Internet OS Diagnosis and Repair Service

[robb7thurston]

Operating System: Win XP, Service Pack 2

Hardware: Dell Dimension 3000

Question:

I ran into an advertisement a couple of times. It seems some organization is offering to connect to your OS and diagnose all broken and corrupted files and repair them in one session. They mentioned using three or four computers to scan all at once. I even signed ion once and started but I was a coward--I saw

money charged.

Here is the question: I surely would like to see a service or device that was (1)

diagnosing Win XP; (2) repairing corrupt and missing files; (3)return to OEM condition; (4)little or no charge, and preferably, freeware, to keep.

Is there anything like that available? ADVISE.

[BeeCeeBee]

It seems some organization is offering to connect to your OS and diagnose all broken and corrupted files and repair them in one

The problem here, money aside, is that they are not connecting to your operating system, they are connecting to your computer. Whatever is in there belongs to them while they are connected to your PC or laptop. Remote access is an effective tool to isolate and repair problems assuming that they actually can be repaired.

 

The trust factor is so overwhelming however that unless you know the person involved I would exercise extreme caution. As to the rest, there is software that claims to do everything possible but none that can really do it all.

 

Returning to factory condition is usually a simple matter of using the method supplied by the manufacturer whether it is through the use of an OEM disk, partition etc. Keep in mind thought that there was very little on your pc when you first got it and that is exactly what you will have if you follow a manufacturers process. You should be backing up everything to an external source at least once a week.

 

The bottom line is that you are following the right path at the moment. You are seeking advice her at Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help! :)

[Plastic Nev]

i agree entirely with Beeceebee, here, and will add that letting any unknown entity into your computer for any reason can be extremely dangerous as far as loosing personal details, banking details, and other general identity losses.

 

There are a few trustworthy sites, an example only, being Crucial the memory specialists, their scanner only looks at the system and the memory installed in order to advise on possible RAM upgrades.

 

However it is wise to treat all unknowns as possible high risk.

[Tootech]

Hi Rob,

 

There's nothing wrong with remote fixing as long as you know who is on the other end. So you may get friendly with a PC Tech local to you, and have him hook up to your PC when you need it. Its common practice these days, and designed to be secure.

 

Just looking at your other requirements

 

diagnosing Win XP

 

Well, I'd say when there are problems, humans do the best job here, armed with a few good tools, and unfortunately they don't often come free - excepting Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help of course!

 

repairing corrupt and missing files

 

Same again I think.

 

return to OEM condition

 

There are some good tools around to help you with this one. A freebie is DriveImage XML, a paid for paid for, much better tool is Acronis TrueImage.

 

Use them to backup a clean install for the times you need to rebuild.

 

DriveImage XML Backup Software

 

Acronis True Image Home

 

 

If you want to know more about them, let us know.