What to do before you fix your computer?

When fixing your computer, it is important to unplug it from the power, unplug all your external cables like USB, video, and sound, get your tools ready, and use Antistatic tools to prevent static.

Your computer has a lot of power in it, so even when it is off, it can still have power inside of it which can electrocute yourself when working inside your PC to fix it.Unplugging your computer from your wall power .

You should also unplug all your cables like USB, mouse, keyboard, sound, video, phone, network, and all other cables from the back of the computer to avoid damage to your computer parts or cables if you were to move the case of the PC, and cables, and to prevent power from your printer, monitor, and other external powered device from zapping you.



Next you want to get your computer tools like screw drivers, pliers, etc to open your PC case, and unscrew parts from your PC which needs to be replaced.

If your computer is very dirty inside, you may need to clean out the dust, dirt, and lint out first before you work on it. I recommend the Metro Vacuum ED500 DataVac 500-Watt 0.75-HP Electric Duster 120-Volt to easily and safely blow out the dust outside of your home.

It is also important to use Anti-static tools like an Anti-static wrist-strap to keep yourself grounded to prevent electrostatic discharge from shocking, and breaking your PC, or computer parts because static can break computer parts by zapping the microchips and silicon which is very sensitive to static.

Cheap Computer Tool kits, books for helping you fix a broken Computer or laptop!

Computer tool kits which you can buy from Amazon, Ebay, and other online stores for 30 dollars or less is good enough to fix most common desktops, and laptops. They usually come with Philips, torx, and other types of screw drivers and tools you need for doing basic computer repair.

For very basic repair, all you need is a Philips head screw driver, anti-static wrist strap, and mat. A magnify glass and flash light might also come in handy if you have poor vision, and can't see well in the dark.

Computer tool kits also come with wire striper, jumpers, screws, and tweezers which can come in handy when fixing computers.

For most computers, a Philips cross head screw driver, flat head screw driver is all you need for basic repair like removing an Expansion card like a video card, hard drive, or CD drive from a computer. Some computers use hex, and torx drivers. But, most computers I fixed used small Philips cross head screws.

I also recommend you get a power supply tester for testing your power supply to see if it went bad or not. They are extremely simple to use. All you have to do is plug the power supply main power plug into the power supply tester, and turn on the power supply. I use the one shown below. It works great for testing a power supply for reliability.

A small flash light is also good to have since the inside of your computer can be very dark, and a flash light help make it brighter.

I also recommend a magnify glass or reading glasses since you might have to read the small print on the circuit boards, and motherboard to fix your problems with jumpers and plugging in wires on your computer.

Anti-static wrist strap, and mat are good to have to prevent static discharge from breaking your computer parts.

Most importantly, I recommend a good book on computer repair like Mike Meyers A+ All-in-one book . It is a great reference book for looking up how to fix and troubleshoot a broken computer or home network. It also help me pass the A+ certification exam.

All the tools, I listed above should be all you need to fix most basic computer problems on a regular home computer, or laptop PC.