PC Computer Repairs 101

Your computer, PC may have these problems that need repairs

All computers will eventually break down after 3 to 5 years and need repairs.

If your laptop is Apple Mac, we have a dedicated article about how to test and repair Apple Mac computers.

Below is problems that computers may have, even though you have done nothing wrong to it:

• Computer does not turn on at all. When this happen, it is most likely that it will need professional repairs.
• Freezing problem. Not responding. Not opening apps. Mouse clicking does not respond.
• Very slow, taking a long time to start up and to open apps, documents.
• An error message shows “No bootable device” at startup.
• Blank grey screen at startup and PC does not boot to Windows or macOS.
• Computer does not boot, showing a folder icon with a question mark, or a circle with a slash through.
• Windows or macOS does not boot. You see a loading bar when the computer starts, it takes a long time then freezes or turns off itself.
• Laptop does not charge. The charger light may come or may not come in.
• Computer turns off itself, blacks out and shut down without warning.
• Keyboard keys are sticky, not responding or jammed. This is typical when sugary drink was spilt onto keyboard.
• Touchpad (aka trackpad) cursor does not move properly, it may jump around, or clicking / opening apps randomly.
• Loud noise from PC fan. The fan appears to be running at full speed all the time, or clunky fan noise.
• Shift key is always engaged or stuck. All letters become caps letters when you type.
• An error message shows “Your computer has restarted from a problem…” at startup.
• Wireless in laptop does not work. It remains disabled and you cannot enable it. Or it may not detect any wireless network in the area.
• Battery in laptop does not hold charge for long. It may only last for minutes, or suddenly turns off even though it has some charge left.
• Battery in laptop has stopped working completely. The laptop needs to be plugged in with its charger to work. If you unplug the charger, the laptop turns off immediately.
• Battery in laptop shows “Service battery” message, or “Replace soon”, or “Replace now”.
• Watermark behind screen.
• Both keyboard and touchpad in laptop stop working altogether.

Other than that, your laptop may break down because of accidents such as drop, water liquid spill, power surge etc.

• Impact damages such as drop, knock.
• Cracked screen due to drop, knock, or an object was left on keyboard while you close the screen.
• Water liquid spill damage on laptops, or desktop PC, Apple iMac or Mac Pro (less common).
• Virus spyware problem.
• Power outage, power surge causing laptop not turning on.
• Overheating problem, laptop computer gets really hot and may turn off itself. This is caused by dust clogging fan and heatsink inside the computer.

Let us help you. Our PC computer repairs services in Sydney include

• We repair both Windows computer PC, laptops, and Apple Mac computers including Apple iMac, Apple Mac Pro, and Apple MacBook laptops.
• Repair water damaged laptops.
• Fix slow computer problems, boost performance.
• Screen repairs and replacement for all makes: for all make: Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, ASUS, Toshiba, Clevo, Razer, Sony, Apple.
• Laptop keyboard repairs, including Apple Mac laptop keyboard.
• Repair loud fan noise, rattling or clunky fan noise.
• Repairs on computers not turning on.
• Repairs on computers freezing, not responding problems.
• Fix problems with computers running slow, unstable, crashes.
• Replace laptop batteries. There are many batteries in the market, we only source batteries from our network of trusted suppliers.
• Repair laptop charging port, power socket, DC jack.
• Troubleshoot Windows not starting problems, eg. unsuccessful start-up repair, missing or corrupted DLL files, NTLDR missing error, blue screen errors, black screen errors, cannot log in to user profile, forgotten windows log-in password, etc.
• Repairs on no bootable device error message at startup.
• Repair SMART hard disk failure error at startup.
• Repairs on broken laptop hinge.
• Repairs on problem with Apple Mac computers that show a folder icon with question mark, vertical lines on screen, circle with a slash through at startup.
• Remove virus spyware from computers.
• Fix blue screen of death errors.
• Repairs on problems with computer making noise, dust, over-heating issues.
• Repair and replace damaged computer parts.
• Attempt to recover data from computers.
• Help to set up computers, printers, connect to network, set up a secured wireless network, and firewall.
• Troubleshoot network problems, wireless problems.
• and much more.

Why PC computers break down

All PC, computers, laptops, including Apple Mac are expected to last 3-4 years then it will need to be repaired. If you’re unlucky, it will only last 1-2 years then a repair is needed.

Keep in mind that, the term “PC” refers to “personal computer”. Hence, I’m referring to personal computers that you’re using for home, school or work.

Though, many novice computer users could refer “PC” to a desktop Windows computer, or a Windows computer in general (vs an Apple Mac computer).

The above mentioned lifespan refers to this type of personal computers, not commercial-grade computer systems, or any non-personal computers such as car computers, surveillance computer systems, mainframe computers, or server computers.

These commercial-grade, or non-personal computers are designed for specific commercial usage, extended usage (eg 24/7/365 operation). Thus, they are much more durable and have longer lifespan, at a higher price too.

Back to the topic of PC computers, there is no single reason for computers to break down. It is often difficult to trace back to find the exact cause of the issue.

Below is common causes for computers to break:

• Age of the computer: After 3 to 4 years, parts inside your computers would have worn out and due for repairs or replacement.
• Manufacturing problems: human errors can happen in production line that lead to unexpected component failure later on.
• Computer user error such as knock, drop, water liquid spill. Sometimes this could happen unknowingly. For example, water may have leaked from behind into the laptop. You did not see it because the screen lid was up blocking the view.
• Humidity: Wet weather could be the blame for your laptop problems. Moisture in the air can short components inside computers.
• Overheating problems: every computer has a cooling system inside. Clogged dust, rust over the years causes overheating problem which lead to component failure.
• “Planned obsolescence”: similar to the light bulb conspiracy, and it’s necessary in technology. You can read more about planned obsolescence of tech on BBC.
• Power outage power surge: A storm, lightning strike in the area can kill your computer. Power board with surge protector is inadequate to prevent this from happening.
• Consumable parts: every battery is a consumable part. Computer batteries are expected to last 2 to 4 years and they degrade over time. This is perfectly normal.
• Third-party manufacturer’s errors: One manufacturer cannot manufacture everything. Many parts are actually manufactured by third-party manufacturers. These manufacturers may have had errors in their production line. For example, Foxconn is known to manufacture many parts for Apple.
• Bugs: I’m referring to real bugs and insects here. Cockroaches could have gone inside your laptops and caused troubles.

What you can try first yourself to fix the problem

There are basic troubleshooting that you can try first before sending your computer to repairs.

First, check your warranty cover. Your computer might be covered by warranty from your supplier. Standard warranty for new computers is 1 or 2 years. You may have purchased extended warranty.

If any of these applies, contact your place or purchase. This is your best option. The repairs will be Free.

Other than that, DIY repairs or paying for professional computer repairers will be your options.

It is recommended to always have backup of your data before any repair is attempted. Data loss may occur during any laptop repair process.

At-home Do-It-Yourself computer repairs

If your laptop had water spill damage, see our water damaged laptop guide instead.

If your computer is an Apple Mac, see our guide on how to test Apple Mac computer instead.

Our blog provide guides for repairing a number of different problems on different types of laptops.

If your computer still works partially, take your chance and back up your data.

Test, diagnose your computer:

• Best tools to test your computer.
• How to test your computer at home yourself.
• How to save your laptop after spilling water on your laptop.
• See if your computer has a common issue that is easy to spot.

Repair keyboard problem:

• Laptop keyboard issues most likely will need a new keyboard. DIY at home repairs is almost impossible.

Repairs on computer not booting, not starting, hard drive errors, freezing problem:

• How to fix computer with “no bootable device error” error.
• How to repair SMART hard drive error.
• How to fix computer that is stuck in startup repair loop problem.
• How to fix freezing computer issue.

Repairs on laptop not charging, not turning on:

• How to fix laptop not turn on problems.
• How to test and fix Dell computer.
• How to test and fix HP computer.
• How to test and fix not charging problem.
• How to test and fix dead battery for laptops.

Most of laptop repairs will require taking it apart.

You’ll need a precision screwdriver kit on Amazon.

I Fix It provides comprehensive guides on how to disassemble many computers, from HP, Dell, to Apple MacBook Air or Pro laptops.

YouTube is also an excellent source for video step by step guide on how to disassemble, troubleshoot and repair your laptops.

Dell forum, Apple community are also good source to find answers to known problems.

Another place to look for is manufacturer service manual.

DIY PC repairs isn’t for everyone. You need to have some technical knowledge to attempt DIY repairs.

Best places to get professional computer repairs in Sydney

With seeking professional computer repairs, you have only 2 options:

• Repairs with manufacturers: Microsoft store, Apple store or send it to manufacturers such as Dell, HP, Lenovo.
• Repairs with third-party, local repairers (eg computer repair shops).

Maybe a third option is asking your employer’s company IT department who may have in-house IT employees to assist you first.

If your laptop has water damages, unfortunately, manufacturers cannot repair water damaged laptops. We’ll explain further below.

Microsoft and Apple only have a handful of stores in Sydney, they simply cannot serve every customer.

This is where local computer repairers can help you. It might be your only option.

There are local computer shops just about everywhere in Sydney. Computer repair shops, together with their network of local suppliers, can serve customers in every corner.

Of course, our store Safemode Computer Service is one. We have been repairing computers, laptops, Apple Mac since 2004.

If you’re in Sydney, you can take your laptop to a local computer repair store near you, or you can take it to our store if you are nearby. Most stores will have an available slots for you on the same day.

Our computer repair workshop accepts walk-in 7 days a week. You don’t need appointment to bring in. Just come in, anytime during our business hour.

What manufacturers can and cannot help you with

Manufacturers will provide certain repairs for your laptop. However, the fact is, manufacturers only fix a limited number of issues on your computer:

• Restore your computer back to factory settings, which means all data will be wiped out.
• Replace screen for your laptops.
• Replace battery for your laptops.
• Replace defective parts that are covered by a recall program.
• Replace damaged parts under certain conditions (eg not damaged by water spill).

Benefits of repairing with manufacturers is that you are guaranteed to have original genuine parts installed for your computer, plus good – high quality control.

The downside is that, it could take weeks to get it repaired by manufacturers.

For good reasons, manufacturers (Apple stores included) will not do the followings:

• Repair liquid spill damage computers.
• Repair old, “vintage” computer models (4 or 5+ year old computers).
• Fix sticky keyboard key problem.
• Manual removal of virus and spyware.
• Back up or recover your data.
• Upgrade your computers to make it run faster.
• Replace parts with parts that are different or better.
• Repair on computers that had been repaired previously by a third-party technician.

It’s not that manufacturers don’t want to be helpful and fix the above problems. All manufacturers do not provide such services. It’s not possible for them to do so, for many reasons.

Don’t waste your time seeking help from manufacturers for the above.

It is likely that they will encourage you to purchase a new computer.

Unlike manufacturers, local computer repairers will repair what manufacturers can, plus the things that manufacturers cannot repair for you.

Because, it is in those third-party local computer repairers’ best interests to repair your laptop. It is within their expertise and is their main business to do so (they are not retailers nor manufacturers).

Repairs at a local computer shop often will cost you less than at manufacturers as well.

Each Microsoft store, Apple store is located in an expensive shopping mall, crowded with their employees, high overheads.

Thus, it’s impossible to get your laptop repaired with them cheaply. They’re not bargain stores after all.

Local computer repair stores also have much lower overheads hence they can provide repairs at a much lower price point.

How much does it cost to repair my PC computer?

The price varies depending the type of repair, make and model of your computer. There is no ball-park figure nor one-size-fit-all.

You will find that most (if not all) computer repairers, including manufacturers, do not give quotes without first checking your computer, except obvious issues such as battery or screen replacement.

This is common for many reasons:

• No companies employ 100% technicians. Phone calls may be answered by reception, or non-technical staff.
• Inconsistent prices: prices change as suppliers change prices, market price changes.
• Any prices without written form cannot be tracked.
• Giving prices without seeing the computer often leads to incorrect prices and unhappy customer experience.
• It will take significant time to diagnose and quote over the phone. The repair technicians need to focus on doing repairs instead of answering phone calls.

Generally if your computer has software issue (eg virus), it may cost $50, $100 – $200.

If your computer has hardware issue (i.e. hard drive failure, broken screen), it will involve cost for spare part plus labour, which price may vary $150-$1,000+.

I know, it’s a big range, but the price can vary significantly indeed.

As a general rule, the more expensive your computer is, the more expensive it may cost to fix.

A Dell XPS 15″ with 4K touch screen display laptop is a premium laptop, which costs more to repair its screen than an entry level normal HD non-touch screen laptop, due to more expensive spare part cost.

How long does it take to repair my computer?

This varies depending on the problem, spare part availability and which computer repairer you use (manufacturers, or third-party computer repairers).

Manufacturers like Dell, HP, Lenovo may need a few weeks to complete a repairs because they do not have retail stores.

You’ll need to send your computer to their service center or schedule a technician to come onsite.

Microsoft stores, Apple stores, or Apple authorized service center may need 3 to 5 business days, or sometimes longer for major repairs.

Even though Microsoft and Apple have physical retail stores for you to visit, appointment is required. An available appointment with them might be weeks away.

While many third-party local computer PC repairers can provide same day repairs.

This is one of the biggest advantages local computer repairers have.

For our store – Safemode Computer Service, we commence testing and repairs on the same day.

Turn-around time is typically same day, next day, or 3-5 business days, or sometimes longer for major repairs.

Generally after you’ve approved our quote, we will commence the work immediately.

Repairing computers often requires spare parts. While most PC repairers will stock common parts to facilitate repair process, it’s not possible to have all parts in stock.

If a part needs to be ordered in, standard delivery time is 2-5 business days within Australia (subject to stock availability at suppliers).

Data backup, or data recovery process is time consuming, which affects turn-around time. Having backup of your data helps reduce turn-around time for repairs.

* Business days are Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

Our computer PC repairs services offer you these guarantees

Our computer PC repair services come with 90 day warranty, plus No fix no fee guarantee. See our full guarantee statement here.

Many spare parts come with 1 year, 3 year, or 5 year manufacturer warranty such as new hard drives, RAM, video card, CD drive, Power Supply Unit (PSU), motherboard, battery, charger etc.

You will receive this 1 year warranty for the spare part if it is supplied as part of the repair process.

We also give an upfront, no-obligation Free quote before carrying out the work.

What if there is something else wrong with my computer?

At Safemode Computer Service, we will repair other components for Free of charge if it is within reasonable cost.

After the initial inspection, we will give you a quote to repair your computer PC.

If there are other small components that were found damaged and not covered in the original quote, we will replace them for Free.

If the damaged components are expensive and will alter the price significantly, we will advise you early and give you the option to either pay the difference to repair the extra components, or to cancel the repairs and pay nothing.

Manufacturers, including Apple, and major retailers will not provide this offer because they do not offer No fix No fee policy like ours, plus they do not have the expertise to repair the additional unexpected damages.

After your computer PC has been repaired by us successfully, it will come with 90 day guarantee, plus No fix no fee guarantee. See our full guarantee statement here.

I have important data in my computer, can you rescue my laptop?

In most cases, Yes, we can rescue your laptop and its data.

Your data is saved on the computer hard drive. If repairs is done early, it’s most likely that we can save your data.

However, there are instances where your computer cannot be saved and your data is at risk:

• Your computer hard drive has severe damage putting the data at high risk.
• The data had already been accidentally wiped out prior to repairs.
• Your data is encrypted.

These issues significantly increase the chance of data loss. Our laptop rescue expert team will do our best to salvage your computer but it is not guaranteed.

What’s involved in a PC computer repairs process?

To put this simple, a computer PC repair process involves identifying and replacing faulty part(s) inside the computer.

Computers of any make are expected to last 3-4 years then it will need to be fixed. If you’re unlucky, it will only last 1-2 years. Then, a part needs to be replaced to get it back to working order again.

Your data may be at risk. It’s recommended to keep regular backup of your data to prevent data loss when your computer breaks down.

Below is an example of an Apple iMac computer repairs.

Desktop computers are generally easier to fix than laptops, but not always. This varies depending on make and model of the computer.

Branded computers such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple may have custom designed parts that are not widely available from local computer stores. These parts may need to be ordered in specifically to fix your computer.

We keep common parts in stock to facilitate repairs and reduce turn-around time. However it is not always guaranteed that we have the right part for your computer in stock.

Some computers are much harder to fix. For example, the Apple iMac 21.5″ or 27″ slim line model computer (introduced since 2012) are much harder to repair than a standard tower desktop computer.

A Mac Pro tower is also very difficult to repairs due to the lack of spare parts available for it (they are just very expensive to keep them in stock), and the Mac Pro towers are also very difficult to take part (power supply unit, logic board etc).

Apple iMac 27-inch A1419 computer hard drive repairs

Content:

• Have your tools ready
• Pre-format your new hard drive
• Removing the front glass screen
• Replacing the hard drive
• Correct date and time in Terminal

In this guide, we will demonstrate the process of replacing hard drive in an Apple iMac 27-inch model A1419 computer. This is slim line design Apple iMac that was first introduced in 2012.

It is very important to understand that this slim Apple iMac is not designed for inexperienced computer repairers to fix.

The slim design of this Apple iMac means there is no screws used to secure the front screen to its alluminum frame. Instead, heavy double-sided tape was used to keep the screen and front glass secured to the frame.

Removing this screen requires dedicated tools and experience and not suitable for inexperienced repairers.

You will most likely break the screen if you have not fixed one of this unit before.

This is a costly mistake and will require a full screen replacement, which is very expensive. This repairs will also require many tools that a normal computer user does not have access to.

Have your tools ready

First, before you even attempted this repairs, make sure that you have diagnosed the computer and confirmed that the hard drive is indeed the problem, and you have tools handy to complete the repairs.

These tools are torx screwdrivers that are designed for Apple Mac computers, iMac opening wheel tool, really-strong double-sided tape to fix the screen to alluminum frame after repairs is completed, a formatted hard drive or solid state drive so you can reinstall Mac OS, bootable Mac OS installation USB drive, etc.

Let’s begin the repairs.

Pre-format your new hard drive

It is important to note that bootable Mac OS installation USB drive for Mac OS High Sierra or later version will not recognise a brand new unformatted hard drive (or solid state drive).

You must pre-format the new hard drive so it will appear in Disk Utility when you attempt to install Mac OS later on.

For the Mac OS installation USB to recognise the new hard drive, you will first need to connect the new drive to another computer (preferably another Apple Mac) via USB connection and pre-format it as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) file format system.

This simple step is important to ensure that you can complete the installation of Mac OS High Sierra (or later version) after you have fitted the new drive into the computer.

Removing the front glass screen

This is the most difficult step of this repairs. In older Apple iMac, you can remove the screen by removing the screws from the alluminum frame. Since 2012 Apple iMac models were introduced, this is no longer the case.

You will need properly iMac opening wheel tools to cut through double-sided tape behind the screen to remove it. Any error you make here will be costly and result in damaging the screen and the screen will need to be replaced completely.

Use an iMac opening wheel tool, cut through the double-sided tape all along the screen.

Next, insert a credit card into the gap between the screen and the frame no more than 9.5mm, slide it along the screen to cut off any remaining tape.

The gently lift up the screen once you are happy that there is no more tape underneath the screen. Using 2 cards is recommended.

Do not lift the screen up to high otherwise you will damage 2 cables connecting the screen to the logic board. Look underneath the screen and disconnect the 2 cables from logic board.

Now you will see internal parts of this Apple iMac. The repairs from here is much easier.

Replacing the hard drive

Remove 2 screws on left speakers so you can tilt the speakers to expose the hard drive’s left mounting bracket.

Remove the 2 screws on the bracket. You will then be able to remove and replace the hard drive easily.

Make sure you have pre-formatted the new drive using another Mac computer before installing it into the Apple iMac, otherwise you won’t be able to install Mac OS High Sierra or later version.

You don’t want to get stuck at this step and cannot finish off the installation.

You will need strong double-sided tape to seal the screen to the frame. Follow this guide in reversed order to complete the repairs.