diagnostic programs

[shadowpr]

i was wondering what programs do you all use when you're trying to fix someones computer. let's say someone asked you to come fix their computer, and just said it's not working.

1) what would you bring with you?
2) would you burn them on a cd, or use a usb drive?
3) in personal experiences, what's the most common problem people have with their computers that you have to fix?
4) how did you go about fixing them?

[Kov-Ice]

I'd definitely have a copy of UBCD, which contains about every diagnostic you could need.

[Gen.Ben]

This is what I usaully bring when going to someones house to fix their computer.

The Ultimate Boot CD
Almost every type of windows install disk
USB to IDE/SATA Adapter http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812101003
Older Hard Drives
DDR Memory
DDR2 Memory
Large External Hard Drive/Ipod
USB Drive with various anti virus and spyware programs on it
Screw Driver

That's just me, I come always prepared for anything, you probably dont need half the stuff I lug around with me but just bring as much stuff that you think might help.

[shadowpr]

if you bring the UBCD, do you add anything else to it?

[Alaron]

The UBCD has pretty much everything you need. And if you ever find that you need something else in the course of working on a system, you can always add it later (use a CDRW), or just use a flash drive.

[shadowpr]

i burned the iso last night.

looks like a lot of things are on there that i never heard of. might have to use my other computer as a guinea pig for it.

so what are the most common reasons that people ask you to fix their computer? i'm thinking it's probably cause of viruses or spyware.

[Alaron]

Usually it is a virus/spyware issue. Or just general neglect that leads to slow, bogged down systems. Hardware failure is also a possibility, along with networking/internet issues.