How to prepare
If possible, You should do a backup of your system; preferably a complete backup, but at least backup your critical data files (documents, Quicken or Money files, tax returns, etc.). A good backup plan will help protect you from data loss whether you need service or not. Don't have a backup, or your system isn't functioning well enough to perform one? We offer back up services. 

Carefully disconnect all the cables from the back of your machine. Sometimes it's a good idea to label the cables, so you remember where they go when you get the system back.

Use common sense when transporting your machine. Tied to the car roof or in the bed of a pickup are bad ways to bring your machine to us (this has actually happened). Take care not to drop the unit or bang it on things while you're carrying it. If you have a tower case, lay it on it's side so it won't fall over if you have to make a sudden stop. 

Take a few minutes to gather up the following information. While not absolutely necessary, this can save a lot of time and frustration. 
- Any and all program CD's that came with your computer and that you have purchased 
- AC adapter power cord for laptop computers
- If you are having problems with a specific piece of hardware, like a scanner, bring that item along with the computer.      Also, don't forget the cable that attaches the unit to the computer and the power cable/adapter. 
- Anything else that we may have asked you to bring. 
It's better we have it and don't need it than the other way around.

What to expect
When you come to Chipheads, we'll get some information from you and discuss possible solutions. Then we'll get to work.

While your  machine is being serviced, we may contact you by phone to get additional information about a problem or to request authorization to replace parts. We will not replace parts that were not discussed without calling and talking to you first.

Keep in mind that sometimes fixing one problem can uncover another problem. For example, one customer brought her machine in because the hard drive had failed. When we replaced the drive, we discovered that the reason her drive had failed was a bad main board, which also had to be replaced. Remember that we are looking out for you first, and will not recommend replacing parts unless it's necessary. If there's something that you don't understand, speak up and don't be shy! We'll gladly explain to you if extra work is required 

Sometimes, we will have to delete and reinstall Windows to correct a software problem. This means that you will have to reinstall your applications and/or data files, as well as set up your icons and such. Although inconvenient, this situation is sometimes unavoidable, and we cannot take responsibility for any data loss that may occur during this process. This is why having backups is important (see How To Prepare above). 

Federal copyright laws prohibit us from installing any software you don't legally own.  If you cannot provide us with a licensed copy of a software title, such as Windows or Microsoft Office for example, and we cannot establish ownership through searching your computers registry or other information, we may not be able to install that software until you obtain a legal copy.

What NOT to expect
While we're very good technicians, we're not omnipotent (although we're working on it), and you should be realistic in your expectations.For example, replacing a CMOS battery will not fix a corrupt hard drive or bad modem.

Communication is key.  Let us know if anything isn't right, and give us a chance to correct it.

Please feel free to ask us to clarify things if you're not sure of the costs involved. Once in a great while, the cost of repairs may exceed what the machine is worth. If this is the case, we will tell you about it and let you know what can and cannot be done. If the machine is un repairable, we reserve the right to charge a minimum shop fee.. 

Onsite Service
We offer Onsite Service at an hourly rate.  While we do our best to use our experience and judgment to do as much as we can while we are onsite, we can only fix problems apparent at the time of the visit.  Unfortunately, we cannot stay at your house or office for extended periods of time while you use every facet of the machine.  Your pizza and Mountain Dew bills alone would cripple the economy.

Instead, we ask you to call us if  problems persist.  Additional troubleshooting may be required as over time we work together to uncover more clues as to what is causing the problems.  We want to help, but we can only take responsibility for things under our control. 

Also the nature of computers makes it possible for someone to accidentally "undue" the work we have done.  We make every effort to inform you of what we have done and what you should or shouldn't do, but the fact is many problems have multiple causes.  In these cases additional onsite charges may apply, though we make every effort to work with you and usually reduce minimum onsite times for ongoing problems that take multiple visits to completely solve.