Repair and Service
If your laptop is damaged or faulty there are a number of ways we may be able to help. If you wish we can arrange for collection of the machine, and packaging. Terms and Conditions and various standard charges are detailed at the bottom of this page.
If your are sending a machine in for repair please print and complete our Repair Authorisation Form (or click here for PDF version) and send it with the machine.
Repairs
The first stage in any repair is to decide whether you need to send the machine to us, or whether you can resolve the problem yourself.
Laptop Screen Repairs..
If your screen is smashed or damaged it will obviously require replacement, but if it has failed it may not, there are a number of other (and usually cheaper) components that can cause a screen to fail or to go very dark. Simply ordering a new screen will not necessarily resolve the problem, so we would advise sending the machine in for repair.
Unlike many laptop parts screen parts are very often interchangeable between models and brands. A screen used in a Dell, for example, may also be used in a Compaq or a Sony. We hold large stocks of new and used screens and machines for spares, and it is often cheaper to send the laptop in for repair, rather than to attempt the repair yourself, as we can select an alternative replacement panel. Once we receive the machine we will be able to give you an accurate price for repair.
Keyboard, hard drive and removable module repairs..
Most customers find that they can replace these parts themselves without difficulty. If you have ordered a keyboard, or hard drive, and need advice fitting it please email or call. If you are telephoning please have the machine and part in front of you when you call!
If you are not sure whether you can fit the component and need advice before ordering again please email or call.
Mainboard, power and other internal repairs..
These tend to fall into two categories. The first is machines that simply refuse to turn on, the second is machines that start but behave erratically or fail.
If your machine will not start there a couple of things to try before sending the machine in for repair. the first is to remove the battery and removable optical (i.e. CDROM) drives and establish if the machine will boot from mains power, a number of laptops will not boot with a failed battery fitted, for example. As a final test you may also wish to remove the hard drive and see if the machine powers up.
If your machine runs erratically it may have either a software or hardware problem. Please contact us for advice.
If you have established that the machine needs repair please contact us to establish whether a repair is possible. Internal components are usually unique to a range or even a single model of machine, we will be able to give you some idea of likely cost and availability of spares.
Sending laptops in for repair...
If your machine requires repair you will need to send it to us for an estimate. Please print and complete our Repair Authorisation Form (or click here for PDF version) and send it with the machine to us at:
Midge Hall Farm,
Midge Hall Lane,
Midge Hall, Leyland PR26 6TN
Please ensure your laptop is well packaged, in a strong box with at least three inches of clearance all around the laptop and plenty of packing. Please also ensure that you use an insured courier service, as we are not liable for any machine that does not reach us intact! Many customers use Royal Mail Special Delivery.
If you decide not to go ahead with the repair once we have estimated the cost or we are unable to repair it we will charge a £35+VAT handling and postage fee to return your laptop via insured courier.
Please read the Repair Terms and Conditions below before sending your laptop to us.
Please note we do not repair desktop computers, printers, peripherals or projectors at present.
How long does a repair take..
Most laptop repairs do not take very long, so we aim to return machines as quickly as possible to customers. Providing we have parts in stock most machines are repaired within two working days. Where we need to order parts in they usually are with us the next working day, so allow an extra day or two. For various reasons a few repairs take longer. The most common reasons are that parts are not available quickly, or that the machine has multiple faults. If this happens we will try and keep you advised, but please give us a call or email to check progress. Machines are returned by courier on a next day service.
Software
We can reinstall your operating system and drivers for you. Most commonly we would do this after a new hard drive has been fitted, but for various reasons you may wish to take advantage of this at other times. We will not normally install other software, and we will require you to supply us with evidence that you hold an appropriate license. If required we will download drivers as part of this service.
There is a standard charge for this, depending on whether you have a CD with your laptop or not. Please note this process will destroy any existing data on the laptop.
Upgrades
Upgrading laptop memory and hard drives is usually straightforward, however if you wish we will carry out this work for you. Charges are as for software.
Insurance Report
If your laptop is damaged and your insurers require a engineers report we can provide this, you will need to send the laptop to us for inspection, the price for this service includes returning the machine to you by insured carrier. Again for an extra charge we can arrange for the machine to be collected from you.
Repair Terms and Conditions
By sending your laptop to us for repair you are indicating that you have read, understood and agree to the these terms and conditions, so please read them!
If the cost of a repair, fix or workaround does not exceed the Minimum Charge (currently £70+VAT) you agree we can go ahead and that you will pay this charge.
If the cost would exceed the Minimum Charge we will provide you with an estimate for repair. If you decide not to accept this estimate then we will make a £35+VAT handling charge to cover labour, postage and packaging to return the laptop to you. If you decide not to pay this charge we will dispose of the laptop for you.
You are agreeing to pay for any work we have carried out on your behalf, whether you have instructed us verbally, by phone, by fax, by email, in writing or via any other medium or via a third party. We will not charge you more than the Minimum charge without your agreement.
It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that charges are paid for and return arranged. We will not normally release repairs until payment has been received. We may insist on payment being made by cleared funds. We reserve the right to dispose of machines after three months where payment has not been made, to minimize costs.
These Terms and Condition apply regardless of whether a signed Repair Authorisation Form is submitted with the laptop.
And finally .... back up your data - we cannot accept responsibility for it's loss!
Standard charges..
Handling and postage charge if no repair made £35+VAT
Minimum Repair Charge £70+VAT
Software setup with CD £20+VAT
Software setup without CD £30+VAT
Upgrade fitting (memory/hard drive) £20+VAT
Insurance Report (includes return carriage) £35+VAT
Carriage if required £15+VAT
Collection, packing and return if required £30+VAT
Click to email for more information, estimates or for details on availability of parts. Please include details of the make and model of your laptop together with a brief fault description or of parts required.