My apartment flooded while I was away on vacation now my '07 iMac won't power up. So this is going to be a two-parter with specific questions about my computer and a general question about the nature of battery backups. [more inside]
posted by Bango Skank on Nov 24, 2009 - 11 answers

How can I clean the soap out of my (laundry) washing machine? [more inside]
posted by pwnguin on Nov 23, 2009 - 10 answers

After noticing some small cracks on the interior walls of one room, I went outside and saw several HUGE zig-zag cracks have appeared between the bricks at the back corner of my house. All the indications of a bad case of subsidence. Time to panic; the house is now worthless! What are my options? [more inside]
posted by moorooka on Nov 21, 2009 - 13 answers

Windows XP Home machine goes blue screen on boot. I'd like to fix it without reinstalling. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by DarkForest on Nov 21, 2009 - 20 answers

Who is the best cobbler in Victoria BC? I have a pair of Black Spot Unswooshers that I like the look of, but are falling apart prematurely. The seam along the top of the toe is starting to come apart, and I'd like to have a cobbler fix them before the tear goes too far. Can anyone recommend a skilled Cobbler in Victoria BC? I'd like the repair to be as inconspicuous as possible.
posted by Sustainable Chiles on Nov 20, 2009 - 3 answers

Should I bother fixing my catalytic converter? [more inside]
posted by zvs on Nov 17, 2009 - 10 answers

The magnetic closure on my new piece of furniture does not work properly. It is a simple problem, but I can't figure out a solution. Please help me fix it! [more inside]
posted by AtomicBee on Nov 15, 2009 - 11 answers

The graphics card in my macbook pro failed, which happens at a "higher than normal" rate. Apple agrees that's the problem. Still, they want me to leave my hard drive in the computer when I give it to them for repairs. How diligent are they about protecting your data from theft and ill-use? If data on your hard drive somehow gets set free while visiting apple-land, it doesn't violate the Applecare terms of service (pdf). "[apple is not liable for...] the failure to maintain the confidentiality of data" (section 4). In section 7f, "You agree that any information or data disclosed to Apple under this Plan is not confidential." My hard drive is backed up, but I don't want to risk someone having access to all my personal info. Should I put up a fight? [more inside]
posted by manduca on Nov 12, 2009 - 16 answers

What should I do with a wounded duvet? [more inside]
posted by Bergamot on Nov 9, 2009 - 12 answers

Please help me to repair a roll up matchstick shade or refer me to a web site with directions in plain English. [more inside]
posted by kbar1 on Nov 8, 2009 - 5 answers

i purchased a specktone retro ii a couple years back, basically this thing. unfortunately, i got it at a bargain bin reduced price from an ebay mass seller, with a very short warranty. [more inside]
posted by camdan on Nov 8, 2009 - 2 answers

Correct parts for a Bernette/Bernina 812 sewing machine? [more inside]
posted by Perplexer on Nov 6, 2009 - 4 answers

Do I need to replace the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor in a 2000 Honda Civic (125k miles)? Engine suddenly idling low. [more inside]
posted by rahnefan on Nov 4, 2009 - 17 answers

Recommended computer repair service in Hong Kong? [more inside]
posted by lmm on Oct 25, 2009 - 0 answers

How to repair a weather balloon, in the context of aerial photography? How to do aerial photography at all? [more inside]
posted by Tufa on Oct 21, 2009 - 8 answers

What is the best way to help my spouse improve her credit? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 20, 2009 - 4 answers

I have a 20-year-old furnace. [more inside]
posted by Nonce on Oct 20, 2009 - 15 answers

Need help finding a reputable cuckoo clock repair shop near White Plains, NY. [more inside]
posted by GJSchaller on Oct 20, 2009 - 2 answers

I have a Cuisinart coffee maker that went from making good coffee to making undrinkably bad coffee overnight. Why is this, and can we fix it? [more inside]
posted by adamrice on Oct 10, 2009 - 8 answers

SUV backed over my tiny Miata, what should I do? [more inside]
posted by evilelf on Oct 8, 2009 - 28 answers

I just bought a mountain bike on the cheap and want to make some changes, namely adjust the shifters (or perhaps change them altogether), and replace the handlebars. Is this a rookie-doable project or should I take it to a shop? [more inside]
posted by zardoz on Oct 6, 2009 - 14 answers

Will self-repairing my broken PS3 make it invalid for future repairs by Sony (even if it's already out of warranty)? [more inside]
posted by ShortHairyMan on Oct 6, 2009 - 4 answers

What are my chances of successfully replacing the hinge on a Thinkpad X60 Tablet? [more inside]
posted by em on Oct 4, 2009 - 9 answers

1992 Volvo 240 in my driveway will not start. Can the hive mind help me fix it without spending what the car is worth? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by chazlarson on Sep 29, 2009 - 32 answers

What's the best way to fix my driver's side mirror? [more inside]
posted by pemberkins on Sep 29, 2009 - 8 answers

Why are there separate repair places for foreign cars? [more inside]
posted by madcaptenor on Sep 24, 2009 - 14 answers

[PlumbingFilter] Ack! The toilet sprang a leak and is now acting like an impromptu bidet when flushed! What is the proper way to fix this? (more inside) [more inside]
posted by Nanukthedog on Sep 23, 2009 - 9 answers

I need a referral to a plumber in Minneapolis who can do a good job replacing my 1930 toilet. Also need a roof repair, sidewalk, and tree removal. [more inside]
posted by Juicylicious on Sep 20, 2009 - 9 answers

Does anyone know where to find a power cord replacement for a Technics 1200 mk2 turntable European edition? 220v power cord? [more inside]
posted by bravowhiskey on Sep 19, 2009 - 2 answers

Please help me determine whether this watch-repair business is legitimate, or help me find a reputable Accutron specialist in the Bay Area. [more inside]
posted by mattdidthat on Sep 16, 2009 - 8 answers

How can I tell if the crack in my car windshield has been repaired? You would think it would be obvious.. but apparently it's not. [more inside]
posted by snorlaxx on Sep 15, 2009 - 8 answers

How can I learn NYC's street repair status? [more inside]
posted by mhz on Sep 13, 2009 - 3 answers

Corrupt PST file. How can I fix it for free? [more inside]
posted by ODiV on Sep 11, 2009 - 3 answers

where can I find a missing part for my microwave? [more inside]
posted by jak68 on Sep 9, 2009 - 6 answers

Best way to go about fixing a viola nick. [more inside]
posted by spacefire on Sep 6, 2009 - 9 answers

Would an household all-purpose cleaner ruin a suit? [more inside]
posted by gttommy on Aug 30, 2009 - 6 answers

The AC of my Mercedes Benz 2002 stopped working so we took it to a well known Used Car Dealership for a check up. They charge me $150.00 just for the check up and gave me an estimate of about $3,000 to fix it (basically they said all the system had to be replace it). I didn’t want to spend that kind of money so we took it one of those ‘basic repair shop’ chains and they fixed it by changing a $25.00 sensor. I want my $150.00 back, I live in Florida and don't know if I am entitled to a refund? If I am, what is the best way to ask for it? I’m pissed at them but I want to behave civilized and effective.
posted by 3dd on Aug 24, 2009 - 24 answers

Never owned an old car, thinking of buying a 1988 Toyota 4x4 truck. Stupid? [more inside]
posted by Chrishartley on Aug 23, 2009 - 17 answers

What's the Bay Area equivalent of TekServe? [more inside]
posted by NucleophilicAttack on Aug 23, 2009 - 5 answers

Which should I use to repair my chimney? Mortar, cement.......? [more inside]
posted by boby on Aug 21, 2009 - 5 answers

I want to rebuild my 125cc dirt bike engine, never done it before but I want to learn. [more inside]
posted by jakubsnm on Aug 20, 2009 - 2 answers

I just changed my car's old dead battery with a new, just purchased one following the directions here. Even though I clamped the connectors down hard enough that I can't move either of them, the car seems to be completely dead --- it doesn't appear to be getting any power whatsoever. Any ideas what could be wrong? [more inside]
posted by jacobm on Aug 19, 2009 - 23 answers

What's the best way to brute-force a microSD card into my new Blackberry (that apparently has a defective slot.) [more inside]
posted by frenetic on Aug 17, 2009 - 5 answers

Should I take my cheap bike in for a professional tune up, or try to do it myself? [more inside]
posted by sarahj on Aug 16, 2009 - 11 answers

The little ball thinger (that's the technical term!) fell out of my pocket watch! Why, and what do I do now? [more inside]
posted by Evil Chicken of Doom on Aug 15, 2009 - 4 answers

Recommendations for quality watch repair in Houston? [more inside]
posted by arcticseal on Aug 15, 2009 - 4 answers

How do I smooth out creases in a fairly fresh oil painting? [more inside]
posted by hermitosis on Aug 13, 2009 - 7 answers

Do 2 or 4 bulbs in a regulation exit sign light up automatically? Ie, are the two outer small bulbs automatic and the two inner 120V/4W jobs there as backup? I'm not an electrician and retailers don't have much (anything) in the way of repair guides..only product order forms. [more inside]
posted by JaiMahodara on Aug 13, 2009 - 1 answer

My expensive ($140!) flats are falling apart after just a few months of wear, and I love them. It is incredibly hard to find flats (my default summer/autumn/spring shoe) that do not give me stabby tendonitis pains in my arches. It is even harder to find cute, plain, black flats that go with everything in my closet. I'd hate to lose them. Can they be saved? [more inside]
posted by mellifluous on Aug 10, 2009 - 16 answers

Is it OK (consequence-free) for my condo association to delay all roof shingle replacements until January? [more inside]
posted by amtho on Aug 10, 2009 - 3 answers