Tom's IT Pro Covers Part 1 of the 2017 Computer Repair Report

Newest Computer Repair Report in Tom's IT Pro

Windows Apps Problems Top Rescuecom's Repair Report

By Anna Attkisson APRIL 5, 2017 3:00 AM

Windows Applications top the list of computer repair problems in the latest Rescuecom Computer Repair Report, making up 32 percent of the issues. Windows operating system and viruses/spyware/malware/pop-up ads rounded out the top three, which accounts for 63 percent of all problems. TV problems, on the other hand, accounted for 0.1 percent of issues.

Windows apps, particularly Universal apps, run the same across Microsoft's PCs, tablets and phones, without needing special code. However, at least in the past year, it seems that in Rescuecom's experience, every new build release to Windows 10 breaks something. For example, the Anniversary Update to Windows 10 didn't support USB 2 web cameras. Microsoft eventually fixed the problem, but if your company simply can't wait for a formal fix you can always use the Windows rollback feature to uninstall the update.

The full list of reported computer problems reported in the 2017 list include:

RankProblemPercentage%
1Windows Applications32
2Windows OS17.1
3Virus/Spyware/Malware/Pop-Up Ads13.9
4Internet Connectivity7.6
5Running Slow7
6Email Trouble6
7Printer Woes6
8Computer Won't Boot4.1
9Data Recovery2.6
10Hardware Problems2
11User Caused1
12Mac Applications0.4
13Phone Problems0.3
14Mac OS0.1
15TV Problems0.1

The first three items in the list may be unsurprising. But I was unprepared to see Internet Connectivity that high. If this is one of your company's bigger issues, my first advice is to turn it off and turn it back on again; meaning unplug the modem, plug it back in, then reboot your computer. If you're running slow, Rescuecom recommends you make sure your hard drive has at least 20 percent of free space.

While Mac's are known to be less fussy than PCs, they aren't immune. Rescuecom reports that problematic apps causing computer performance issues were the biggest complaint, leading customers to need help uninstalling software. The repair company recommends sticking to Apple-approved apps from the App Store to best combat this problem.

The 2017 Rescuecom Computer Repair Report is based on the company's support in the U.S., Canada and U.K. and the data comes from the "tens of thousands of tech support calls annually." The company analyzes that data from these calls to form the report.

Google Reviews

D.M. Lafortune
D.M. Lafortune
2 months ago
These folks are the best ! They have Rescued me more than once :o)
...These folks are the best ! They have Rescued me more than once :o) less
Steve Donnellon
Steve Donnellon
4 months ago
Working with Roy remotely from Junea, Alaska has been a excellent experience and and he solved my so
...Working with Roy remotely from Junea, Alaska has been a excellent experience and and he solved my software issue and had hellp with preventing future issues. less
Jay Amburgey
Jay Amburgey
6 months ago
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...I was having trouble with my gmail email and I contacted Rescuecom and a technician named Roy helped me restore email and folders that I thought were deleted or lost. I highly recommend these guys for your technology needs and they also help with cellphones, routers and tv's. Way to go Rescuecom. less
Jean Ende
Jean Ende
7 months ago
I was in a panic because I'd been hacked--they saved the day and took care of all my problems right
...I was in a panic because I'd been hacked--they saved the day and took care of all my problems right away. less
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