almost got conned

as my computer was not able to boot up, i brought it to the IT mall for verification and repair (if needed). i brought it to the 2nd floor and one of the shop helper was so willingly to help me to check what is the problem so i decided why not. i told him that i suspected either the motherboard or the power supply. without powering up the PC, he get his power supply and plug it into the motherboard and the same symptom occurred. he changed back to my power supply and also put some force on the CPU and check the RAM, and other connections and switched on the supply again. hurray, this time, the PC booted up and get into the Windows OS. I told him good, look like the computer has no problem but could be just some connection loose.

he then shutdown the PC, and switched it on again and trying to get into the BIOS setup by hitting the DEL key many times. this time it could not boot up anymore. i was wondering and ask him why, he claimed that the motherboard could be unstable. i went over and take a closer look and found that the RAM was sat properly and told him about it. he took out the RAM and plug it back and also plug a diagnostic card into the PCI slot. after which, he power up the system again and the card shows a C1, and i ask what does it stand for. he was unable to answer and told me the motherboard is unstable. i told him never mind as i suspected something i could do it at home. i also suspected that he is trying to kill the motherboard maybe and let me replace one at his shop. so, he put back everything, i thanked him and left the place.

my wife was with me and we decided we could get another shop to help to check if it is really the motherboard problem. this is like seeking a second opinion when your doctor told you that you need an operation. also, i am quite PC savvy so no one would be able to lie to me.

we went to the third floor, this guy is also very friendly and wanted to help check my PC. i told him the symptom and he opened the case and immediately removed the heatsink and get a new heatsink to install in. i told him i am not going to pay for that if i do not know the problem. he sensed that i was serious and use a used heatsink to try. this time it boot up again.

he said: "well, i told you this is the problem"

i know this is not the problem

i said: "well, let put back the original heatsink, i install the PC on my own, i know it is not the heaksink"

so, he swapped it back very unwilling and the PC boot up without any hesitation.

i said: "could you put it back everything and i help bring it home, if there is any problem, i will come back"

he was annoyed and said: "no, don't bring back here"

anyway, i thanked him and left. i was happy that i did not spend a single cent to have my PC fix other than the petrol use to travel to the IT mall. i am using the same PC that is supposing bad to write this blog entry.

the moral of the story are:
1. always check for loose connection on your PC before sending it for repair
2. always ask for second opinions
3. do not believe what they told you, always ask questions get to the bottom of the problem.