A “Wipe and Reload” at Computer Repair Places Near Me
Sometimes when we visit computer repair places near me, we get lost in the techno jargon. In this blog I’d like to explore the world of “Wipe and Reloads”. What are they? And what you should know about them.
What is a “Wipe and Reload” at Computer Repair Places Near Me
A “Wipe and Reload” means that your computer’s operating system will be wiped (deleted) and it will be “Reloaded” (installed with a new copy of your operating system). In most cases, the entire hard drive is completely wiped out and deleted. In fact, once the “wipe and reload” is complete it is very unlikely that any data can be recovered. That’s why it’s always best to save all your data before the “wipe and reload”. If you aren’t sure about the process, then be sure to ask computer repair places near me.
How is a “Wipe and Reload” Different from a Factory Reset at Computer Repair Places Near Me
A factory reset typically occurs when you use your operating system to restore your computer to its original state. This means that your computer will have an operating system just like when you first bought your computer. It will not have anything on it, no programs and no data. In most cases, the reset occurs using the current operating system. This means that when you reset your computer there could be an issue, especially if your current operating system is corrupted. A “wipe and reload” using an external file (usually directly from Microsoft) to reinstall your operating system. There is no remnants of your old operating system left behind. This means that an old operating system corruption will not interfere with the new installation of Windows 11.
Can Data Be Saved During a “Wipe and Reload” at Computer Repair Places Near Me
In most cases, yes, data can be saved during a “wipe and reload”. In fact, the technician will save your documents, pictures, music, videos, desktop, and downloads folders before wiping out your system. Unfortunately, specialized files, such as .pst files or other special files are not automatically saved. This simply means that you need to request that these specific files be saved. You may also need to provide your computer technician with the location of these files. Although most computer technicians are familiar with these files, newer technicians may need some guidance. If necessary, patiently walk your technician through the process of finding these files. This is also true if you have your files saved in strange places, such as saving your files on a secondary hard drive. You may need to let your technician know that you don’t want these files wiped.
Can Programs Be Saved During a “Wipe and Reload” at Computer Repair Places Near Me
In some cases, technicians are happy to reinstall certain programs, such as browsers or Open Office. However, for the most part programs are not saved during a “wipe and reload”. Most of the time a “wipe and reload” is needed because there is an operating system corruption, which could include corrupted program files. Saving these programs could mean that your system keeps malfunctioning. In most cases, it is best to simply wipe out the entire hard drive and start over with a fresh operating system.
Can My Games Be Saved During a “Wipe and Reload” at Computer Repair Places Near Me
Games aren’t normally saved during a “wipe and reload” for the same reason programs aren’t saved. There could be a corruption in the operating system and/or games that could cause your system to malfunction if saved. However, there are instances in which game data can be saved. For example, if you play Dragon Age: Origins, you could ask your technician to find the game data and save it for you. In most cases, computer technicians are happy to perform this task. I would recommend sitting with your computer technician and discussing your options before a “wipe and reload” is performed.
How Much Does a “Wipe and Reload” Cost at Computer Repair Places Near Me
“Wipe and reloads” vary in their cost. Some computer repair places near me cost $150, while other smaller shops will only charge $60. The smaller shops are typically those that work from home and don’t have a store location. These smaller businesses can afford to charge $60 because they don’t have rent or bills from a large storefront location. In my experience, technicians that work out of their home don’t have store experience or custom service experience. This can make it very hard to deal with them. I would recommend reading reviews before choosing any computer repair places near me.
What Should I Know About a “Wipe and Reload” at Computer Repair Places Near Me
You should know that “wipe and reloads” are ABSOLUTE. If you have one done, there is no “going back to the way it was”. There is no retrieving missed data or game data that you forgot. You are stuck with the new operating system in all its glory. If you aren’t sure of the risks, then be sure to speak to the computer repair shop for clarification.
How Long Does a “Wipe and Reload” Take at Computer Repair Places Near Me
A “wipe and reload” can take a variety of times, depending on the computer repair shop’s workload. For example, if a computer repair shop is at full force, then it could take several days for it to get completed. However, it is usually done with 2-4 hours. It takes about 15 minutes to install the operating system, about 30 minutes to install drivers and approximately 2 hours for updates. Of course, this depends on how fast your computer runs. Slower computers can take 2-3 days, particularly if the hard drive is showing signs of distress.
Computer Repair Places Near Me
Who has computer repair places near me? DML Computer Repair offers easy computer repair Colorado Springs CO, amazing computer repair service, and the best computer repair technicians. Do you need computer repair places near me? No problem! Call or visit today for your free PC evaluation.
Author Information for Computer Repair Colorado Springs CO
De Landres
DML Computer Repair Technician | Data Recovery Expert | Software Expert | PC Articles Author
Author Quote: “Google is your friend, not food”. ~De
