Computer Crew

Everyone hates taking their computer in for repairs, and I’m no different. It always seems like they gouge or take advantage, since they possess knowledge that you probably lack, similar to auto repair. I’m no idiot when it comes to computers, but I lose patience while trouble shooting problems and can afford to spend some money when I simply don’t have the time or inclination.
Recently I lost the audio to my computer. I spent a solid four hours troubleshooting, installing drivers and such, and couldn’t figure it out. I had to take it in if I was to solve the issue. I had an idea that it was a hardware issue, but I couldn’t prove it or diagnose it myself. I take some responsibility that I didn’t ask enough questions and that I wasn’t clear about what I wanted, but basically they told me that my version of windows was «corrupted» from viruses and that backing up all my info and installing a fresh copy of windows would «probably» solve my problem. I was happy about that, since I ASSUMED that they knew what they were talking about. I should have probed deeper at this point, asking what they could do to see if it was a hardware problem first, but I gave them a go ahead on a $ 200 repair (I have a lot of files that needed backing up). It turns out (and I wasn’t surprised) that it was a hardware problem after all. I just spent $ 200 for them to clear my computer of viruses, which I have no doubt existed since windows really sux. I could have done that myself, but I probably would have waited until my computer was nonfunctional. All that I wanted was my sound fixed. If after paying for a $ 50 inspection they told me it was a hardware problem, I would have spent the $ 50, thanked them, and been on my way to writing a positive Unilocal review. Instead, I’m telling all you fine people that you have to be savvy when dealing with computer repair places in general. Ask too many questions and be clear about what you want. I hate to say it, but it’s true. I’m blaming myself as much as I’m blaming them, but I do have a bad taste in my mouth. I could be wrong, but I feel like I’ve been had.