Where you decide to go for IBM computer repair is determined by a few different factors. If it's a software issue, or you've contracted some kind of virus, there's no real reason why you need certified IBM repair. These types of problems can easily be handled by any repair technician. For hardware issues, however, it's wise to seek out an IBM repair center that is specifically trained to deal with Lenovo brand computers.

There are a couple other deciding factors as well, such as whether or not your computer still has an active Internet connection, or if it is still covered under the limited manufacturer warranty. Remote repair services are usually cheaper than on-site or service center repairs, and warranty repairs are free. Here's what you can expect for the pricing and costs of IBM repair:

1. Check your warranty status with IBM to see if you are eligible for free IBM repairs.
2. For hardware problems, use a repair center authorized to repair IBM and Lenovo computers.
3. Hire a third-party IBM service repair provider for any other issues.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get IBM computer repairs for free if you are still covered under warranty

No matter what your problem is, it's always worth checking your warranty status before shelling out any money for repairs. Check the status of your warranty online, and talk to IBM computer support before moving in any other direction.

I recommend: If you have a Lenovo system, you can find out your warranty status on the Lenovo Warranty Lookup page. For all other IBM systems, use the IBM Business Systems Warranty Status page. If your compuer is under warranty, you can use IBM's Online Technical Support service. You can also reach IBM technical support by phone at 1-800-426-7378.

Get your hardware problems diagnosed at repaired at a certified IBM repair center

Hardware problems are best dealt with by technicians that are trained and authorized by IBM. You can get mail-in IBM laptop repair from a number of places. The best place to find a local service center is on the IBM website.

I recommend: For around $150 plus parts, IBMspecialists.com provides mail-in laptop repair services. Find other authorized service providers at Lenovo. Rates will vary depending upon the location.

Spend under $500 to repair IBM software and virus issues

There a number of service providers you can choose from to repair these kinds of problems. When your Internet is still connected, it's cheaper to go with remote assistance. When online support isn't an option, hire someone that specializes in on-site repairs.

I recommend: iTOK is an affordable remote assistance option that charges under $25 per fifteen minutes, with a 100% five day satisfaction guarantee. For on-site repair, contact Geeks on Call America for same day or second day service. You can expect to pay between $99 and $500, depending upon the severity of the problem. Gurus2Go offers a wide selection of remote assistance solutions for between $50 and $100 -- everything from virus removal to wireless network assistance. They also offer more traditional services such as business service agreements and on-site repair.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you forget your Power on Password or BIOS password on a Lenovo or Thinkpad laptop, you can usually reset it by removing the CMOS battery and external battery pack and leaving them out for about thirty minutes. The manual for your specific laptop--downloadable from the IBM website--will have directions on how to do this. If removing the batteries didn't work, visit the Joe in Australia website for a solution.

To repair IBM computers, you want to look for technicians that specialize in working with IBM desktops and laptops. You can choose to work with the official IBM Repair Center or get IBM computer support through an authorized technician.

Different issues can cause you to need repair IBM computers or laptops. Issues reported by IBM computer users include battery failure, system malfunction, hard drive failure and system error messages. If you start having any IBM hardware problems, you’ll need to have it looked at by a technician that makes IBM computer repairs.

1. Check warranty coverage on your IBM computer. You’ll want to notify the manufacturer prior to getting IBM PC repair. You may need to go to approved technician in order for the warranty coverage to apply.

2. Diagnose the issue that requires IBM repair. If you can let the technicians know the problem, they can perhaps offer a quick fix or know what type of diagnostic testing to perform on the computer.

3. Contact IBM service repair specialists. Find local technicians that can perform certified IBM repair for your computer.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Contact the IBM Repair Center

When you first have a problem with your computer, you should let the IBM Repair Center know. Give them some basic information about you needed IBM repair and they can assist you remotely as best as they can.

I recommend: Fill out the form provided by IBM in order to contact the Repair Center. You can also use one of toll free helplines listed to speak to a technician over the phone. If you’re looking for an online repair center besides the official IBM site, go to the Capital Data, Inc. site.

Hire an IBM laptop repair company

IBM manufactures the ThinkPad, one of the most popular brands of laptops. If you have this type of computer, you'll want to hire a company with IBM ThinkPad repair service experience.

I recommend: With PC Service, you can get your IBM laptop repaired in a few simple steps. You choose the type of repair required, mail the laptop to the company and then have the fixed IBM laptop returned to your business. If you believe you can perform the repair without a technician, you can order IBM computer repair parts from Spare Parts Warehouse, a part of UCR, LLC.

Search for cost effective IBM desktop repair

If you own a series of desktops from IBM, then you most likely either own a model from the NetVista or ThinkCentre line. Instead of companies that specialize in IBM laptop repair, you'll want to hire a low cost PC technician to fix your computer issue.

I recommend: You can find different IBM repair services through Ibmspecialists.com. IBM desktop repair services include motherboard repair, hard drive repair, Wi Fi issues, battery problems and more. You can also hire Directron.com, Inc. for IBM computer repairs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When looking for IBM repair, you'll also want to ask for Lenovo repair technicians. IBM officially changed their company name to Lenovo. Lenovo technicians will have the training to work on both new Lenovo computers and past IBM models.

Whether to avoid the cost of taking a broken PC to an IBM repair center or a desire to become an IBM computer support professional, IBM repair education and training is both a useful and valuable skill. As computer use reaches all corners of the globe, technical knowledge that gives someone the ability to repair IBM computers only increases their educational base and marketable skill set.

The world of technology is dense and the potential IBM computer support professional or IBM laptop repair expert has the choice of learning a lot or a little depending on the desired level of education and expertise. When considering IBM service repair training:

1. Know that information for IBM repairs comes in many guises, from practical to professional

2. Understand that professional IBM repair certification exists

3. Realize there are several training mediums for IBM computer repair

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Secure a full library for your IBM repair service

Whether hoping to add IBM desktop repair to an already full PC repair skill set or considering starting your own IBM Thinkpad repair service, an essential component is service and product manuals. The human mind can only retain so much information and the correct reference material is essential to any computer repair training.

I recommend: IBM offers downloadable versions of all their service manuals as well as links to terminology and instructions on how to order publications and print manuals. The Laptop Repair Manual by Morris Rosenthal is a downloadbale PC manual specifically for the repair of laptop computers, including IBMs. It uses flowchart systems to teach the layman and the professional how to troubleshoot their computer.

Attend formal classes on IBM computer support to increase advancement and salary

Working for IBM as a certified IBM repair professional is an option and offers the best opportunity for advancement within the IBM Corporation. Others may wish to attend certain classes or workshops on repairing IBMs as part of a private venture. A few classes on IBM computer repairs may be enough for the small entrepreneur to solicit their services.

I recommend: Of course, IBM itself offers training courses and certification in IBM repair and troubleshooting at several locations, including online. They offer several levels of competency as well as free and fee-based training. Gateway Technical College offers comprehensive studies in PC repair and troubleshooting, with a focus on IBM products.

Use instructional videos and how-tos on IBM PC repair for visual learners

Not everyone has the time, money or desire to learn the detailed terminology involved in technical manuals or to attend highly technical college courses. Instructional videos and how to guide exists on the web for the layman IBM repair hopeful.

I recommend: Repair4Laptop.org offers a comprehensive picture and instructional database for IBM computer repair in your own home. FixYa is a support and how-to guide for basic IBM laptop repair using real life situations and step-by-step assistance.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Students seeking certified IBM repair credentials might be eligible for funding assistance from IBM.

One of the first things you should know before seeking out IBM computer support is that IBM personal computers are actually branded as Lenovo computers. The current line of Lenovo desktop computers includes the ThinkCentre, IdeaCentre and H Series desktops. The current offering of Lenovo laptop computers includes the ThinkPad, IdeaPad and cheaper laptops that they call their Value Line laptops.

If you've run into difficulties with your Lenovo desktop or laptop and need IBM repairs, there are a few IBM repair basics that you should consider.

1. Before spending any money on IBM computer repair, check your warranty status.
2. Learn how to perform basic IBM PC repair tasks cheaply and easily.
3. Pay for a service agreement with an online IBM repair center.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Don't pay to repair IBM desktops or laptops until you find out about your warranty status

During the standard warranty period of twelve months, your Lenovo laptops and desktops are covered by IBM's EasyServ program. The system in question will be picked up by a courier repair service and taken to the designated IBM repair center free of charge.

I recommend: Find out more about the EasyServ program on the IBM website. You can either auto-detect your warranty status or manually enter in your system type and serial number on the Lenovo site.

Learn how to perform the most common IBM repairs cheaply and easily

Often you need IBM laptop repair or IBM desktop repair for something relatively simple. The problem is that whether your issue is simple or complex, you will still be paying an outside technician the same hourly rate to come out and deal with it. Why pay a technician when you can solve some of the simple problems yourself for far less?

I recommend: Crave Worldwide sells a powerful software suite geared towards normal computer users called the Spotmau Powersuite that will help you recover lost passwords, undelete files that were accidentally deleted and stop programs you don't want or need from starting up when the computer starts up. Before paying for a software suite, you can read Dwight Silverman's article on Trouble Shooting Common Problems and learn how to fix commonly occurring computer problems.

Buy peace of mind with an inexpensive online IBM repair and maintenance agreement

If the do it yourself approach isn't really your thing, you can make your life a lot easier by signing up for computer support plan. There has been an increase in online support companies offering IBM repair and maintenance agreements at ridiculously low prices.

I recommend: iYogi offers an unlimited annual support plan for under $150. Included in the plan is unlimited access and phone support for everything including setup and installation, data backup, troubleshooting and PC optimization. AskPCExperts has a similar plan for about $170 that includes support for up to 5 PCs.