Troubleshooting Tips You Can Try at Home
Before you pack up your computer, a few simple steps can fix the most common problems in minutes. Try the tips below — and if they don't do the trick, we're just a call away.
Stay safe: only try what you're comfortable with. Always power off and unplug before touching cables inside the case, and never open a device that's under warranty. When in doubt, stop and let us handle it.
PC won't turn on
- Check that the power cable is firmly seated at both the wall outlet and the back of the PC, and that the outlet works with another device.
- Make sure the power supply switch on the back of the tower (near the cable) is flipped to the ON ( I ) position.
- Do a power drain: unplug the PC, hold the power button for 15 seconds, then plug it back in and try again.
- For laptops, remove the charger, hold power for 15 seconds, reconnect the charger, and let it charge for a few minutes before starting.
No display / black screen
- Confirm the monitor is powered on and set to the correct input (HDMI/DisplayPort) using its input button.
- Reseat the video cable at both ends. If your PC has a graphics card, plug into the card's ports (usually lower), not the motherboard ports.
- Try a different cable or a different monitor/TV to rule out the display itself.
- Listen for fans and lights — if the PC powers on but shows nothing, note that and let us know when you bring it in.
Running slow or freezing
- Restart the computer — a full shutdown and power-on clears temporary issues surprisingly often.
- Close programs you aren't using, especially browser tabs, which use a lot of memory.
- Check for updates: install pending Windows updates, then restart.
- Make sure you have free storage space — a nearly full drive slows everything down. Empty the Recycle Bin and remove large files you don't need.
No internet / Wi-Fi issues
- Restart your router and modem: unplug both, wait 30 seconds, plug the modem in first, then the router.
- Confirm other devices (phone, tablet) can connect — if none work, it's likely your internet service, not the PC.
- Toggle Wi-Fi off and back on, and "Forget" then rejoin your network with the correct password.
- For wired connections, reseat the Ethernet cable at both ends and try a different port on the router.
Overheating or loud fans
- Make sure vents aren't blocked — keep the PC off carpet and away from walls, and don't use laptops on blankets or beds.
- Gently clear dust from vents with short bursts of compressed air (power off and unplug first).
- If it shuts off suddenly under load, stop using it and bring it in — continued overheating can damage components.
No sound
- Check the volume isn't muted, and click the speaker icon to confirm the correct output device is selected.
- Unplug and reconnect speakers or headphones, and try a different port or a different pair to isolate the issue.
- Restart after selecting the right playback device — this resolves many audio glitches.
Still not working?
No problem — that's what we're here for. Request a free quote and we'll get your PC sorted, with pickup and drop-off available in White Lake.