Mach4 have been contacted on several occasions by customers that have taken their computers into PC World for repairs and upgrades and have lost their valuable data.
The latest customer had taken their PC into PC World for a motherboard replacement, on return, the PC worked fine, but all data and programmes were missing from the hard disk. PC World had overwritten the original operating system and data sectors of the hard disk and the data was irretrievable. Evidently, the customer had inadvertently signed a disclaimer warning them of data loss, but was not aware of the implications. The hard drive was not defective before or after the motherboard replacement.
Mach4 ALWAYS back up customer data before undertaking major repairs or upgrades and explain to our valued customers that, when a reinstallation of the operating system is necessary, they will not lose their valuable documents, music and digital image files, but will have to reinstall programmes with the original software, or download new software using their customer log-in on the vendor site.
Our examination of the hard disk confirmed that the data had been overwritten and, unfortunately, was not recoverable.
Regular back-up of valuable data onto an external device is recommended, particularly when taking the computer in for major repair, if this is not possible, customers should confirm with the technician that data will be retrieved and backed up prior to carrying out work on their computer. Of course such action is not necessary with Mach4 who will always work to the needs of the customer.
All versions of Windows have a couple of self maintenance applications that will help to maintain your PC or notebook at factory speed.
This is particularly applicable to notebooks/laptops/netbooks, many of which are supplied with only 1GB of RAM and running Vista (which is quite memory hungry compared to Windows 7).
Back up your system files via the restore centre (set a restore point).
Go into ‘Programs’ >Accessories > System tools and right click on ‘Disk Clean up’ then pin to start menu. Repeat the process for ‘Disk Defragmenter’; both applications will now appear in your start menu and remind you to run them.
Disk Clean Up removes a lot of unwanted files that clog up your hard drive and make it harder to find files that are needed to run programs, each option for clean up will provide a description if highlighted; run this once a week to declutter your drive(s)
Disk defragmenter takes several hours to run in Vista and you should allow for this; it brings file segments together so that it takes less time to find and open the files. The more often you run it, the less time it takes!
You may also wish to check that your virtual memory (swapfile) size is set to be at least 1.5 times the size of your RAM and there are different ways to do this; for Vista/7 : Control Panel > Performance Info…….. > Advanced Tools > Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows > Performance options > Advanced > Virtual Memory > Change . You can set the size you like or let the system manage the size. If you have more than one hard disk in your system, set the file to run on a different drive to Windows and it will run more efficiently.
A system restart will be required to benefit from the new settings.
If your system continues to run slowly, contact Mach4CS for a system check and/or memory upgrade.
