I used to love those old Best Buy Geek Squad commercials.  But I never really liked Geek Squad!

I always here this from people when it comes to their pc:  ”…I am not really a computer person” or “I am not into computers”.  As if this is an excuse or something.  Comedian Greg Behrendt once said “saying that I’m not into computers these days is like saying, Yeah…I’m really not into the phone!”.  Everyone these days has or uses one, so no more excuses!

Many people that I run into believe that if they have a problem with their laptop/pc, their only choice is to take it to Geek Squad.  That is a myth that needs to be dispelled!

Now I am fortunate because I don’t have the need for a service like Geek Squad (nor does anyone I know), but there are many people that take their pc to Geek Squad everyday and they don’t have a clue.

Geek Squad is basically like an Auto Mechanic, if they realize that you don’t know what is wrong with your pc, or if they think they can charge you for extra services…THEY WILL.  I should also state that I have some very good friends that work for Best Buy in the technical services and they are good people.  That being said, let’s look at what we can do to prevent the need for Geek Squad.

• Fact:  Most people will take their pc to Geek Squad because of Virus, Spyware and Software issues.
• Fact:  These are the most COSTLY issues to resolve!
• Fact:  You can do almost ALL OF THIS at home with FREE SOFTWARE!!!

HOW?

In most cases, you can resolve what seem like MAJOR ISSUES with your pc just by running one or two cleansing apps.  You just need to know which ones!  That the SECRET!  Follow these steps

1. Back Up your Files! Read this post on Backing up your data! (it opens in a new window!) A good backup is always important!  EVEN IF YOU TAKE YOUR PC TO GEEK SQUAD.  Many times Geek Squad will resolve issues by WIPING THE HARD DRIVE CLEAN and replacing your operating system (XP/VISTA).  You lose your data, and you pay them for the effort!
2. Run your Virus Software.  Click here for options
3. Run AntiTrojan Software Click here for options
4. Run AntiSpyware Software! Click here for options

If this all seems TOO DIFFICULT or COMPLICATED TO UNDERSTAND, Watch My VIDEO!!!  Click Here!  Just sign up for my newsletter (name and email addy!).

Recently, a friend of mine told me that he paid over $550 last year getting his laptops “cleaned” by Geek Squad.  When I showed him how to do it for free, he was first very thankful and surprised – and then he got pretty mad.

I am sure he’s not the only one that will have that same reaction!

I tried all these steps but it doesn’t fix my problem!

Well, if you run through all of these steps and it doesn’t fix your problem, you just saved a lot of money.  When you take your pc in (to Geek Squad?), tell them that you ran these processes on your pc and you were still having a problem. BE SPECIFIC when explaining the problem with your pc.  There is a good chance that they will treat you a bit differently (like you’re not an idiot!), but they may still try to sell you the “Diagnostic Tests” which is basically what you just did.  If you get a good tech, they will walk you through what the problem may be.  Have them EXPLAIN:

• What they intend to do
• Tell you how long it will take
• How much will it cost.

Be certain to tell them to keep you informed of the process, and not to do anything “drastic” without consulting you first.

Hardware Problems?

Sometimes the problem is related to hardware like a dying harddrive, network card going out, or a power supply.  Hundreds of things can go bad.  My suggestion is use Google to search for solutions to your problem.  It is a great first step.  That is how I do it.

Now if you can’t/won’t deal with replacing computer components – I highly recommend finding a teenager, friend, or an associate that is very good at technical stuff that can handle replacing computer components, etc.  Typically people like this love to help, and they won’t typically charge you to fix your issue (but you should pay them anyway!!!)  This will save you loads of time, money, and the pain that comes with computer problems.  Geek Squad is not a bad alternative when it comes to hardware stuff, but you are going to pay through the nose for it.

I don’t want to deal with it…I just want it fixed!

If you just want the problem fixed, there are plenty of resources online that you can utilize to at least identify your problem.  There are also online pc technicians that can log onto your pc and fix the problem for a charge.  In my opinion, it typically is cheaper to use an online pc tech than disconnecting your pc and taking it to Geek Squad.

If you have a question, you can post a comment

Hey Guys,

I just posted some videos on YouTube that walk you through how to install, setup and run Ad-Aware AntiSpyware Software by Lavasoft. This is one of the Spyware apps that I use, and I this Step-by-Step tutorial should help you.

Part One

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM_HV3ZxbDc

Part Two

www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8X6F__tBmo

Let me know if you have any questions below.

Mike