Laptop Repair

At Union Square Computers in Hickory, NC we provide a comprehensive range of laptop repair services at our shop. Whether you rely on your laptop for work or leisure, we understand the urgency of getting it back up and running. That's why we offer same-day and next-day repair services. Feel free to contact us to discuss how we can assist you with your laptop needs.

Now, let's delve into some common scenarios:

Power Jack Replacement: If your laptop's power jack is wobbly or malfunctioning it's time for a replacement. Even if your laptop still turns on a new jack is essential because the existing one won't last indefinitely.
Sluggish performance: Slow laptop? You might be dealing with either malware or a failing hard drive. After scanning if your notebook remains sluggish chances are you're dealing with a bad drive. Good news: We offer a cloning service so you don't have to start from scratch. If your computer boots we can often clone the drive. If we can't clone it we should be able to grab your files.

Remember, we're here to get your laptop back in top shape.

Laptop LCD Repair

If you’ve had the unfortunate experience of shattering your laptop’s monitor then don't worry: Union Square Computers can come to the rescue. We specialize in replacing damaged screens with fresh, functional ones. Whether it’s a cracked display or a malfunctioning inverter we’ve got you covered.

If your screen is cracked, dim or completely unresponsive we can swap it out for a new one. Our skilled technicians will ensure a seamless replacement so you can get back to work or play without missing a beat.

Laptop Hard Drive Replacement

At Union Square Computers we understand the value of your laptop and how integral it is to your daily tasks. Whether you’re a professional or a casual user losing access to your programs and data can be frustrating and time-consuming. That’s where our expertise comes in.

Hard drive issues can disrupt your workflow but we offer a solution that can save you time and hassle: drive cloning. Here’s how it works:

Identifying the Problem: If your drive is failing or you’re looking to upgrade to a larger drive or switch to an SSD we’ve got you covered. Our technicians assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
Creating an Exact Replica: With our cloning process we make an exact copy of your existing drive. This includes all your programs, settings and data. No need to reinstall everything from scratch.
Seamless Transition: Once the cloning is complete you'll have a new drive with everything intact. You can get back to work or play without missing a beat. It’s like having a fresh start without the hassle.

Why Choose Cloning?

Efficiency: Cloning saves you the time and effort of reinstalling each program individually. It’s a swift and efficient way to migrate to a new drive.
Data Preservation: Your important files, documents and settings remain untouched during the process. No need to worry about data loss.
Upgrade Flexibility: Whether you’re moving to a larger drive or switching to an SSD cloning ensures a smooth transition.

Looking For Laptop Repair Near Me?

Contact us and we’ll handle the hard drive cloning process for you. Your laptop will thank you.

Laptop Troubleshooting

Although USC offers laptop repair services there's a chance you can diagnose and fix the issue yourself. Here are a few straightforward troubleshooting tips for laptops that could potentially save you 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: Sometimes the problem lies with the power source. Plug your laptop into a different outlet to see if it makes a difference.
Battery Malfunction: If your laptop has a removable battery then disconnect the power, remove the battery, reconnect the power (without the battery) and try turning on the laptop.
Inspect the Charging Cable: An intermittent connection can be frustrating. While the laptop is unplugged inspect the charging cable for any visible breaks or damage. If you find minor damage you can temporarily fix it with electrical tape. However for long-term use consider getting a new adapter.
Testing the AC Adapter: If you have a multimeter you can test the AC adapter. Look at the adapter label to determine the expected voltage output (19V is common). Measure the actual voltage output using the multimeter. A variance of more than 5% (more than 0.95V for a 19V adapter) or unstable voltage indicates a faulty adapter.

Remember to handle electricity with care - it can be dangerous.

Laptop turns on but will not boot

Eject External Devices: First, remove any USB sticks, external hard drives and CD/DVDs that are currently connected to your computer.
Virus or Spyware Check: If your computer isn’t booting it could be due to a virus or spyware infection. Try booting into Safe Mode by pressing F8 during startup. Then try our recommended free antivirus utilities.
Hard Drive Issues: If your hard drive is failing or has already failed you can check it's health by reading SMART data and scanning for errors using tools like HDAT2 (available on an Ultimate Boot CD) but be forewarned: if used incorrectly you can corrupt your data. If you’re unsure how to use it it's best to contact us.

Remember to back up your important data before attempting any troubleshooting steps.

Laptop won't charge

- If you own a Dell or Lenovo laptop it’s essential to use the correct AC adapter. Some laptop models require an exact replacement to charge the battery effectively. Universal adapters may not work in these cases. We have a variety of OEM adapters in stock. Feel free to contact us to check if we have the right adapter for your laptop.
- While your computer is running try ejecting the battery (if it’s removable) and then reinsert it. Sometimes this simple action can resolve charging issues.
- An intermittent connection can be frustrating. When unplugged carefully inspect the charging cable for any breaks or damage. If you notice any issues you can temporarily fix them with tape (preferably electrical tape). For long-term use consider getting a new adapter.
- If you have access to a multimeter you can test the AC adapter’s voltage output. Look on the adapter for the specified voltage (19V is common). A variance of more than 5% (.95V for a 19V adapter) or voltage fluctuations may indicate a faulty adapter

Remember to be cautious when dealing with electricity - it can be dangerous.

Laptop wireless suddenly stops working

Check the Hardware Switch: Examine the side or front of your computer for a wireless switch. Ensure that it is turned on. If your laptop doesn't have a physical switch proceed to the next step.
Look for the Wireless Hotkey: On your laptop keyboard locate the wireless hotkey. This is typically a combination of the Fn key and another key (often F2). The specific key combination may vary based on your laptop model. Look for the wireless icon on your keyboard or refer to the manual on the manufacturer's site to determine the correct hotkey combination.
Power Cycle Your Router and Modem: Restart your wireless router and modem. Unplug them from the power source, count to 10 and then plug them back in. Keep in mind it takes a modem about 3 minutes to be functional again after unplugging it. While you’re at it consider rebooting your computer as well.
Check the Modem’s Internet Light: If the "internet" light on your modem is off or dark it could indicate an outage in your area. Contact your internet service provider to verify if there's a known issue affecting your connection.
Update BIOS and Wireless Drivers: Visit your laptop manufacturer’s website and check for any available update's for your laptop's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and wireless drivers. Keeping these components up to date can improve overall system stability and connectivity.
Scan for Malware or Viruses: Run a thorough scan using reliable antivirus utilities. Make sure your laptop is free from any malicious software. If you don’t have an antivirus program installed then consider these recommended free options.

Laptop runs very hot

Check the Manufacturer’s Website for BIOS Updates: Visit the manufacturer's website to find any available BIOS updates for your laptop model. These updates can address compatibility issues, improve performance and enhance system stability.
Review BIOS Settings: Access your laptop’s BIOS settings (usually by pressing a specific key during startup such as F2 or Delete). Look for options related to performance and cooling. Adjust these settings as needed to optimize your laptop’s performance while maintaining safe temperatures.
Clean Air Intake Ports: Use canned air to blow out any accumulated dust and debris from the air intake ports. This helps maintain proper airflow and prevents overheating.
Check Cooling Fans: Listen for the sound of cooling fans inside your laptop. If you don’t hear them running then they may have stopped working. Fan replacement is necessary in this case. Operating your laptop without functioning fans can lead to permanent damage.
Address Heat Management: Some laptops run hot due to poor product design. Consider using a laptop cooling pad to improve airflow and dissipate heat.

Laptop screen flickers or goes dark after turning on

- The issue is likely the LCD itself failing. You’ll need to replace the entire LCD panel.
- If you can faintly see the image under bright light, it indicates that the LCD backlight has burned out. Unfortunately the backlight is often integrated into the LCD panel so replacing the entire LCD becomes necessary.`
- It’s possible that you accidentally changed the default monitor setting in Windows. To resolve this press the Windows+P keys simultaneously on your laptop.