Computer Repair in British Columbia

Usually a full or failing hard drive, too little RAM, malware, or years of software bloat. A cheap SSD upgrade and a clean-up transform most older machines for far less than replacement. A tech can diagnose whether it's a quick fix or genuine end-of-life.

Often yes — if the drive is intact but the computer won't boot, a technician can usually pull your files. Physically failed drives need specialist (and pricier) data-recovery services. Either way, back up before any repair, and ask how the shop protects your data during the job.

Expect a warranty on the labour and on any parts fitted — commonly 30-90 days on the work, longer on the part itself. Get it in writing, and keep receipts for genuine parts. No warranty on a repair is a sign to look elsewhere.

If the repair costs more than about half the price of a comparable new machine, replacement usually wins — especially for old laptops where one fault often precedes others. A cheap fix like RAM, an SSD upgrade or a battery can extend a decent machine's life for years, though.

Both exist: drop-in/mail-in shops are cheaper; on-site and remote support cost more but save you the trip. Remote support handles software issues (viruses, setup, slow performance) well; anything hardware needs the machine in hand.

Simple jobs — virus removal, a tune-up, an OS reinstall — are the cheap end; hardware swaps like a screen or drive replacement are mid-range once parts are added; data recovery from a failed drive is the priciest. Most shops charge a diagnostic fee that's often waived if you go ahead with the repair.

Shops charge CAD 60-140/hr or flat rates: tune-up CAD 80-200, laptop screen replacement CAD 150-500 with parts, and data recovery CAD 300-1,800+. Many credit the diagnostic fee if you proceed.