Have this information ready:

• Make/model of PC and it's age.
• Operating System (Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP etc.)
• Brand of Anti Virus, Anti Spyware, etc
• Do you have your personal data backed up

What do I need to service your PC?

• Normally I need only the PC, not the mouse, monitor and keyboard
• I may need and CDs or manuals that came with the PC, and any programs you have installed.
• To perform service in your home, I need adequate working space. I do not move furniture. Some tasks are not appropriate for home service. (Cost a lot less to be performed in the shop)

Retail PCs (HP, Dell, Compaq, Gateway, eMachine, Lenovo/IBM, etc)

• Retail PC's are terrific values.  Servicing them is another story.  They often have proprietary parts and proprietary recovery procedures.  Time and Cost of service is often increased because of that.

If you need a new PC and want Windows XP, look for refurbished or "scratch and dent" models.

Tiger Direct is good source for refurbished machines and cheaper new ones. Do a Google / Yahoo serch for:

ibm refurbished computers

Hint: Avoid Windows 7 if you can!  I will not service VISTA or Windows 7 machines or any network that has VISTA / Windows 7 on it.