Japan Aid Tama Rescue Squad　Staff member: Midorigawa

After a recent 3-day weekend, we received a call from an individual client, Mr. F, who reported that he had lost all of the photos he had taken on his smartphone. He said he had gone out with his family and they took quite a few pictures that were important family memories for them. However, once they got home to view the pictures, they were greeted with a message saying, “The microSD card is out of order.”

This was clearly a shock to Mr. F and he couldn’t help but miss the pictures all the more—some of them were of his kids and he knew they couldn’t be reproduced. Even searching for the data after plugging the phone into his PC did not yield any signs of the photos whatsoever. They seemed to have just vanished.

A few Internet searches brought up some promising-sounding advice saying that data could be retrieved using a data recovery program. However, the PC itself has no direct access to the microSD card, so Mr. F was clearly at a loss. Fortunately, an acquaintance referred him to us; and we have heard the “missing data” story many times.

Smartphone models vary, but microSD problems are not uncommon. This can be due to overheating, or any of a variety of other causes. Users should be wary that there are occasionally some foreboding signs before a malfunction occurs. Be on the look out for times when the card unmounts all on its own, or for sudden messages such as “Please reset the format.” Particularly if these ominous signs pop up frequently, you could be visited with a broken card in short order, and a loss of all the data on that card.

For cards that are showing signs of trouble or have totally gone "kaput," our office offers data salvaging services to rescue your precious content. Luckily, in the case of Mr. F, we were able to retrieve 100% of his treasured photos. But microSD cards do tend to be fussy and our foremost advice is to regularly back up the data from them onto your PC or cloud storage account. It’s sage advice that can’t be repeated often enough.

For PC repair, setup, instruction, etc. contact Japan Aid PC Rescue

Japan Aid Saitama Rescue Squad　 Staff member: McLaughlin

Just recently we fielded a call from a client who said, in English, “My Internet seems to be down.” We were happy to take the call and offer troubleshooting advice in English. Our office has Japanese staff who can speak English and other staff members, like me, who are on call to handle service requests from inside and outside Japan. We believe this is part of the reason why we have plenty of repeat business from English speaking clients.

On this occasion, the caller above seems to have spent a good deal of time asking around for PC support in English. It seems that it was not an easy service to find. Fortunately, information from a friend led the caller to Japan Aid and we were happy to hear that the word is out: Japan Aid handles English calls.

In fact, we handle other languages as well, including Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Arabic, and Urdu. If you hear us answer the phone in Japanese, rest assured that some of our Japanese staff are also bilingual.

The caller mentioned above, Mr. F, was having Internet trouble because of a full hard drive. His selection of browser bookmarks and browser history had grown large enough to slow down his Internet access. I visited his office to have a look at his computer, check for any virus issues, and fix a few software problems. Afterwards, Mr. F’s browser speed was back to normal and his computer was humming along quite nicely.

This is a good time to also mention that Japan Aid offers a “Windows 7 Switch-over Package” as well as a “PC Data Moving Service” with English support. These packages are great for getting the settings right on your PC, connecting printers and other peripherals, connecting e-mail readers, Internet connections, a TV-computer link up, and anything else you may need.

If you’ve been turned away from another PC support office because they didn’t offer English support or didn’t have native English speakers on staff, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us a message.

For PC repair, setup, instruction, etc. contact Japan Aid PC Rescue

Japan Aid Kanagawa Rescue Squad　Staff member: Takimoto

The types of damage lightning can do to PC equipment is not limited to the electrical parts. When the effects of lightning travel through the phone line or Internet connection (ADSL line, cable TV line, etc.), certainly the PC itself is at risk, but so are the LAN and internal modem.

One of our valued clients is a manga artist, Mr. Y, who does some of his professional work on his computer. He has prepared for possible lightning strikes, though, and uses a surge protector. During our recent lightning storm, he shut down and unplugged his computer at the first sounds of thunder. He thought he would just patiently wait for the storm to pass.

However, Mr. Y’s computer was one of the unlucky ones in the vicinity of lightning strikes. His PC was fine, but his ADSL modem was ruined. “I’d turned off the power, so I thought everything would be fine,” he explained. But unfortunately, his modem was still connected during the storm and only the PC itself was turned off.

This does happen. All telephone lines, communication lines, modems, etc. are just as vulnerable to electrical surges as PCs are. And if the modem is internal, it can be seared with electricity that will also touch, and damage, the main PC board.

So to avoid lightning damage more thoroughly, begin by disconnecting modem and router cables, LAN cables, modular cables (between the phone and the computer), antenna cables (for PCs with TV tuners), and peripheral cables. For wireless networks, though, no direct connection exists, so no measures are necessary (such as removing the wireless LAN card from the PC).

In Mr. Y’s case, no direct damage occurred to his PC, but he did purchase new surge protection equipment for his phone line and power supplies. He had a good scare this time around. “If my manuscripts were lost just because of my connection to the phone line, I would have been mortified,” he said.

And we completely agree. Your work is too important to be risked over a momentary change in weather. Electrical surges can sneak in through many unexpected routes. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Please double check your surge protectors before the height of lightning season arrives (and don’t hesitate to contact us if you need custom-tailored assistance).

For PC repair, setup, instruction, etc. contact Japan Aid PC Rescue

Japan Aid Tama Rescue Squad　Staff member: Yokoyama

In the course of a recent meeting with a trusted partner who is part of our "Windows 7 Upgrade Package" service, we heard him talk about an acquaintance, Mr. W, who "bought a new smartphone, but still wasn't able to get at its full functionality."

Mr. W works in sales and seems to have the need for access to his data while he's out in the field. He had been using a netbook connected to his cell phone, but with all the recent hype wondered, "Wouldn't it be nice to just have one device, one phone, and do everything on it." So he bought a smartphone with that in mind. He was computer literate, so he assumed he could easily use a smartphone. But once he had one in hand, he had to admit defeat.

His first recourse was to call customer support, but he found himself stymied by the automated voice system that didn't address his specific questions. No worries, he thought, off to the local shop run by his service carrier. But there, too, he ran into trouble. Maybe because of the weekend, the place was packed. The official wait was close to two hours and, although we would have gotten some help eventually, he just gave up and left, not wanting to waste so much time.

As he headed home, he wondered if maybe the local electronics shop would be a possibility, but assumed that it, too, would be packed on the weekend. It was then that he ran into his friend and they go to talking about how nice it would be to have someone just listen patiently and then explain the smartphone functions to him. At which point, our company's name came up and the Tama Rescue Squad was mentioned. When asked directly, we were happy to tell them that we offer tech support for both cell phone and smart phone conundrums.

Recently much talk is made of smartphones and how convenient they are, which is true, but we've fielded complaints from people who find them more difficult to use than PCs. Smartphone manuals don't quite cover the works, so we offer support for clients who need customized explanations matched exactly to the user environment they find themselves in - including the necessary apps for their work. Don't hesitate to give us a call!

For PC repair, setup, instruction, etc. contact Japan Aid PC Rescue

Japan Aid Yamanashi Rescue Squad　Staff member: Takasaka

Most folks this week seem to be busy with plans for spring break or preparations for the new school year becuase we've been getting increased requests about newly purchased or upgraded PCs.

Along with developments in our Windows 7 Upgrade Package that we offer, I found myself visiting one of our partner retailers recently. During the visit, Mr. A talked to me about his anticipated homework assignments for his son in junior high school. "Surely a new computer would help with the work load," he commented.

But at the same time he was concerned about his son starting to use the computer. He knew there were harmful sites, including phishing and other sites, that he needed to watch out for, but it wasn't practical, or helpful, to restrict his son from using the computer as a valuable resource. Mr A wanted to "know how to put access restrictions on certain sites."

Of course as part of our Windows 7 Upgrade Package, we offer fully customized settings for your particular user needs. This will allow your children to use the computer, but not be exposed to any web sites you don't want them exposed to.

Mr. A was not necessarily set on purchasing the Windows 7 Upgrade Package, but in either case, he wanted help with setting certain restrictions on the computer. Clients who find themselves in the same situation are warmly encouraged to contact us. Given the season, however, it is wise to do so a bit earlier than usual. The end of the school year overlaps with the end of the fiscal year and the office can get a bit busy!

For PC repair, setup, instruction, etc. contact Japan Aid PC Rescue

JapanAid Tama Rescue Squad    Staff member: Yokoyama

Mr. K from a local commerce association contacted us about his keyboard. He said the keyboard response was pretty fuzzy and he wondered whether this was a sign that the keyboard was ready to break on him. He hadn't abused the keyboard (no coffee stains that we could find), but no matter what he tried, it wouldn't return to normal.

His general concerns extended beyond the keyboard so he asked us to, "Come and have a look." We gladly went by his office and found out first-hand that, although the keyboard wasn't on life support, it did indeed only slowly respond to commands.

JapanAid Kanagawa Rescue Squad　Staff member: Takimoto

It seems we can't live without our iPods, but recently more and more people are turning their phones and other mobile devices into de facto music players. One wonders if the batteries can even make it through the day sometimes :-)

But more to the point, today's request for assistance came from a client we'll call "Mr. S" concerning his iPod.

If you have an iPod that "freezes" and won't respond to any commands, or even turn on, the best approach is to reset or initialize it. But understandably, this can make people leery. Please don't hesitate to ask us for assistance at times like this. 

Speaking of Apple products, the word on the street is that their new iPad 3 will be supported on the au telecom network here in Japan. If so, we expect the number of users to jump. Our office handles "care and repair" for the iPod, iPad, and iPhone. Again, please don't hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance.

Additionally, for those of you who are starting school or moving to a new job (as folks tend to do around this time of year), please note that we offer a comprehensive "PC Movers Package" that simplifies the complicated steps of setting up, configuring, and getting your electronics on line and working ASAP. Don't go it alone! Individuals or companies are warmly encouraged to get in touch with us, even if it's just for friendly advice.

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From: Thomas Manu [mailto:thomasmanu236@msn.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2011 7:10 AM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: Business proposal

Compliment of the day to you.

I am  (Thomas K. Manu) a Director of operation in Ghana National Patroleum Corporation. My  primary assignment in the corporation is to award contracts that have been approved by the Government. In the course of awarding these contracts for the prefabrication/refurbishment of the nation refinery. The contract which was awarded to an expatriate was inflated to the tune of $13,700,000.00 USD.

I am seeking your indulgence and assistance in having this amount remitted to your account for investment purposes. There is absolutely no liability, be it civil or criminal on your part.

We have resolved to compensate you with 27% commission for your assistance in having this fund transferred to your account for investment purposes.

This transaction is being executed with the blessing of Executives in government and in the Oil ministry. More details will be forwarded to you, should I receive a positive response from you. Looking forward to having a healthy and lucrative business relationship with you.

Thank you in advance for your corporation.

Yours Sincerely,

Thomas K. Manu
Director of operation
(GNPC) Accra Ghana 

Planetworks' JapanAid PC Rescue 99 team is seeking an experienced IT technician to join our nationwide IT service networks specially in Okinawa.

Come share your talent with a hard-working team that is dedicated to delivering the highest quality IT service (hardware, software, network).

If interested in this opportunity, please use this form for application.

Planetworks' JapanAid PC Rescue 99 services 24/7 nationwide for your onsite IT needs

1. basic charge JPY980 per month.
2. free calls between registered Softbank users 24 hours a day.
3. free calls between Softbank users in 01:00-21:00.
4. half cost for calls to other carriers like NTT Docomo, KDDI au.

Hi, this is Lucas from PC Rescue 99.

Here is yesterday’s case study;

The customer complained that he could not get connect to the internet for a week and half.

When I went to his apartment, his connection was wireless, he have a Planex router, and a USB dongle on the receiving end.

First I check the DHCP settings, which was ok. Then what was the IP address, and noticing that was giving me the wrong kind of IP one’s with 169.254.xxx.xxx. So I tried to get into the router, but from his pc, it was not possible, so I went to the the manufacture's web site, and　downloaded the manual, checked the settings. This particular router, is a bit different from the others, so after I could login into the router, made a new WEP key, and check the settings in the pc, and he could get connected to the internet.

Lucas