The repair conversation
- Describe what works and what fails
- Review hardware and software symptoms
- Discuss data protection before invasive work
- Confirm the proposed work and cost
Compare the practical options
A repair decision depends on more than the age of a computer. Explain the required applications, important files and the work being interrupted. Include known damage, recurring symptoms and any repair attempts. The next step may be troubleshooting, a component assessment or planning a replacement.
Discuss the proposed work, data handling and how the result will be checked before proceeding. If a replacement is considered, include the effort needed to transfer approved data and set up applications. That makes it easier to compare the full task rather than only the equipment cost.
Before we get started
Include any error messages and whether the problem is constant or intermittent. Avoid repeatedly forcing a failing device to start.