Computer repair FAQ Gloucester
Common questions about computer repairs, laptop repairs, diagnostics, tune-ups, gaming PCs, bookings and workshop visits at Your Geek Friend Computers in Gloucester.
No corporate waffle, just the useful stuff people usually want to know before bringing a computer in.
Start here
These are the questions people usually need answered before booking anything in.
Most software repairs, virus/malware cleanups, health checks and standard Computer Service & Tune-Up jobs are usually completed within 24 hours of drop-off.
Hardware repairs can take longer, especially if parts are needed, the fault is intermittent, or the computer decides to behave perfectly the moment it gets here. They do enjoy making us look silly.
No, you do not need to diagnose it yourself.
If your computer still boots into Windows but feels slow, cluttered, noisy, hot or unreliable, the £60 Standard Computer Service & Tune-Up is often the sensible starting point.
If it turns out to need deeper repair work, parts, upgrades, thermal work, or if it is simply not worth spending money on, I’ll explain that before carrying out extra work.
If it does not turn on, has no display, will not load Windows, regularly blue screens before you can use it, or is otherwise unusable, it needs to be booked as a diagnostic or repair rather than a standard tune-up.
The tune-up service is for machines that can still be used, even if they are being painfully slow, messy or generally annoying.
Messaging is best.
I’m a solo technician, so I’m often in the middle of repairs, testing, cleaning, upgrades or fault-finding. If I stop every few minutes to answer the phone, the work slows down for everyone.
Text, WhatsApp or email lets me reply properly between jobs, and it gives me useful details to refer back to. Photos, error messages and “it did this weird thing” descriptions are much easier to handle in a message than in a rushed phone call.
You can still call, but if I do not answer, send a message and I’ll reply when I can.
Message Shaun nowSometimes, depending on the job and how busy the workshop is.
Simple software problems, malware cleanups, tune-ups and quick fixes may be possible the same day. Hardware faults, parts, data issues and intermittent problems usually take longer.
If it is urgent, say so when you contact me and I’ll tell you what is realistic.
Pricing and diagnostics
This is the bit that is worth being clear about, because diagnosis is often the skilled part of the job.
It depends what you need.
If a machine is booked in for a repair that I’m aiming to carry out here, and I cannot fix it, the No Fix, No Fee policy may apply.
If you only need a diagnosis, insurance report, warranty evidence, written quote, or fault confirmation without the repair being carried out here, that is a chargeable diagnostic/report service.
That is because diagnosis is not “just looking”. It is often the skilled part of the job.
No Fix, No Fee means that if a repair is booked with the intention of having the repair carried out here, and I cannot complete the repair, there is usually no repair charge.
It does not mean every inspection, report, liquid damage assessment, insurance quote, warranty check, or “can you just tell me what’s wrong with it” job is free.
If I’m attempting the repair and cannot fix it, that is one thing. If you need my time, testing and judgement to diagnose or document a fault, that is a diagnostic service.
I’ll tell you.
Sometimes a repair is sensible. Sometimes an upgrade makes more sense. Sometimes the best advice is to stop spending money on that machine and put it towards something better.
Not always the answer people want, but it is usually the answer that saves the most money.
Yes, where appropriate.
Insurance reports, warranty evidence and written fault confirmations are treated as chargeable diagnostic/report work. They need proper checking and clear wording, not just a quick glance and a shrug at a laptop.
Repairs and servicing
A slow or unreliable computer does not always need the same kind of job. This is where the workshop judgement matters.
It is for Windows PCs and laptops that still boot and can be used, but feel slow, cluttered, messy, unreliable, hot, noisy or generally frustrating.
It can include performance checks, startup clutter review, unwanted software cleanup, virus and malware checks, virus/malware removal or cleanup where found, Windows update/security checks, storage/RAM review, basic vent/dust clean where suitable, exterior clean and a plain-English summary.
Computer Service & Tune-Up detailsNo, it is broader than that.
Virus and malware checks, removal and cleanup are included where needed, but a slow computer is not always infected.
It could be startup clutter, browser junk, old updates, low storage, weak hardware, overheating, background apps, or a machine that is simply getting on a bit.
Not every one, no.
Some machines respond really well to a service. Others need an SSD, more RAM, thermal work, Windows repair, or replacement.
I’ll tell you what looks sensible rather than pretending every computer can be magically transformed with a few clicks and a hopeful expression.
Yes, I repair Windows laptops, desktops, all-in-one PCs, gaming PCs and custom builds.
Laptop work can include software faults, performance problems, startup issues, broken screens, charging problems, overheating, upgrades and general diagnostics.
Laptop repair detailsIf you use your machine heavily for work, audio production, or video editing, smooth reliability is just as important as outright speed.
The Advanced Performance & Reliability Tune-Up is a deeper review for machines suffering from app delays, latency, audio glitches, or odd behaviour that interrupts your workflow.
Advanced tune-up detailsYes.
For basic Windows problems or general cleanup, the standard service may be enough. For cooling, airflow, deep cleaning, thermal work, cable presentation or performance issues, a Premium Cooling & Performance Detail may be more suitable.
Gaming PC service detailsWorkshop visits
The workshop setup is a big part of how I keep the work practical, properly checked and fairly priced.
Generally, no.
Most work is carried out in the workshop because that gives me proper access to tools, test equipment, parts, cleaning kit and time to do the job properly.
It also keeps things more efficient and avoids charging you for travel time, setup time, and trying to do workshop jobs in whatever corner of the house has the least bad Wi-Fi.
For most repairs, bringing the machine to the workshop is the better option.
Occasionally, but it is not a standard collection service.
I may be able to help if someone genuinely cannot bring the machine in because of disability, transport problems or similar circumstances. Just ask and I’ll let you know what is possible.
Awkward jobs
Some jobs need a bit more care, especially when the fault is messy, intermittent or has already had a screwdriver adventure.
Yes, but liquid damage is different from a normal repair.
It often takes longer to investigate because the damage can spread, corrode parts, or cause problems that are not obvious straight away.
Liquid damage assessments and reports are chargeable because they take time to check properly.
Yes, where appropriate.
A report can be provided as part of a chargeable diagnostic/report service, especially for liquid damage, impact damage or insurance-related claims.
That is fine, but please tell me.
Previous repair attempts, missing screws, damaged connectors, incorrect parts, wiped drives or “my mate had a quick look” situations can change the job.
It does not mean I will not help. It just means I need to know what I am walking into, preferably before I open it and discover a tiny screw collection where the Wi-Fi card used to be.
Still unsure?
Send a message with a few basic details and I’ll point you in the right direction.
You do not need to use technical language. “It’s being weird and slow” is a perfectly valid starting point.
