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Tips For iPhone Problems

Posted by South City Computer

It sucks when your iPhone or iPad is in the midst of falling into the concrete or water. It’s like you kept the marshmallow over the campfire the whole time, now it’s ruined. There is no need to worry though, there are some easy fixes to this common problem.

Broken iPhone Repair in St Louis

First, if your iPhone gets soaked in water. Get the iPhone out of the water and don’t think about plugging it in. If the iPhone is plugged in already, unplug it (very carefully), and don’t turn it on and check for damage, it can cause short circuits. Then place it in a bowl or a Ziploc bag full of uncooked rice and leave it there for 48 hours. The rice will absorb the moisture effectively, and most of us have rice in our homes.

Apple iPhone AssistiveTouch

AssistiveTouch

Apple iPhone AssistiveTouch Menu

AssistiveTouch Menu

Second, let’s say your home button is broken, there is this feature called AssistiveTouch. Access AssistiveTouch by tapping Settings > General > Accessibility > AssistiveTouch, then turn the feature on. You will see a translucent circle appear. Tapping on this circle will display a menu for interacting with your device. You can slide the circle anywhere on the edge of your screen.

Third, unfortunately there is no real tips for fixing a broken screen, except for that you should get it fixed. You may be thinking I can fix it myself, I don’t need to pay this guy when I can do it myself, yet there are some dangers that go along with that. Example of this is the battery, it’s very soft and delicate and isn’t protected by anything else besides the outer enclosure. If you damage or puncture the battery, it could leak corrosive and toxic chemicals which could get on your skin or in your eyes. Lithium-Ion batteries are extremely volatile when disturbed.

So if you don’t want to put yourself in danger while messing around trying to fix your iPhone, we can help you repair. We’ll repair screen, safely and efficiently, we have experienced people who can take of your broken screen issue. I hope these tips help some clumsy people or those who are just prone to breaking things. If you need a repair of your screen though, just stop on by the shop and we’ll be happy to help.

What free anti-virus software do you recommend?

Posted by South City Computer

Microsoft Windows Defender Anti-Virus SoftwareOften we are asked what anti virus software to use? While it is totally preference at this point since most anti-virus software’s do the task of scanning and monitoring your computer for suspicious programs, viruses and malware, not all anti virus softwares are free. We usually recommend a free anti-virus software since subscription renewals can be easily ignored, and it is better to have current anti-virus definitions than to have none at all.

Miscrosoft Security Essentials

Microsoft Security Essentials is anti-malware and anti-virus program put out by Microsoft for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7, but not for the Windows 8 operating system.

The software provides real-time protection and scans new files as they are downloaded or created, and disables detected threats. The software scans the computer routinely and updates the virus definitions database automatically. The software integrates seamlessly into the Windows operating system.

Microsoft Security Essentials license agreement allows home users to download, install and use it on an unlimited number of computers in their households free of charge, so long as each computer has a legitimately licensed copy of Microsoft Windows.

Unfortunately due to its popularity a few malware programs try to impersonate or resemble it to fool users into installing them instead of Microsoft Security Essentials. A few virus/trojan programs disguised as Microsoft Security Essentials called “Security Essentials 2010” and “Microsoft Security Essentials 2011” have appeared on the Internet and closely resembles Microsoft Security Essentials. The virus uses sophisticated social engineering to deceive users into infecting their systems, under the guise of five different fictional anti-malware products. It also terminates and prevents the launch of many popular programs, including Registry Editor, Windows Command Prompt, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Safari and Google Chrome.

If you think you may have a rouge anti-virus software that is trying to mimic Microsoft Security Essentials, take your computer to South City Computer or a local computer repair shop to be scanned for malware.

Windows Defender

Windows Defender is released by Microsoft and started out as an anti-spyware program for Windows XP, Vista and 7, however the most recent releases has expanded to an anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-malware software and comes as the standard anti-virus on Windows 8.

Windows Defender provides real-time protection and integrates with Internet Explorer enables files to be scanned as they are downloaded to try to avoid accidentally downloaded malicious software. Microsoft Windows Defender does not scan files downloaded with other web browsers like Firefox or Chrome.

Windows Defender greatly resembles Microsoft Security Essentials and uses the same virus definition updates. As a result, Microsoft Security Essentials is not compatible with Windows 8.

There are seemingly new computer viruses created everyday, and while no anti-virus software can protect you 100% of the time, luckily, there are a few free anti-virus programs available that to attempt to make your computer safer.

Is Your Virtual Memory Low

Posted by South City Computer

Virtual Memory too low
Are you getting a Windows error message indicating that your “virtual memory is low”? This could be caused for a number or reasons and probably is a combination of several things causing the problem.

What is Virtual Memory?

Virtual memory combines your computer’s Random Access Memory (RAM) with temporary space on your hard disk. When RAM runs low, virtual memory moves data from RAM to a space allocated on the hard disk also called SWAP. Moving data to and from the allocated space on the hard disk frees up the RAM so your computer can complete its work.

What is the cause of Virtual Memory Low error message?

Oftentimes virtual memory errors occur because there is no longer any space left in the RAM and SWAP memory. This could be caused by several programs running in the background that may not be apparent. Another cause is that the hard disk on the computer has become so full that there no longer is room for the Operating System to write to the SWAP memory.

Why does Windows stop working when the virtual memory is low?

When the computer starts to use the Virtual Memory, the computer may become slower to respond but still may function. When the allocated SWAP space on the hard disk becomes too full Windows stops working all together.

How can I fix my Virtual Memory Low issue?

You can try a few things to try to fix a virtual memory issue.

Try changing the size of your allocated SWAP memory so that you can run more programs on your computer at once. This is known as a paging file in windows. You can run the command sysdm.cpl. Click “Advanced” and edit the Virtual Memory.

You can also try stopping all extraneous programs from running at Windows start up. Part of the problem could be several anti-virus software programs running at the same time, or lots of bloatware from printers, scanners, and other devices running at start up.

Freeing up space on the hard drive may also help to fix the virtual memory error issue. If your hard disk is more than 80% full, you should probably consider “cleaning house” a bit. Consider backing some of your data up to an external hard drive, or to cloud storage to free up some space. Ask a technician at South City Computer about our cloud storage options through our South City Computer Club membership.

Alternatively you can try to add more RAM to the computer. Throwing more hardware at the problem can sometimes resolve the issue.

If you need help with fixing a virtual memory issue on your computer, bring your computer to a local computer repair store, South City Computer in St. Louis.

Change a Windows Password using Linux Boot CD and Command Prompt

Posted by South City Computer

If you are unable to Administer a Windows Users password on a computer you may need to modify the way Windows normally functions in order to bypass this issue.

Using a Linux Boot CD, on the hard drive where the Windows operating system is installed.

cd /Windows/System32/

mv Ultilman.exe Utilman.exe.bak

cp cmd.exe Utilman.exe

So by switching Utilman.exe to be the cmd.exe program, we can get a command prompt when you click on the accessibility button on the log in screen.

Boot the computer into Windows. When you get to the log in screen click on the accessibility button, you will get the Windows command prompt.

In the Windows command prompt run the command:

net user Username password

To change a Windows User’s password using the command line, you must set the password to something, it cannot be left blank. So you could set the password to “password” if you like.

In the case that its Windows 8 and it is a Microsoft account, you cannot reset the password like the previous example, however you can use this command on the command prompt:

net user Administrator /active:yes
net user Administrator password

Then reboot the computer and log in to the new administrator account. Change the Windows User’s account to local, then set/unset the password.

This activates an Administrator account so you can go in and manually administer the users password through windows.

iPhone Repair in St. Louis

Posted by South City Computer

Broken iPhone Repair in St LouisDid you break your iPhone? Are you asking yourself what are the options for getting your iPhone repaired in St. Louis? Are you questioning whether you should repair or just replace your broken iPhone?

The following are a few frequently asked question to try to help you consider what your next step for your broken iPhone will likely be.

Should I just get a new iPhone?

Many people do not realize that they could repair their broken iPhone. These people will take the broken iPhone to the Apple Store to replace it with a new iPhone. This may be an easy way to fix the phone, however may end up costing more than the cost of repairing the broken iPhone. Because iPhones cost a considerable amount of money, depending on the age and damage to the device, it may be wiser to consider repairing a broken iPhone over replacing it.

The screen is shattered, is this an easy fix?

If you have dropped your iPhone and cracked the screen, you probably cracked more than just the piece of protective glass on the top. Oftentimes when the iPhone screen shatters the protective glass it also shatters the LCD digitizer under the glass too.

Can I still use my iPhone after a screen shatter

Sometimes if the protective glass has shattered the iPhone may still function, however continuing to use it may be dangerous a few reasons. The first most obvious reason is that you might injure yourself on the broken shards of glass. A less obvious reason is the iPhone no longer has a solid protective layer from the outside world, and will most likely eventually fail do to another hardware failure deeper inside the device. Unrepaired broken iPhone screens can cause hardware malfunction or failure to the speaker and microphone, the power jack, the headphone jack, the battery, or the entire mother board. To avoid further damage to your iPhone, considering repairing it as soon as possible.

Can my iPhone be repaired after a break?

It is a fact that Apple iPhone’s do not survive drops or slams very well. Usually shattered screens and broken LCD digitizers can be fixed. However until the damage to the iPhone is fully understood, it is hard to answer this question. A smartphone repair technician will need to examine your broken device to diagnose the issue and estimate a repair cost for you.

Will the cost of the repair be more than the iPhone is worth?

Depending on the age of the iPhone the cost of the repair may be more or less than the cost of replacing the iPhone altogether. Some older iPhone models may no longer be worth the price of repairing, and you would probably be better off replacing the iPhone with a new version. However if you have a new model, you will probably be wiser to repair the iPhone.

Should I repair my own iPhone?

Are you comfortable working on complex electronics? If so, you might consider doing your own iPhone repair. You can find iPhone repair kits at several online stores. However keep in mind that taking an iPhone apart can be a tricky and time consuming process. iPhones require special tools, and delicate fingers to work on. Keeping a mental note of where all the little screws and parts go can be somewhat challenging to most people. If you are not an expert in working on electronic devices you probably should not try to repair your own iPhone. Instead consider letting a local smartphone repair technician at South City Computer do the repair for you.

How does Junkware get on a computer?

Posted by South City Computer

Do you have software programs that appear to be trying to keep your computer safe from spyware, malware, viruses, trojans, worms, and ransomeware however are more annoying than good? Do you not know how these software programs got onto your computer in the first place?

Oftentimes this “bloatware” or “junkware” is installed on a computer via a third party installer possibly bundled with free computer games, media players or CD burning software. The “junkware” will sometimes even get installed on a computer by tricking a user by popping up a fake “windows-like” alert that offers a “fix” to an “issue” on a computer. Junkware is often installed on a computer without the direct knowledge or consent of the computer owner.

Junkware usually is installed on a computer as “freeware” as in it is Free to install and use, however oftentimes the real intent of the software is to sell an upgraded version to the computer user.

The real disadvantage of having junkware on a computer is that it is using the processor and RAM and ultimately making the overall speed of the computer slower. When several junkware programs are running at the same time, it can really make a computer crawl!

Examples of Junkware

SUPERAntiSpyware JunkwareSUPERAntiSpyware is a “Freeware” software application which can detect and remove spyware, adware, trojan horses, rogue security software, computer worms, rootkits, parasites and other potentially harmful software applications. Although it can detect malware, SUPERAntiSpyware is not designed to replace antivirus software.

Registry Reviver Junkware“Registry Reviver” is another common “junkware” software application that people often have on their computer. Registry Reviver is registry utility whose purported purpose is to remove redundant items from the Windows registry. The software helps to automate the process of looking for invalid entries, missing file references or broken links within the registry and resolving or removing them. The necessity and usefulness of registry cleaners is a controversial topic, in which most experts are in disagreement over their benefits.

Registry Reviver software is typically bundled with third party installers. The software attempts to trick a user into installing it with a message that the software will “Offer your users a registry scanner and optimization tool designed to let novices find registry errors and help maintain peak Windows performance.”

Can Junkware be Uninstalled

Sometimes a computer user can uninstall junkware via the Windows uninstaller in the Control Panel. However oftentimes these programs will leave “junk” in your registry that may cause issues in the future with the computer. To insure that the “junkware” is properly uninstalled from a computer, take the computer to a local computer repair store where a computer repair technician can properly uninstall the junkware from the computer. To be sure this junkware get removed from your computer Call South City Computer today to scheadule an appointment.

Does your computer have Malware?

Posted by South City Computer

Windows MalwareWatch out for a new piece of malware and spyware that has been popping up on many computers that are coming into our computer repair shop in St. Louis this past couple months. Malware is short for “malicious software” and is unwanted software that can hijack certain functions of your computer, steal sensitive information, and can put your personal information and data at risk. Malware is usually bundled with tojans, worms, rootkits, spyware, adware, ransomware and viruses. Unfortunately most malware can be very tricky to remove. The new malware we have been seeing has no easy removal method at this time and reeks havoc on the computer’s Windows registry. The Windows registry is the place where Windows stores Operating System and program configurations.

All malware is annoying and potentially harmful to the data and personal information on your computer. You should not continue to use your computer if you believe it has been infected with Malware, and should bring your computer into a local computer repair store like South City Computers for repair as soon as possible.

You should never attempt to download any programs that claim to remove or fix a certain malware program or virus you may have on your computer. Often times these programs just install more malware and viruses on your computer and make matters a lot worse.

You should never interact with malware programs since they are malicious in nature and could cause serious harm to your computer.

Signs that you may have Malware

When you attempt to go to certain “most visited” websites like Google.com, Facebook.com, or check your email the malware will redirect your browser to a malicious website and you can never get to the website you requested. This usually happens regardless of the web browser you attempt to use be it Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Firefox.

When you try to uninstall the malware through the Windows uninstaller, the malware will attempt to get you to actually install more malware onto the computer, or takes you to a website to download an “Uninstaller” program.

If you are noticing pop-ups and mysterious program notifications from programs that claim to be “Optimizers”, “Anti-Malware”, “Anti-Virus”, “Registry Cleaner”, or “System Repair” software.

Your computer is running slow, and seems to be doing a lot of processing even when the computer is sitting idle.

Your computer will not longer run Windows Updates.

Your computer is unable to run your Anti-Virus software.

Your computer is unable to run an anti-virus scan.

Your computer is unable to update your Anti-Virus software.

Your computer throws missing .dll errors when you try to launch certain programs.

Your computer will no longer connect to the Internet.

Your computer is prompting you for payment information to “fix” your computer.

Your computer will no longer print or communicate to external devices such as printers.

If your computer is doing any of the strange behaviors listed above, or you think that you may have installed malware on your computer bring it to the computer repair experts at South City Computers in St. Louis today.

Local Computer Repair in St. Louis

Posted by South City Computer

buy-local-computer-repairAre you looking to support local business? We offer local computer repair in St. Louis offering computer repair, new and refurbished computer sales, and south saint louis business IT services to individuals, organizations, churches and businesses. We are specialized in computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, malware removal, networks, computer support, screen repair and replacement, motherboard repair and replacement, as well as VOIP phone systems, and smartphone/iPhone/Android iPad/tablet repair.

There are lots of great reasons to buy local computer repair in St. Louis services beyond just feeling good about supporting small business in your community. Did you know your dollars have significantly more impact when you buy from a small locally owned shop than from a national chain? Here are ten reasons you may not have thought of:

When you buy local you actually support yourself: Many economic impact studies have shown that buying from independent, locally owned businesses, rather than from giant nationally owned corporations considerably more of your dollars are used to buy from other local businesses, service providers and farms. South City Computer actively buys from other local businesses so you can rest assured that your money is staying in our neighborhood which strengthens the economic base of our community. Economic impact studies show these that locally-owned businesses generate a significant economic impact to the community and our tax base.

Local businesses support more community groups: Non-profit organizations get on average 250% more support from small businesses than from large corporations.

Local businesses help to make our community unique: Our shopping choices like where we get our computer repaired or where we have fun all creates a unique take on community. One-of-a-kind businesses help to create the distinct character of our neighborhood. Visitors to our community businesses also benefit. South City Computer has gotten many customers while on vacation or businesses trips through local Google searches seeking a local computer repair shop that can offer them the feeling of being someplace unique, not in just a big box store.

Local businesses reduce their impact on the environment: Locally businesses purchase more from other local businesses which reduces the required transportation. South City Computer sources much of its refurbished computers from a local St. Louis computer recycling company. South City Computer is easy to walk to, is a neighborhood shop, and requires less driving and hassle to get to, creates less pollution, CO2 emissions, etc…

Local business creates more jobs: Small local businesses employ more local people in our community and provides a lot of jobs to residents. All of South City Computers’ employees live in the neighborhood!

Local businesses provide higher quality service: We hire people with a better understanding of the services we sell and we spend significant time providing ongoing coaching training and mentorship. We also take time to get know our customers, send surveys, and create real relationships.

Local businesses make investments in our community: South City Computer bought and rehabbed its own building into a live/work on Ivanhoe. The owners live upstairs anmd actively participate in the Lindenwood Park community, are unlikely to move, and are heavily involved in the community’s future.

Local businesses’ taxes go good things: Local businesses in the city needs less government and utility investements in infrastructure and are more efficient when using public services as compared to nationally owned big box stores, that tear down housing for parking lots and giant warehouse stores.

At local businesses you can buy what you need, not what someone wants you to buy: When you shop at South City Computer we provide you with the service of helping you to find the right computer for your needs, not high pressure commission based sales on inventory that needs to get moved. This actually gives you more choices since we are not wed to any one distributor or computer brand.

Local businesses generate local prosperity: A large body of economic research proves that in an increasingly corporatized one size fits all homogenized world, small community entrepreneurs and highly skilled workers are more likely to make investments and live in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and unique character.

So when you are thinking of buying a new computer or getting your old one fixed, we would appreciate it if you would keep in mind your dollars not only get spent on your computer, but will also be reinvested in your community, helping other merchants you shop at and love to keep their doors open and their lights on.

IT service was very timely and high quality

Posted by South City Computer

The IT service was very timely and was surprisingly high quality. The building is even ADA compliant which is super exciting for me because I’m in a wheelchair. The employees are very nice and friendly. You will be happy you took your computer here!

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