone number shown in a pop-up warning.
Never allow someone remote access unless you contacted them first.
Be cautious of urgent emails or text messages requesting immediate action.
If you’re unsure, call me before clicking anything. I’d much rather answer a quick question than help recover from a costly scam later.
Why Working with a Local Computer Shop Still Matters
Today’s world offers plenty of online support options and national retailers, but there’s still something valuable about working with someone local.
When you bring your computer to Twin Cities PC Repair, you’re working directly with me from start to finish. There are no call centers, no commissioned salespeople, and no pressure to buy unnecessary services.
I take the time to explain what’s wrong, answer your questions, and recommend solutions that fit both your needs and your budget. My goal has always been to build long-term relationships based on honesty, reliability, and trust.
Many of my customers have been coming back for years. They refer their family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers because they know I’ll treat them fairly and do everything I can to solve their computer problems.
Those relationships mean more to me than any advertising campaign ever could.
Your Google Reviews Make a Huge Difference
One of the greatest compliments you can give my business is leaving a Google review.
When someone is searching for computer repair, they often don’t know who to trust. Your reviews help them feel confident that they’ll receive honest service from someone who genuinely cares about doing the job right.
I’m incredibly grateful for every five-star review my customers have shared over the years. Each review helps my small business grow, improves my visibility in local Google searches, and gives potential customers peace of mind before they ever pick up the phone.
If I’ve helped you recently and you haven’t had a chance to leave a review, I’d truly appreciate it. Your feedback means more than you probably realize, and it plays a major role in helping Twin Cities PC Repair continue to grow.
Thank You for 20 Amazing Years!
Celebrating 20 years in business is something I don’t take for granted.
Every repair, every upgrade, every custom computer I’ve built, every virus I’ve removed, and every customer I’ve had the privilege of helping has contributed to this milestone. I’m incredibly thankful for the trust you’ve placed in me over the years.
As technology continues to change, one thing never will: my commitment to providing honest advice, dependable service, and personalized support to my customers throughout Bloomington and the Twin Cities.
Thank you for supporting a local small business and allowing me to do what I love for the past 20 years. I look forward to helping you with your technology needs for many years to come.
If your computer is running slow, needs an upgrade, has been infected by malware, or you’re ready for a new system, I’d be honored to help.
Protect Yourself from Computer Scams: Stay Informed and Stay Safe – 4/18/2024
In this digital age, computers have become an integral part of our lives. Unfortunately, alongside the advancements in technology, computer scams have also become increasingly prevalent. These scams can result in financial loss, identity theft, and a breach of privacy. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to be aware of the common types of computer scams and take preventative measures to protect themselves.
Phishing Computer Scams
Phishing scams are one of the most common forms of online fraud. They involve tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details through deceptive emails or websites that appear legitimate. To avoid falling victim to such scams, always double-check the email sender’s address and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
Tech Support Computer Scams
Tech support scams often involve cold-calling unsuspecting victims and posing as tech support representatives from reputable companies like Microsoft or Apple. These scammers claim that your computer has been infected with malware or viruses and offer assistance at a price. Never give remote access to your computer unless you initiate contact with verified customer support channels.
Online Shopping Computer Scams
With the rise in e-commerce transactions comes an increase in online shopping scams. Fraudulent sellers may advertise products at incredibly low prices but fail to deliver upon payment confirmation or send counterfeit items instead. Be cautious when dealing with unknown sellers by checking their reviews and ensuring secure payment methods are used.
Lottery/Sweepstakes Computer Scams
Lottery or sweepstakes scams often target individuals by informing them they have won a large sum of money but require upfront fees for processing charges or taxes before releasing any funds. Remember that genuine lotteries do not require winners to pay any fees before receiving their winnings; if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Imposter/CEO Fraud
Imposter fraud involves scammers impersonating high-ranking officials within organizations via email correspondence aimed at deceiving employees into sending money transfers under false pretenses like urgent business matters or emergency situations involving suppliers/customers/payments/etc.
To prevent falling prey:
a) Always verify email addresses carefully.
b) Implement dual authorization processes for financial transactions.
c) Train employees regularly on identifying fraudulent emails.
d) Establish clear protocols regarding sensitive financial information handling.
Conclusion
The digital world provides us numerous advantages but also exposes us to various cyber threats—including computer scams—that can wreak havoc on our personal lives and finances if we’re not careful.
By staying informed about the common types of computer scams and taking proactive measures to protect ourselves, we can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim to these malicious activities. It is crucial to remain cautious when navigating the online world, double-checking emails, verifying sources, and avoiding suspicious links or offers. By staying informed and staying safe, we can ensure that our computers remain a tool for productivity and enjoyment rather than a gateway for scams and fraud. By being informed about the common types of computer scams and taking proactive measures to protect ourselves, we can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim to these malicious activities. It is crucial to remain cautious when navigating the online world, double-checking emails, verifying sources, and avoiding suspicious links or offers. By staying informed and staying safe, we can ensure that our computers remain a tool for productivity and enjoyment rather than a gateway for scams and fraud.
Twin Cities PC Repair is very passionate about keeping its clients informed and protected from various internet scams. The key benefit of working with me is that you have a personal contact for any technical/security questions or concerns. I am a person you can trust when protecting your computer and online presence. Just call me at (651) 456-8655 or visit my Contact page on my website. Together, we will make sure you don’t fall victim to these digital predators!
These scammers want access to your computer and they’ll do anything to get it!
Chances are, you’ve probably received a random phone call from one of these demanding scammers. Either they’ll call you randomly or you will stumble upon one of their realistic pop-up warnings notifying you that your computer has been infected or hacked and to call Microsoft Technical Support immediately. The problem is, the number they provide is not Microsoft’s. Once you’re on the phone with the scammer, he or she will likely be of East Indian descent. They will direct you to a website to gain remote access to your PC and once they are in, they will run a bunch of bogus tests likely through a DOS prompt to try and get you to believe that your IP/Ports are being accessed by a hacker. This is completely bogus information! These scammers are expertly trained in deploying scare tactics to try to scam you out of your hard-earned money. And they don’t take “No” for an answer. These clowns have even been known to swear at you over the phone before hanging up on you. I, as owner of Twin Cities PC Repair, even received a call from one of these scammers. Now, being that I’m well educated on cyber scams, I decided to play their game for awhile… After wasting 45 minutes of their time listening to the spiel and playing along with it, when they asked me for my credit card so that they may install their software to clean my PC, I told them that I am a IT business owner!! I won’t even repeat what they said to me (LOL) because of its profanity.
What should you do?
The best thing to do if you receive a call out of the blue from one of the Microsoft Support Scammers would be to hang up on them. Chances are they might call you back, and if they do, you can simply call them out on their scam and let them know that you are calling your state and local authorities.
If you happen to stumble upon a website with their realistic and scary looking pop-up, you can do one of four things:
1.) If you can get to the (X) at the top right corner of your browser, simply close out of all browser windows.
2.) If you can’t close your browser windows, you can try rebooting your PC through the start menu.
3.) If you can’t click on your start menu, you can try clicking Ctrl+Alt+Del, click on Task Manager, click on the browser listed and click the End Task at the lower right corner of the dialog box. This will force close your browser.
4.) If none of the above work for you, simply hold the power button down on your PC for 10 seconds. This will force a hard shutdown of your PC. Boot your PC back up and you should be good to go.
As with any pop-up page on the web, there is always a chance that the website might be infected with malware. Always make sure to run a virus/malware scan afterwards with a reputable virus/malware scanner (Preferably on you subscribe to). If you are in need of a reliable antivirus software, please visit our security services page HERE.
Will it ever end?!?
According to Microsoft, from approximately November 2013 through 2016, Client Care Experts victimized over 40,000 people and defrauded these individuals out of more than $25,000,000!! So, what’s being done about these frauds? The FTC is on it! They recently teamed up with the State of Alabama and settled with a handful of technical support companies who were using their scams to impersonate major tech companies such as Apple and Microsoft. A few suspect companies include:
We certainly don’t anticipate these scams ending anytime soon, in fact, they’re growing by the day and they’re finding new and innovative ways to try to con you into believing your personal information is in danger. The best thing to do is to educate yourself on trending scams. Twin Cities PC Repair is constantly investigating a multitude of current scams, so feel free to call us at (651) 456-8655 or send us a message through our contact form HERE if you have any suspicions. We are more than happy to help you! Also, make sure to subscribe to our mailing list below for important news and updates.
Please keep in mind, if you have fallen victim to one of these tech support scams, Twin Cities PC Repair is unable to assist in the recovery of any funds taken from your bank account by the scammer. Please contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately.
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