Alhambra Computer Services. Voted Best in Region! Don't be fooled by cheap rates and unqualified services!

FAQ, Pre-Op, Tips, Setting Expectations

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring?
When you bring your system in for carry in service, you don't need to lug in a bunch of stuff. We DON'T need any monitors, keyboards, mice or cables unless you are having problems with these items. For Laptops, please be sure to bring you AC Adapter (the power cord.) If you bring in a Printer, please bring the power cord and the cord that goes from the printer to the computer. Bring whatever Disks (cd's, dvd's) that came with or that you bought for the system. If you can't find them, feel free to come in without them, but it will speed things up if you bring whatever you can find. It is better that we have it and not need it than the other way around! We are bound by software licensing agreements and require original, manufacturers CD’s for program re-installs.

How long does it take to get my PC fixed?
Carry in service usually takes 3-5 business days, sometimes more or less depending on the problems we find and the demand for our services. We try and give you a good faith estimate of the turn around time when you call or come in based on the current number of systems waiting for service.

Onsite visits are usually available same day or next day.

What if I need my computer back faster than that? We do offer quicker turn around times if you can’t afford to wait. Call now and ask about our Rush or Emergency turn around services.

What should I know about Laptop repairs?
Fixing Laptop and Notebook computers is NOT the same fixing desktop or tower computers… Portable computer hardware and software issues have to be dealt with differently than the same problems on a desktop computer.
Most of the hardware in a laptop is specialized to be smaller and lighter. Laptops also have a built in display that requires different tools, parts and resources to repair than a desktop computer. At Alhambra Computer Services, we fix many laptops every week. We have the experience, resources and know how to do it right.

Will you back-up my files?
Backing up your files is an additional cost. Data Recovery is a service we charge separately for (see next question.) The data backup we provide protects your files should something happen during the repair process. We are also happy to archive any data to DVD or other storage devices (additional charges may apply.)

What is the difference between data back-up and data recovery?
Backing up files means copying intact files from a functioning hard drive to some other device to protect them from loss during the repair process. Data Recovery services are techniques designed to recover intact, damaged or corrupted files from malfunctioning hard drives.

What is the difference between you and Geek Squad?
We love Geek Squad! Many of our best customers come from there! We feel a local, independent team of dedicated repair techs will always provide better results for less money than a big multinational corporation. When you call Alhambra Computer Services you ALWAYS speak directly to a tech. At the big superstores, technical decisions about your computer and your files are made by managers and executives who have no idea what it takes to solve computer problems, resulting in procedures and policies that make it very difficult for the techs to do a good job.

Finally in any and all local customer satisfaction surveys we are consistently rated at the top while they are consistently at the bottom.

Will you send my computer to another state like Geek Squad does?
What it really does, though, is cut you out of the loop, since it basically eliminates any customer input. We believe this is a mistake. Your computer is Personal, your problem is Personal, and you deserve a Personal solution.

At Alhambra Computer Services all troubleshooting and decision making is done locally by our staff with your input. The most important tool we have is the telephone. You can always talk to the tech who worked on your computer at Alhambra Computer Services.

We do sub-contract a very small amount of very technical work out to other companies who have equipment we can’t afford, but usually this involves tasks like bulb replacements in LCD screens or advanced data recovery.

What is the difference between you and other local services?
There are many repair services our customers can choose from. Some are just too big to give you the personal attention needed to solve problems with your personal computer. And some are just too small. We feel we are just the right size to provide dependable service regular folks can count on. With a smaller team of skilled techs you get the benefit of our varied backgrounds and skill sets without the layers of management that make it impossible for us to communicate, or the limited hours and experience of a one or two person shop.

Preparation, Tips,  Setting Expectations

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, pictures, music, Outlook, 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. 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 Alhambra Computer Services, 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. 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 excellent technicians, we're not omnipotent (pretty close though), 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 unrepairable, we reserve the right to charge a minimum shop fee.

On-Site Service

We offer On-Site 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 On-Site, 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 On-Site charges may apply, though we make every effort to work with you and usually reduce minimum On-Site times for ongoing problems that take multiple visits to completely solve.

Service Zip Codes:
90022 | 90032 | 90063 | 91006 | 91007 | 91010 | 91016 | 91030 | 91103 | 91104 | 91105 | 91107 | 91108 | 91706 | 91722 | 91723 | 91731 | 91732 | 91733 | 91744 | 91746 | 91754 | 91770 | 91775 | 91776 | 91780 | 91790 | 91791 | 91792 | 91801 | 91803 |
Service Area Codes:

213 | 310 | 323 | 424 | 562 | 626 | 657 | 714 | 818 | 909 |
Los Angeles County

San Gabriel Valley