People usually come in not with the word „fault” but with the phrase „my computer doesn’t work”. Below are common symptoms, likely causes and what we do. This is general information; only diagnostics can determine the exact cause.
0110 €
Computer does not work and won’t turn on
WhyThe cause may be the power supply or charger, the motherboard, the memory or the system drive. Sometimes, after liquid spills or overheating, a single component on the motherboard is left damaged.
Check it yourselfCheck that the power outlet works, that the charger is plugged in firmly and whether the power light is on. Unplug all USB devices and try turning it on again. Do not take anything apart.
What we doWe find out whether the problem is in the power supply, memory, drive or motherboard. If the drive or memory is at fault, we replace them; if it is the motherboard, we assess whether it is worth repairing and tell you in advance. For the logic of motherboard repair, read the article on motherboard replacement.
02
Computer overheats, is very noisy and shuts down
WhyThe fan and heatsink are clogged with dust, the thermal paste has dried out or the fan is worn out. The processor overheats and the computer shuts down to protect itself.
Check it yourselfUse a laptop on a hard surface, not on a pillow or blanket. With a desktop computer switched off, you can carefully blow out the vents of the case, but do not open it.
What we doWe clean out the dust, check the fan, replace the thermal paste and, if necessary, the fan itself. How this is done is described in the article on replacing thermal paste.
03
Computer has become slow and takes a long time to start
WhyToo many programs launching at startup, a full drive, an old mechanical drive (HDD), too little memory or viruses. In older computers, the usual culprit is a slow drive.
Check it yourselfOpen Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and see what is loading the drive or processor. Remove unnecessary programs and leave at least 15% of the drive space free.
What we doWe check the drive, memory and temperatures. Often the most effective help is replacing the HDD with an SSD and a clean system installation. Read more about SSD replacement in a laptop.
04
Broken screen, stripes or distorted image
WhyA cracked or pressed screen, a faulty screen cable (connector) or a video chip fault on the motherboard. If the image is equally distorted when you connect an external monitor, the cause is most likely not the screen but the video chip.
Check it yourselfConnect the computer to an external monitor or TV. If the image is clear there, the problem is in the screen or its connector.
What we doWe distinguish between a screen fault and a video chip fault. We replace the screen, and if the chip is at fault, we consider reballing. For price guidelines, see the article on laptop screen replacement.
05
Keyboard keys do not work
WhyDust and dirt under the keys, spilled liquid or moisture if the computer has been stored for a long time in a basement or garage. When the whole keyboard does not work, the cause is sometimes a connector fault or the motherboard.
Check it yourselfTry connecting an external keyboard via USB as a temporary solution. Do not pry off the keys and do not take the computer apart.
What we doWe check whether it is the keyboard or the motherboard. Most often the entire keyboard is replaced, because even a fault in just a few keys often means the whole mechanism is worn out. For the pricing logic, see the article on keyboard replacement prices.
06
Laptop does not charge or drains quickly
WhyA battery lasts roughly 2–4 years, after which its capacity declines. The cause may also be the charger, the power socket or the motherboard.
Check it yourselfTry another suitable charger, if you have one. If the case is swollen, the cover is lifting or the computer gets unusually hot, do not charge or use it, and bring it to the service center immediately: a swollen battery is dangerous. Do not take the battery apart yourself.
What we doWe check the battery, charger and socket. We replace the battery or the power socket if it has come loose. Read about the options in the article on a battery that no longer charges.
07
Computer with a liquid spill
WhyLiquid gets into the keyboard, the motherboard and the contacts. The damage often does not show up immediately, but after a few days, when the contacts begin to oxidize.
Check it yourselfTurn the computer off immediately, unplug the charger and do not use it any more. Do not turn it on „to see if it works” and do not dry it with a hair dryer.
What we doWe disassemble it, clean the motherboard of liquid and oxidation, check whether any components are damaged and replace the damaged parts. The sooner you bring it in, the greater the chance of saving money.
08
Mouse pointer jumps or touchpad does not work
WhyA worn or dirty touchpad, traces of liquid, or a pressed or swollen battery casing that presses on the touchpad from underneath.
Check it yourselfWipe the touchpad with a dry cloth and check whether it has been disabled with the Fn key. Connect an external mouse and see whether the pointer jumps with it too.
What we doWe check whether the problem is in the touchpad, its ribbon cable, or the software. We replace the touchpad or its control board.
09
Pop-up ads appear, the browser has changed, the computer behaves strangely
WhyMalware that gets in from the internet, email attachments, fake websites or USB drives. It can steal passwords and slow down the system.
Check it yourselfIf you suspect a virus, change your passwords from another device. Do not install „miracle” cleaning programs.
What we doWe remove the malicious software, check the system and, if necessary, reinstall the operating system. We discuss in advance how your data will be preserved.
10
WiFi keeps disconnecting or does not show networks
WhyMost often it is drivers or power settings after a Windows update; less often, a poorly connected or broken antenna or WiFi module.
Check it yourselfRestart the computer and the router, and try connecting to another network, for example a phone hotspot. If it works elsewhere, the problem is most likely in your router.
What we doWe distinguish between a software and a hardware cause, and replace the WiFi module or antennas. More in the articles about WiFi disconnecting in Windows 11 and WiFi antenna replacement.
