Laptop Repair :: Hickory, NC :: info@unionsquarecomputers.com

Laptop Repair

Union Square Computers offers a full range of laptop repair services in Hickory, NC. Whether you use your laptop for work or play, USC understands that you want your laptop back as quickly as possible which is why we offer same day and next day repair services. Contact us to see how we can help get your laptop up and running.

Sometimes a new power jack needs to be soldered in. If the pin or jack is wobbly it likely needs to be replaced. If your laptop still turns on you're lucky. A new jack is needed because the one in there won't last forever.

If your laptop is slow you probably either have malware or a failing hard drive. If after scanning your notebook isn't fixed you've probably got a bad drive. We offer a cloning service so you don't need to start over. If the computer boots we can often clone the drive.

Laptop LCD Repair

Had an accident and shattered your laptop's LCD screen? Union Square Computers can replace the bad screen with a new one. Another common laptop problem we find on older systems is that the screen inverter fails. You'll see a faint image but the screen doesn't light up. We can tell the difference between a dead LCD and a dead inverter saving you time & maybe money.

Laptop Hard Drive Replacement

Union Square Computers knows that your laptop is important to you but so is the way that you use your computer.

It can take days to find and reinstall all of your programs. If your hard drive is failing or you need to upgrade to a larger size or move to an SSD we'll clone your old hard drive. This will make an exact replica of all of your programs and data meaning you can get back to work faster. Find out more about cloning.

Laptop Troubleshooting

While USC can repair your laptop you may be able to diagnose & fix it yourself. Here are some simple laptop troubleshooting tips that may help you save time and money.

DISCLAIMER: Try these tools and techniques at your own risk. Union Square Computers is not responsible for injuries or laptop damage that may occur. If you are uncomfortable with these tools and techniques simply bring us your laptop so that we can fix the problem.

Laptop won't turn on

- Try a different power outlet.
- Disconnect the power and pull the battery if you can remove it. Reconnect power and try turning the laptop on with the battery removed.
- An intermittent connection can drive you crazy. While unplugged inspect the charging cable for breaks. You can sometimes temporarily fix this with tape (preferably electrical tape) but for long term use a new adapter is recommended.
- If you have a multimeter test the AC adapter for voltage output. You can tell what voltage the adapter should be putting out by looking on the adapter (19V is fairly common). A variance of more than 5% (.95V for a 19V adapter) or voltage output that jumps around is indicative of a bad adapter. Be careful: electricity is your friend but can severely hurt or kill you.

Laptop turns on but will not boot

- Try ejecting any USB sticks, external hard drives and CD/DVDs that are in the computer.
- Virus or spyware infection is the other most common cause for non-boot situations. Try hitting F8 to go into Safe Mode then try running some of the free antivirus utilities that we recommend. If you still cannot get Windows to boot then feel free to make an appointment with us. * Note: Not all programs can be installed in Safe Mode. *
- Hard drive failure is imminent or has occurred. You can try reading SMART data and scan for errors using HDAT2 using an Ultimate Boot CD. If you're unsure what to do please contact us and we will check your hard drive for you. *WARNING: You can easily corrupt your data using this tool. If you are unsure of how to use it PLEASE DON'T USE IT.

Laptop won't charge

- Do you have a Dell or Lenovo laptop? Some models need an exact AC adapter replacement in order to charge the battery. Universal adapters will not work in this case. We stock a variety of OEM adapters. Contact us to see if we have your adapter in stock.
- While the computer is running eject the battery and pop it back in (if yours is removable).
- An intermittent connection can drive you crazy. While unplugged inspect the charging cable for breaks. You can temporarily fix this with tape (preferably electrical tape) but for long term use a new adapter is recommended.
- If you have a multimeter test the AC adapter for voltage output. You can tell what voltage the adapter should be putting out by looking on the adapter (19V is fairly common). A variance of more than 5% (.95V for a 19V adapter) or voltage output that jumps around is indicative of a bad adapter. Be careful: electricity is your friend but can severely hurt or kill you.

Laptop wireless suddenly stops working

- Check the side or front of your computer for a wireless switch and make sure it is turned on.
- If your laptop doesn't have a switch look for the wireless hotkey on the keyboard. This is usually the Fn key and F2 though varies from model to model. Look on your keyboard for the wireless icon or find the laptop manual on the manufacturer's site to determine what the hotkey combination is.
- Try cycling power on your wireless router and modem to restart them. This would be a good time to reboot your computer too. Wait about three minutes and try again.
- Is the 'internet' light on your modem dark? If so then call your internet service provider to see if there is an outage in your area.
- Try updating your laptop's BIOS and wireless drivers.
- You may be infected with a virus or malware. Try running the free antivirus utilities we recommend.

Laptop runs very hot

- Check the manufacturer's website for updated BIOS. Most common models are listed on our drivers page. Occassionally this may fix the issue.
- Check BIOS settings for performance and cooling options. Adjust as necessary.
- Using canned air and a shop vac clean the air intake ports of dust and debris.
- If you don't hear cooling fans blowing inside your laptop then they may have stopped working. Fan replacement is necessary. You shouldn't operate your laptop in this state as it may permanently damage your system.
- Bad product design is the cause of some laptops running hot so your only options at this point are to manage the heat or get a new laptop. You may want to use a notebook cooling pad to circulate more air. This will help prolong the life of your laptop. This laptop cooling pad is for a notebook with up to a 17.3" LCD.

Laptop screen flickers or goes dark after turning on

- This is probably the screen inverter or LCD itself failing. One or the other needs to be replaced.
- If you can see the image very faintly under bright light then the LCD backlight has burned out or the inverter died. Unfortunately the back light is an integral part of many LCD panels so the whole LCD needs to be replaced. An inverter is relatively cheap.
- You may have inadvertently changed the default monitor that Windows wants to use on your laptop. Press Fn+F4, or whichever "F" key has a picture of a video monitor on it. Consult your laptop manufacturer's website if you do not see this key.