Common problems
What to try yourself before spending money, and the signs it's time to bring it in.
- Try this first You can often fix it at home
- Bring it in Best handled at the shop
- Act now Stop using it and call us
Computer is really slowMost slow computers aren't broken. They're weighed down by startup programs, a nearly full drive, or an old spinning hard drive.Try this firstPop-ups, warnings, or a virusFake warnings, browser pop-ups, and a homepage you didn't choose usually mean adware or malware got installed along with something else.Bring it inSomeone called about my computerMicrosoft, Apple, and your bank will never call or pop up a warning asking you to let them into your computer. If you let someone in, act now.Act nowCracked phone screenA cracked screen gets worse over time, and glass shards can cut fingers. Most screens can be replaced the same day.Bring it inWon't charge or charges slowlyCharging problems are usually a worn cable, lint in the port, or an old battery, in roughly that order.Try this firstWon't turn onNo lights, no fan, no picture can be anything from a dead charger to a failed board. A diagnostic tells you which before you spend money.Bring it inDropped in water or spilled onWater itself isn't what kills devices; corrosion over the next few days is. The faster it's opened and cleaned, the better the odds.Act nowDeleted files or a dead driveDeleted photos and files can often be recovered, but only if nothing new gets written over them.Act nowBlue screen or stuck starting upCrashes and boot loops come from a failed update, a bad driver, or failing hardware. Each one has a different fix.Bring it inRunning hot or the fan is loudDust packs into fans and vents over time. A hot computer slows itself down and shortens its life.Try this firstBattery dies fastBatteries wear out after a few years. Sometimes it's an app running in the background instead.Try this firstWi-Fi keeps droppingWeak Wi-Fi is usually router placement, an old router, or too many walls. It's rarely the internet company.Try this firstConsole has no pictureA console that powers on with no picture usually has a damaged HDMI port, often from the cable being yanked.Bring it in