02
Hands-on support: repairs and PC builds
I diagnose and fix Windows PCs and laptops, build desktops from parts, and set up the devices people work with every day.
- Role
- Independent technical support
- When
- Ongoing
- Relevant for
- IT SupportCloud & Infrastructure
- 1Note the stop code and ask what changedWhy: The stop code and the last change (a driver, an update, new hardware) usually point at the cause.
- 2Boot into Safe ModeWhy: Safe Mode loads only core drivers, so Windows stays up long enough to fix it.
- 3Roll back or reinstall the driver named in the crash, or uninstall the latest updateWhy: If something recent broke it, undoing that is the fastest fix.
- 4Run the memory test and a disk check, then SFC/DISMWhy: Bad memory or a failing disk also cause blue screens; SFC and DISM repair damaged system files.
- 5Restart and confirm it's stableWhy: A fix isn't done until it survives normal use.
resolved
Faulty driver replaced; memory, disk and system files checked.
What I told them“A driver was crashing Windows. I replaced it and tested the memory and disk, so it's stable now.”
parts · generic tiers, no brands or prices
- CPU
- 4–6 core CPU with integrated graphicsPlenty for documents, browsing and video calls.
- Motherboard
- Board for that CPU socket, with an M.2 slotThe right socket, and room for a fast SSD.
- RAM
- 16 GB DDR5 (2 × 8 GB)Two sticks run in dual channel; 16 GB keeps many tabs open.
- GPU
- Integrated graphicsBuilt into the CPU, so no card to buy or power.
- SSD
- 500 GB–1 TB NVMeFast start-up and room for files.
- Power supply
- 450–550 W, 80 Plus Bronze or betterEfficient and quiet for a low-power build.
- CPU cooler
- The cooler that comes with the CPUEnough for office workloads.
- Case
- Compact case with front airflowSmall on a desk, still cool.
- Peripherals
- 24-inch 1080p monitor, keyboard, mouse, headset with micEverything needed for calls and daily work.
compatibility checks · illustrative figures
- ✓CPU socket matches the motherboard
- ✓RAM type (DDR5) is supported by the board
- ✓Power supply has 30%+ headroom (≈200 W draw on 500 W)
- ✓GPU length fits the case (integrated: nothing to fit)
- ✓Cooler height fits the case
- ✓SSD slot type (M.2 NVMe) is on the board
all checks pass · ready to build
My part
I do all of it: diagnosing the fault, repairing or rebuilding the machine, and explaining the fix in plain terms so it doesn't happen again.
Problem
People bring me a blue screen, a laptop whose battery dies in an hour, or a PC that says "no boot disk found", usually with no idea what's wrong.
Approach
I ask what changed, reproduce the fault, then work from the simplest cause up: power and connections, then drivers and updates, then disk and memory health, and only then a repair or clean reinstall, with files backed up first. Before handing it back, I explain what went wrong and how to avoid it.
Outcome
Machines back in use, files kept, and people who understand what happened.
What I did
Blue screens and boot failures
Blue screens, boot failures and missing boot drives, traced from the stop code down.
Safe ModeWindows Recovery Environment
Laptop battery and power
Battery drain and power problems on laptops.
Windows install and recovery
Windows 10/11 installation, reinstallation and recovery of corrupted systems.
SFC/DISM
Drivers and devices
Audio, display, printers and peripherals that stop working.
Device Manager
PC builds from parts
CPU, motherboard, RAM, GPU, SSD, power supply, cooling and case.
BIOS/UEFI
Peripheral setup
Monitors, docks, keyboards, mice, headsets, webcams and printers.
Recommendations
Laptops and desktops matched to how each person works.
Stack
- Windows 10/11
- Windows Recovery Environment
- Safe Mode
- Device Manager
- BIOS/UEFI
- Disk and memory diagnostics
- SFC/DISM