At AS Computer Solutions in Onoway, we pride ourselves on efficient and effective PC repair. While we certainly have our arsenal of professional, paid diagnostic tools and software, a surprising number of common computer problems can be solved with excellent, free utilities. These are not just amateur-hour suggestions; these are tools we genuinely rely on daily to diagnose, clean, and optimize client PCs.
Why do we use free tools? Because they’re often powerful, lightweight, and incredibly effective. They allow us to quickly address issues like malware, system slowdowns, driver problems, and more, without adding unnecessary costs to our clients. When a problem is complex, these tools often provide the initial insights needed to dig deeper.
So, if you’re a curious DIYer, or just wondering how the pros get started, here are some of our go-to free tools that actually make a difference.
✅ Tool 1: Malwarebytes Free
When a client’s computer is acting erratically, displaying pop-ups, or running unusually slow, the first suspect is almost always malware. While a full antivirus suite is essential for real-time protection, Malwarebytes Free is our preferred tool for on-demand scanning and removal of persistent threats that traditional antiviruses might miss.
Why We Use It:
Deep Scan Capabilities: Excels at finding and removing adware, spyware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and even some rootkits that other scanners overlook.
User-Friendly Interface: Even for non-technical users, running a scan is straightforward.
Effective Remediation: Does a great job of cleaning up infections without causing further system instability.
How We Use It (and You Can Too):
Download and Install: Get it directly from the official Malwarebytes website.
Update Definitions: Always ensure the program has the latest database updates before scanning.
Perform a Threat Scan: Let it run its course. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on your system and the amount of data.
Quarantine/Remove: Review the detected threats and allow Malwarebytes to quarantine or remove them. A reboot is often required.
✅ Tool 2: CCleaner Free
Over time, Windows accumulates a lot of junk: temporary files, broken registry entries, browser caches, old installer files, and more. This digital clutter can significantly slow down a PC. CCleaner Free is our trusted solution for safely cleaning out this unnecessary data.
Why We Use It:
Comprehensive Cleaning: Clears system junk, browser history, cookies, download history, and empties recycle bins across various applications.
Registry Cleaner: Can identify and fix broken or obsolete registry entries (use with caution, and always back up first!).
Startup Manager: Helps identify and disable unnecessary programs launching with Windows, which drastically improves boot times.
Uninstall Tool: A quick way to remove unwanted software.
How We Use It (and You Can Too):
Download and Install: From the official CCleaner website. Be careful during installation to deselect any bundled software you don’t want.
Run “Custom Clean”: Select the items you want to clean (we generally recommend checking everything under Windows and Applications, except saved passwords if you rely on them).
Analyze then Run Cleaner: Review what will be deleted, then proceed.
Use “Registry” Tool: Scan for issues and fix selected ones. Always choose to back up your registry before fixing.
Manage Startup Programs: In the “Tools” section, disable any unnecessary programs that launch with Windows.
✅ Tool 3: Hiren’s BootCD PE (Portable Edition)
This isn’t a single tool, but rather a bootable USB drive packed with a comprehensive suite of utilities. When a client’s PC won’t boot, is riddled with viruses, or needs deep system repair, Hiren’s BootCD PE is our ultimate fallback. It’s an indispensable toolkit for offline diagnostics and repair.
Why We Use It:
Offline Access: Allows us to boot into a Windows-like environment (WinPE) when the client’s operating system is completely corrupted or inaccessible.
Hardware Diagnostics: Includes tools for testing RAM, hard drives (SSDs and HDDs), and CPU.
Password Reset: Can bypass or reset forgotten Windows passwords.
Data Recovery: Tools to access and recover data from damaged drives.
Malware Removal (Offline): Allows for deep scanning and removal of malware that might prevent normal booting or evade online scanners.
Disk Partitioning & Cloning: Tools for managing disk drives.
How We Use It (and You Might Need a Professional for This):
Create a Bootable USB: Download the ISO from the official Hiren’s BootCD PE website and use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.
Boot from USB: Configure the client’s PC to boot from the USB drive.
Navigate the Environment: Once booted, you’ll have access to various categories of tools for data recovery, diagnostics, security, and more.
Note: Hiren’s BootCD PE is for advanced users. Incorrect use can lead to data loss or further system damage. If you’re not comfortable navigating BIOS settings or command-line tools, it’s best to leave this to the professionals.
Mouse or Keyboard Not Working? Try These Quick Fixes Before Calling for Help
Few things are more frustrating than a suddenly unresponsive mouse or keyboard—especially when you’re right in the middle of something important. Whether you’re replying to emails, working on a spreadsheet, or just Browse, losing control of your input devices can grind your entire workflow to a halt.
At AS Computer Solutions here in Onoway, we get calls about this issue all the time. The good news? You might not need a new mouse or keyboard—or even a service call. Most of the time, the fix is quick and simple. So before you panic or start shopping for replacements, try these easy steps first.
✅ Step 1: Rule Out the Basics
Let’s start with the obvious (but often overlooked):
🔄 Reboot Your Computer
It sounds cliché, but a quick restart often clears up temporary bugs or software glitches affecting input devices.
🔌 Check the Connections
For Wired Devices:
Unplug and reconnect the USB cable.
Try a different USB port—especially one directly on the back of your desktop or laptop.
For Wireless Devices:
USB Receiver (Dongle): Make sure it’s securely plugged in. Try another port if needed.
Power Switch: Double-check that it’s turned ON.
Batteries: Swap in fresh batteries—even if the old ones were “just replaced.”
Re-pairing (Bluetooth): You may need to re-sync the device to your computer. Refer to the manual for instructions.
🛠️ Step 2: Targeted Troubleshooting
Depending on what’s acting up, here’s what to do next:
📌 Scenario 1: Only the Mouse or Keyboard Isn’t Working
When one device works but the other doesn’t, it’s likely a fault with the device itself or its connection.
Try This:
Test the device on another computer.
If it works there, your original system may have a driver or port issue.
If it doesn’t, the device might be faulty.
For Windows Users:
Press Windows + X, select Device Manager.
Expand Keyboards or Mice and other pointing devices.
Look for any ⚠️ yellow exclamation marks or ❌ red Xs.
Right-click the affected device and select:
Update driver
Or Uninstall device → then reboot to reinstall it automatically.
For Bluetooth Devices:
Windows: Settings > Bluetooth & Devices → Make sure Bluetooth is on. Remove and re-pair the device.
macOS: System Settings > Bluetooth → Remove and re-add the device.
⚠️ Scenario 2: Neither Mouse nor Keyboard Is Working
This can be tricky since you can’t easily navigate menus.
Try This:
Unplug everything except power and monitor. Restart the system.
Then plug in just the mouse or keyboard one at a time.
Test multiple USB ports—front and back. Try both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 if available.
Boot into Safe Mode:
On Windows: Hold Shift during restart, or tap F8 repeatedly during boot (older systems).
On Mac: Hold Shift immediately after powering on.
If things work in Safe Mode, a software or driver conflict is likely.
Inspect cables, connectors, and ports for physical damage.
🔄 Scenario 3: Mouse Works, Keyboard Doesn’t (or Vice Versa)
This often indicates a driver issue or hardware failure in the non-working device.
Follow the steps under “Check Device Manager” and test the faulty device on another computer to isolate the issue.
🧰 Still No Luck? Bring It to the Pros
If none of the above fixes do the trick, don’t stress—AS Computer Solutions is here to help.
We can:
Run advanced diagnostics to identify system or driver conflicts
Repair or replace damaged ports or input devices
Check for underlying issues like malware or system corruption
Recommend reliable replacement options that suit your needs
🏡 Local. Reliable. Ready to Help.
Serving Onoway and surrounding communities, AS Computer Solutions is your go-to for friendly, affordable tech support.
Don’t let input issues slow you down. Try the steps above first, and if you’re still stuck, give us a shout. We’ll get your mouse, keyboard—and your productivity—back on track.
Call or visit us today:
📞 (780) 967 0215
📍 Onoway, Alberta
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