repair

Killer Download: Speed up your system by cleaning your registry

As a frequent downloader of new software, I test and review a ton of programs on my PC at work. But after installing and uninstalling so many programs, it doesn't take long for my registry to become a complete mess, which causes errors, sluggishness, and sometimes even crashes. The problem is that not all programs uninstall as easily as they install and often registry entries are left to stagnate in your system and may eventually cause problems.… Read more

Canon gives guidance on 1D Mark III AF issues

This afternoon Canon posted a service notice on its website for owners of the company's 1D Mark III digital SLR. If you haven't been following the saga of the camera's autofocus problems, Canon admitted a couple of weeks ago that some of that model's units have a problem with the submirror, a small mirror that sits behind the main mirror and helps to divert light to the AF system. As a result, they can end up with inaccurate focus and/or inaccurate focus tracking in AI-Servo AF and continuous shooting modes. The problems are supposedly more … Read more

Canon has fix for high-end SLR autofocus

An adjustment to one mirror should fix an autofocus problem that has tarnished the debut of Canon's high-end EOS-1D Mark III camera, the company said Thursday.

"We're pretty confident this countermeasure will resolve the issue completely," said Chuck Westfall, a Canon spokesman and tech guru. "It feels nice to have a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel and know it's not another oncoming train."

The $4,500 camera, geared chiefly for photojournalists who can appreciate features such as its 10.5-frame-per-second shooting ability, had won accolades for most of … Read more

Canon announces service advisory for PowerShot A650 IS

Canon has announced a service advisory for the PowerShot A650 IS, the company's 12-megapixel PowerShot A-series camera. According to Canon, the camera's pivoting, rotating LCD screen exposes the back of the camera and may light leak through when shooting in bright sunlight.

This issue doesn't ruin the camera, it only potentially causes image problems when taking photos in bright light with the screen open. You can still use it with the LCD screen folded against the camera body and facing outward. Still, one of the A650's nicest features is the flip-out LCD, and not being able … Read more

Undercover reporters find PC repairmen batting .300

Hitting .300 or shooting 30 percent might be a standard of excellence in professional baseball and basketball, but in computer repair? Not exactly MVP material.

The Consumerist links to CBC Marketwatch's undercover investigation of PC repair services, which shows that employees often have a startling lack of basic knowledge about the machines they are paid to fix. Plus, while they're misdiagnosing your technical problems, they'll likely overcharge you, and maybe even access your personal files for good measure.

Scary stuff for the technophobe or anyone who doesn't have the time or resources to fix a computer. … Read more

These tires repair themselves

Self-driving vehicles, self-parking cars, self-repairing paint ... and now self-healing tires? Michelin says it has accomplished this feat by using manufacturing techniques that mold the tread of its XDA5 in three dimensions. What that means to us commuting plebs is that the tire features a tread that somehow regenerates itself as it wears off. It sort of acts like an onion: As the tire wears, the tread reveals new grooves and tread blocks within. Once again, technology aping nature.

Unfortunately, this isn't multi-layered, so you won't be getting treads that last forever. Just a touted 30 percent extension in … Read more

Sony offers repairs for Cyber-shot DSC-T5

If you have a Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T5, then...well, you should probably get a new camera. But if you want to keep the gadget around, you should be aware of Sony's latest announcement. Apparently, some DSC-T5s' metal casings have a tendency to warp and form a dangerous edge on the camera. Sony's now offering free casing repairs to owners of over 400,000 DSC-T5s. If your T has a serial number between 3010001 and 3081200, Sony will replace the metal plate with one that won't bend and potentially lacerate you. For more details on the repair plan (… Read more

House calls for your ailing auto

It's one of the experiences we dread most: The cursed "Check Engine" light goes on. That's when you're destined for the even worse experience of seeing the mechanic.

The most frustrating thing is you're never sure if it's something real or just a cranky electrical circuit deciding to be difficult. Either way, you know you'll be paying for it somehow. That's why we have high hopes (and prayers) for the "CarMD" to succeed. We know this handy gadget debuted a few months back, but it's worth mentioning again … Read more