People usually search not for the name of the fault, but for what they see: a black screen, silence when pressing the button, a sudden shutdown. Below are the most common symptoms, likely causes and what you can check yourself without taking anything apart.
01diagnostics €10
The computer won’t turn on
WhyMost often the power supply, charger or cable is to blame. Less often it is the RAM, the motherboard or a faulty power circuit chip in a laptop.
Check it yourselfTry a different socket or extension cord, check the power cable and the switch on the back panel of a desktop computer. Disconnect all USB devices and external headphones and drives. For a laptop, unplug the charger and hold down the power button for about 30 seconds, then reconnect. More options can be found in the article about a computer that won’t turn on when you press the button.
What we doWe measure supply voltages, check the memory, the power supply unit and the motherboard’s power circuits. If a socket is broken or a component has burned out, we replace or repair it.
02from 20 €
The computer shuts down on its own
WhyThis is a classic sign of overheating: a clogged cooler or dried-out thermal paste. Other causes include a weakening power supply or loosened components.
Check it yourselfCheck that the computer is not standing on a soft surface and that the ventilation openings are not covered. If the fan is running loudly, it likely needs cleaning. Read more about a computer shutting down on its own.
What we doWe clean the dust from the cooling system, replace the thermal paste, and check temperatures under load and the power supply.
0330 €
The laptop overheats and is noisy
WhyOver the years, a plug of dust builds up in the heatsink, the thermal paste hardens, and the processor and graphics chip heat up to 90–100 °C. As a result, the fan spins at maximum speed and the computer slows down.
Check it yourselfWe do not recommend simply spraying compressed air into the vents – the dust gets pushed deeper. It is better to place the computer on a hard, flat surface. For more tips, see ways to solve overheating and shutdowns.
What we doWe disassemble the computer, clean the cooling system, replace the thermal paste, and if the fan is worn out, we replace it.
04from 20 €
The computer runs slowly or freezes
WhyThere are many causes: an old mechanical drive, too little memory, too many programs launching at system startup, viruses, or a drive that is starting to fail.
Check it yourselfCheck how much space is left on the drive – if less than 10 % is free, the system often freezes. Review the list of programs that run at startup. For more details, see what to do if your computer is running slowly.
What we doWe check the condition of the drive, clean the system, and repair or reinstall the operating system. If the drive is old, we suggest replacing it with an SSD – after that, a slowed-down computer often feels like new.
05from 20 €
The browser shows ads, viruses detected
WhyMalware most often gets in together with „free” programs or through deceptive e-mails. It slows down the system, changes the browser’s home page, and sometimes steals passwords.
Check it yourselfDo not enter your bank passwords until the computer has been cleaned. Change your most important passwords from another, clean device. The steps are described in the article how to remove viruses from your computer.
What we doWe remove malware, save your data if necessary, and reinstall the system with drivers.
06from 20 €
The computer does not detect the hard drive
WhyA loose or damaged cable, or a faulty drive or controller. If you hear clicking or squealing, the mechanical drive is most likely failing.
Check it yourselfDo not keep restarting the computer „one more time” – every attempt can make the condition worse. If your data is important, it is better to bring it in right away. For an overview, see computer does not detect the hard drive.
What we doWe check the connections, the drive and the controller, try to save your data, and replace the drive with a new one or an SSD.
07from 12 €
Black, streaky or flickering screen
WhyIn a laptop, this may be a cracked screen panel, a damaged display cable, or worn hinges. In a desktop computer, it may be the graphics card, the video cable, or the monitor itself.
Check it yourselfConnect an external monitor or TV with an HDMI cable. If the image appears there, the computer is alive and the screen panel or its cable is to blame. About flickering, see causes of screen flickering.
What we doWe replace the screen panel, display cable, hinges, or lid. If the problem is in the graphics chip, we reflow or replace it.
08from 12 €
Laptop battery not recharging
WhyA worn-out battery, a faulty charger or its cable, or a worn power socket. After 3–5 years, battery capacity often drops by more than half.
Check it yourselfTry another outlet and, if you have one, a suitable charger of the same power rating. Inspect the cable for breaks near the plug. Do not pry at the battery or the charger. More at why the battery is not charging.
What we doWe diagnose whether the battery, charger, or socket is at fault, then repair the charger, replace the socket, or replace the battery.
09from 25 €
Computer with spilled liquid
WhyLiquid, especially sugary liquid, causes a short circuit and later corrosion. The damage often does not show up immediately, but after a few days or weeks.
Check it yourselfTurn off the computer immediately, unplug the charger, and turn the computer upside down. Do not try to turn it on „to see if it works” and do not use a hair dryer. Bring it to the service center as soon as possible.
What we doWe disassemble the computer, clean the board and the residue, check the circuits, and replace damaged parts.
10from 10 €
Keyboard or power socket not working
WhyThe keyboard may be damaged by spilled liquid or a worn cable, while the socket usually breaks because of a pulled cord or a stuck plug.
Check it yourselfCheck that the computer has not been started with the key lock function on, and connect an external USB keyboard. More at why the keyboard is not working.
What we doWe replace the keyboard or the socket, or restore its soldering on the board.