Computers aren’t always as intuitive as you might expect. It’s tempting to assume computers know how to take care of themselves. After all, they seem to know well enough how to play music, install updates, print documents and tell you you’re performing an illegal action. The truth is, however, that the more advanced computers become, the more care and regular maintenance they need.

The longer you prolong giving your computer the attention it needs, the more support you’ll need from your local computer repair shop.

Fortunately, many of the most expensive computer repairs are also the most preventable. Here’s a look at the top five most costly computer problems (most expensive computer repairs till date) – and how to avoid them.

Most Expensive Computer Repairs

1. Virus Cleanup

Depending on the situation, virus removal from a fleet of business computers can cost in the tens of thousands of dollars – or more. The more computers affected, the more expensive the computer repair services.

When a virus invades a computer, it can corrupt and steal data. Along with accessing your personal data, a virus on a business computer can acquire sensitive information about a company and its customers. Consequently, this can result in fines and penalties for not securing the privacy of those with whom you do business.

Prevention tips: Install and regularly update antivirus and anti-spyware programs, as well as a firewall. A computer repair professional can recommend products based on your needs and budget.

Furthermore, be smart about the emails you open and the web pages you surf. Avoid opening emails from people you don’t know, and don’t click on attachments or links that come from unsolicited messages. Stay away from peer-to-peer file-sharing websites and those that appear suspicious. If you handle sensitive client information, consider having an IT company monitor and update your computer from a remote location so it can catch and prevent problems before they become major issues.

2. Cracked LCD Screen

There’s no simple or inexpensive fix for a broken LCD screen – you simply have to replace it. A simple screen can cost up to $300 to replace, but the latest touch screens will cost you more.

If the crack occurs on a laptop, you’ll have to surrender it until the computer repair and maintenance work is done, which can result in being out of business for a few days if don’t have a backup PC.

Prevention tips: Always use and place your laptop on a stable surface where it can’t fall or accidentally get kicked. Avoid placing an object between a laptop’s screen and keyboard before you close it. When you travel, use a padded bag or backpack designed to protect laptops from bumps.

3. Data Recovery

There are several scenarios that can make you lose all the data on your computer: a fried motherboard, failed hard drive, natural or man-made disaster, theft, virus, hackers, a drop as short as 6 inches, or age (hard drives and motherboards have a lifespan of a few years). When your data is gone, so are all the pictures, music files, client files, reports and projects you saved on your computer.

To recover the data lost on a single computer, you can expect to spend at least $3,000. It’s important to note that this cost doesn’t come with the guarantee of complete (or any) data recovery. If the problem is with a business computer, you can also expect a few days of downtime.

Prevention tips: Regularly backup your computer files using an online data service or external hard drive that automatically saves your data. If you do opt to use an external hard drive, keep in mind that you should store it in a secure, fire-proof and waterproof location. Additionally, guard your computer against power surges and lightning strikes with a good surge protector.

You can use Google Drive online backup for automated data backup!

4. Beverage Spills 

One of the simplest ways to fry a computer is to spill a liquid onto it. If the spill occurs on the keyboard of a desktop computer, you may only have to spring for a new keyboard. A spill on a laptop or computer case, on the other hand, can cost up to $400 because the computer repair professional has to take the machine apart, clean it well and put it back together – by hand.

Prevention tips: The simplest way to prevent a spill is to avoid drinking beverages around a computer. Since this is highly unlikely to happen, the next best thing you can do is sip them from a lidded container.

5. Overheating

With the ability to reach temperatures of up to 171 degrees Fahrenheit, computers need to be able to vent hot air and take in cooler air. Like a car, when a computer overheats, it begins to fail. An overly warm computer may not work as quickly as it used to, or it may freeze or crash. If the overheating is bad enough, you could end up with melted components or fried circuitry.

Prevention tips: Give your computer or laptop plenty of room to breathe and don’t block the cooling vents. For example, avoid placing a laptop on blankets while it’s turned on; hard surfaces are best. When using a desktop PC, keep the case away from walls. If necessary, consider having a computer repair and maintenance shop install a special cooling system. Use a cooling pad with a laptop to prevent overheating.

These are the most expensive computer repairs issues/problems always encountered by computer users and this has been happening for long. If you don’t want to experience such kind of problem, you must follow the prevention tips outlined in this article so that you won’t experience any of these expensive computer repairs issues.

What are other things you think could be referred to as other expensive computer repairs issue that we haven’t covered here? Please share them with me.

Image credit | Google Images

This post was contributed by Zac Cramer, the founder of Happy Hamster Computers, the largest independently-owned computer store in Portland, Oregon. Zac and his team fix more than 3,000 computers a year, and provide awesome support to businesses throughout the community.