How long does a repair take?

It depends on the fault, parts availability and current bookings. Once I have diagnosed the problem I will give you an honest estimate, and tell you straight away if it needs a part that has to be ordered.

Will I lose my files?

Back up anything important before handing a device over. Some faults and some repairs — particularly drive failures — mean data cannot be guaranteed, and I will always tell you when that is the case before proceeding.

Do you need my password?

Only if the job requires signing in. Provide it in person or through an agreed secure method, never through a form or message. Stored passwords are deleted once the device is returned to you.

Yes, for suitable software, setup, performance and troubleshooting work on macOS as well as Windows.

Do you come to my house?

Yes — on-site support is available by appointment within approximately 20 km of Henderson. See at-home IT support for details.

Is there a minimum charge?

Workshop and on-site labour has a one-hour minimum. Remote support has a 30-minute minimum, then 30-minute increments.

Can you recover data from a failed drive?

Sometimes, but not always, and it is important to be honest about that. If the data matters and the drive is failing, stop using the machine and tell me immediately — continuing to run it reduces the chances.

Do you repair laptops as well as desktops?

Yes. Laptops come with their own constraints for parts and access, which I will explain before you commit to anything.

What if the repair is not worth it?

I will tell you plainly and explain why, then set out the realistic options — including doing nothing for now. Diagnostic time may still apply.

Home computer support

Home computer repairs and support in Auckland

Practical help for slow, unreliable, or difficult computers—with repair, upgrade, and replacement options explained before paid work begins.

Request Home Computer Support

Problems I can assess

Slow or unreliable computers

Performance problems, crashes, startup faults, overheating, and general diagnosis for laptops and desktops.

Software and unwanted programs

Windows and macOS troubleshooting, software installation, updates, viruses, and unwanted-software cleanup.

Setup and upgrades

New-computer setup, suitable file transfer, Wi-Fi and printers, SSD and RAM upgrades, and component advice.

A repair is not always the right answer

After assessment, I’ll explain whether repair, upgrade, or replacement is the most sensible option. Diagnostic time may still apply when a device is uneconomical to repair or the fault falls outside the service scope.

Back up important data before service wherever possible. Hardware can fail without warning, and no repair process can guarantee existing data will be preserved.

Prefer a home visit? At-home IT support across Auckland is also available.

Common home computer problems I fix

Slow startup, freezing and general slowness
Random crashes, blue screens and unexpected restarts
Virus, malware and unwanted pop-ups or toolbars
Wi-Fi, broadband and home printer problems
A computer that will not start, or a failing drive
Storage or memory upgrades and component fitting
New-computer setup, file transfer and sign-in checks
Laptop hardware faults such as fans, hinges, batteries and keyboards

Repair, upgrade or replace?

I diagnose first, then explain the options in plain English. Sometimes the sensible answer is a repair, sometimes an upgrade, and occasionally a replacement — and I will tell you which, including when the work is not worth the money. Diagnostic time may still apply even if you decide against the repair.

How a home computer repair works

Describe the problem. Send the symptoms, the device and your suburb through the contact form.
Book a mode. Arranged drop-off suits diagnostics and repairs; a home visit suits Wi-Fi, printers and equipment that should stay put.
Approval before work. You get the likely scope and cost, and nothing extra happens without your approval.
Repair and testing. I do the work and test the result properly before it goes back to you.
Handover. You get a plain-English explanation of the work and anything still worth doing.

What a home computer repair costs

Workshop and on-site labour: $90 per hour, one-hour minimum
Assessment: $50, credited when you proceed with the recommended work
On-site call-out: $40 within approximately 20 km of Henderson
Remote support: $75 per hour, 30-minute minimum
Parts are quoted separately and approved before ordering

See the full rates for remote, drop-off and on-site support. Everything is in New Zealand dollars, and sending an enquiry does not create a confirmed booking.

What I check first

Storage health and drive warnings, before anything else is changed
Startup programs, memory and background processes that cause slowness
Temperatures and fan behaviour
Malware, unwanted software and browser add-ons
Operating system updates, drivers and account sign-ins
Whether a backup exists before any work begins

Choosing the right repair route

The cheapest route is usually the one that matches the fault, so I will say so up front rather than defaulting to a visit.

Arranged drop-off — diagnostics, repairs, upgrades, data transfer and longer testing
At-home visit — Wi-Fi, broadband and printer problems, or several devices in one place
Remote session — software, email, Microsoft 365 and account settings

Phone: 0274 762 688