At least once a week, I get a phone call that goes something like this:
“My computer is broken, but I need you to come to my house. I’m afraid if I unplug it, I’ll never figure out how to put it back together again.”
I completely understand that fear.
If you look behind your desk, it probably looks like a spaghetti monster of tangled black wires. It can be intimidating.
But here’s the good news: disconnecting a desktop computer is usually much easier than it looks. In most cases, the plugs are different shapes, and many connectors can only be connected to the ports they were designed for.
If you are comfortable carrying the computer to a repair shop, bringing it in can also save money. Emerald Computers currently charges $90 per hour for in-store repair, compared with $125 per hour for residential service. A $35 trip charge applies to onsite service when the location is more than 5 miles away.
So let’s conquer the fear of the cables.
Why Bringing Your Computer to the Shop Can Be Better
There are several good reasons to bring a desktop computer to a repair shop instead of automatically scheduling a house call.
1. It Can Cost Less
In-store repair is Emerald Computers’ lowest current labor rate at $90 per hour. Residential service is $125 per hour, and business or commercial service is $150 per hour. A $35 trip charge applies to onsite service when the location is more than 5 miles away.
If your computer can safely be transported, bringing it to the shop can be the more economical choice.
2. We Have the Tools and Parts at the Shop
At a computer repair shop, the technician has access to diagnostic equipment, tools, replacement parts, cables, memory, storage drives, power supplies, and other resources.
Emerald’s Peoria location is its corporate headquarters, largest computer store, full-service repair facility, and warehouse. The store also maintains a large selection of computer parts and cables.
3. The Computer Can Be Tested More Thoroughly
Some computer problems don’t appear immediately.
A computer might run for twenty minutes before overheating, crash only under a heavy workload, or restart intermittently.
Having the computer in the shop makes it easier to perform extended testing when the problem requires it.
The Foolproof Guide to Unplugging Your Computer
If you’re worried about taking your computer apart and not being able to put it back together, don’t take it apart.
You’re simply disconnecting the external cables from the back of the computer.
1. Take Photos With Your Smartphone
Before touching a cable, pull out your phone.
- Take a wide photo of the entire back of the computer.
- Take a closer photo showing where the monitor cable connects.
- Take photos of the keyboard, mouse, network, speaker, and other connections.
- Take enough pictures that you can see exactly where each cable was connected.
Pro tip: You don’t have to remember anything. When you get home, look at the pictures.
2. Use the Tape-and-Tag Method
If pictures aren’t enough, grab some masking tape or painter’s tape and a marker.
- Put a small piece of tape around a cable.
- Put another piece of tape next to the matching port.
- Label both pieces “A.”
- Repeat with “B,” “C,” and so on.
When you reconnect the computer, simply match A to A, B to B, and C to C.
3. Match the Shape and Connector
This is where most of the fear disappears.
Modern computer connectors are designed for specific ports. That means many connections are difficult to plug into the wrong location.
- USB: Common rectangular USB connectors fit compatible USB ports.
- HDMI: The connector has a distinctive shape and is designed for HDMI ports.
- DisplayPort: The connector has a different shape from HDMI and fits a DisplayPort connection.
- Ethernet: The network connector resembles a large telephone-style plug and fits the Ethernet port.
- Audio: Traditional desktop audio connections are often color-coded, although newer systems may use different configurations.
Do not force a connector. If something does not fit easily, stop and check the connector and port.
What Should You Actually Bring to the Computer Repair Shop?
For a typical desktop computer repair, you usually do not need to bring the entire pile of cables behind your desk.
| Item | Bring it? |
|---|---|
| Desktop tower | Yes |
| Power cord | Usually not necessary |
| Keyboard | Only if it may be part of the problem |
| Mouse | Only if it may be part of the problem |
| Monitor | Only if the display is part of the problem |
| Special adapter or unusual cable | Bring it if the problem involves it |
| External hard drive or USB device | Bring it if the problem involves that device or its data |
When in doubt, call before bringing the computer in. We’ll help you decide what equipment is actually needed.
How to Safely Transport a Desktop Computer
Disconnecting the cables is only half the job. You also want to transport the computer carefully.
- Shut down the computer normally before disconnecting it.
- Unplug the power cable after shutdown.
- Keep the computer upright when practical.
- Use a box or other secure container when possible.
- Prevent the computer from sliding around during transportation.
- Don’t place heavy objects on top of the computer.
- Handle the case carefully, especially if it contains a glass side panel.
If the computer has recently suffered a drop, liquid spill, burning smell, electrical event, or other physical damage, mention that when you bring it in.
What If You’re Still Afraid You’ll Plug Something in Wrong?
Take one picture before unplugging each group of cables.
That’s really all there is to it.
When you return home, put the connectors back where they were shown in the photos.
In most cases, you don’t need to memorize anything.
When Should You Schedule a House Call Instead?
There are situations where onsite service makes more sense.
- The computer is too large or difficult to transport safely.
- The problem involves your home network or Wi-Fi.
- Several devices need to be configured.
- A printer or other peripheral needs to be connected.
- You need help with the technology setup in your home.
- The computer is part of a larger system that needs to be tested onsite.
Emerald Computers provides residential onsite service at $125 per hour. Business and commercial service is $150 per hour. A $35 trip charge applies when the onsite location is more than 5 miles away.
Computer Repair in Peoria, AZ
If your computer needs repair and you can safely transport it, bringing it to Emerald Computers in Peoria is often the most economical option.
Our Peoria location is at 7642 W Vogel Ave, Building 3, Peoria, AZ 85345. It is our flagship store, corporate headquarters, full-service repair facility, and warehouse.
We repair desktop PCs, laptops, custom gaming computers, workstations, servers, and Apple Mac computers.
You can learn more about our computer repair and service options or see our current computer repair pricing.
If you need directions, visit our Emerald Computers Peoria store page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to unplug a desktop computer?
Yes, when the computer has been properly shut down first. After shutdown, you can disconnect the external cables from the computer and transport the system carefully.
How do I remember where my computer cables go?
Take clear photos of the back of the computer before disconnecting anything. You can also label matching cables and ports with pieces of tape.
Do I need to bring my monitor to a computer repair shop?
Usually not unless the monitor or display connection is part of the problem. For many desktop repairs, bringing the computer tower is sufficient.
Do I need to bring my keyboard and mouse to a computer repair shop?
Usually not unless the keyboard, mouse, or a related connection is part of the problem. If you’re unsure, call the repair shop before bringing the computer in.
Is computer repair cheaper at the shop than at home?
At Emerald Computers, in-store repair is currently $90 per hour, compared with $125 per hour for residential onsite service and $150 per hour for business or commercial service. A $35 trip charge applies to onsite service when the location is more than 5 miles away.
Should I bring my computer to Emerald Computers in Peoria?
If you can safely transport the computer, bringing it to the Peoria store is generally the most economical repair option. Emerald Computers is located at 7642 W Vogel Ave, Building 3, Peoria, AZ 85345.
Don’t Let the Cables Scare You
The truth is that your computer’s cables are usually much less complicated than they look.
Take pictures. Label the cables if necessary. Match the shapes and connectors. Don’t force anything.
If your computer can safely be transported, bringing it to the shop can save you money and give the technician access to the tools, parts, and equipment needed to diagnose the problem.
Need computer repair in Peoria, AZ?
Call Emerald Computers at 623-240-2424 or visit:
Emerald Computers
7642 W Vogel Ave, Building 3
Peoria, AZ 85345
623-240-2424
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