If you need to take your computer to a repair shop or ship
it away for servicing, if at all possible make sure you have
a current backup of all your personal files and information.

Many of the large computer companies like HP and Compaq
don’t really repair your computer anymore. In many cases,
they replace it with another of the same model.

This sounds like a good deal - you’re getting a new
computer, right? The problem is, they usually replace it
with a factory-fresh system that won’t have your files on it
anymore.

Mistakes can happen in repair centers, too. Most repair
shops will have you sign a waiver that basically says they
aren’t responsible for the information on your computer. If
a technician ever makes a mistake and deletes something they
shouldn’t (and it does happen, although infrequently) you
might not have any recourse.

If your computer won’t start up or you can’t access the
information on it, there’s nothing you can do (this is when
you’ll be glad you make regular backup copies of your
important files… you do make them don’t you?) but if you
can save anything, it’s worth taking the time.