Computer & Laptop Repair Perth
Fixed Price, Same Day

Why is my computer so slow? The warning signs

A slow computer is often more than an annoyance. It can be the first sign of a part starting to fail. These are the signs we see most on the bench, and what each one usually means:

• Start-up taking a minute or more. Often an old mechanical hard drive near the end of its life. Drives usually slow down before they fail.
• Freezing, stuttering or "Not Responding" in normal use. Often memory or storage, and it tends to get worse once it starts.
• Fans loud all the time, or the case hot to touch. Dust stops the cooling working, so the processor slows itself down to stay safe. Running hot for long periods also shortens the life of the parts, and Perth summers make it worse.
• Browsing slow even with nothing else open. Can be malware or adware running in the background, which may also be collecting passwords and card details.
• Programs crashing or files that will not open. A later sign. Losing files is now a real risk, and recovery gets harder the longer the computer keeps running.
• Blue screens, random restarts or sudden shutdowns. Usually unstable hardware. Carrying on using it can turn a simple repair into a data recovery job.
• Windows updates taking longer, or failing. Usually corrupted system files. A computer that cannot update also misses its security fixes.

Many people live with a slow computer for months and bring it in the week it stops, by which point a same-day repair has become a data recovery job.

If your computer shows any of these signs, the cheapest time to have it looked at is while it still turns on. The diagnostic tells you what is happening before you commit to anything, and most jobs booked before 2pm are ready the same day.

Signs your computer has a virus

Modern malware is built to stay hidden, so the signs are often small: a browser homepage or search engine that changed on its own, toolbars or extensions you did not install, pop-ups when you are not browsing, programs opening or closing by themselves, antivirus switched off, or friends getting messages "from you" that you never sent.

An infection keeps working for as long as it stays on the computer. It can record what you type, collect saved passwords and card details, and spread to other devices on the same network, and some ransomware waits weeks before it locks your files. If you see any of these signs, have it looked at soon rather than later.

Virus and malware removal is $99. It covers a full scan, removal of viruses, spyware, ransomware and browser hijackers, a browser clean-up and antivirus set up so it does not come straight back. Most infections are cleared the same day you drop the computer off.

Laptop repair: screens, batteries and hinges

The laptop jobs we see most are cracked or dead screens, swollen or flat batteries, broken hinges and laptops that will not charge.

Screen replacement is $145 for a standard panel, $170 for a touchscreen and $190 for OLED, with the panel and labour included. Screens differ between makers and even between versions of the same model, so we confirm the exact part before ordering. Once it is in stock, screen and battery replacements are usually same-day jobs.

Data recovery: the warning signs

If you think a drive is failing, treat it as urgent. A failing drive gets worse each time it starts, and the chance of getting files back drops with it. Signs to watch for: clicking, grinding or beeping, files that will not open or look corrupted, freezing while copying files, folders that look empty when they should not, and more frequent blue screens.

If the drive is making a noise, turn the computer off and bring it in. A drive that is restarted again and again while it clicks can reach the point where nothing can be recovered. Caught early, recovery is usually straightforward.

Data recovery starts from $149, no fix, no fee: if we cannot get your photos, documents or files back, you do not pay for the attempt. The jobs we see most are family photos, small business accounts and study or work files that were never backed up. Bring the drive to us in Canning Vale as soon as you notice the signs above.

Business IT support: what small businesses need

Business owners usually get in touch after something breaks at the worst time: a server down, a staff PC that will not start, or email that has stopped. For small businesses such as cafes, shops, medical and allied health practices, accountants and trades, the difference between IT support and repairs is prevention versus reaction.

Our managed IT plans start from $149/month and cover proactive monitoring (so problems are caught before they cause downtime), remote support for day-to-day issues, onsite visits when something needs hands-on attention, managed antivirus on every business device, and automated cloud backups.

There is no lock-in contract: if a plan is not working for your business, you can cancel with 14 days notice. For businesses that need help now rather than an ongoing plan, on-demand remote and onsite support is available from $89, with same-day availability across southern Perth.

How much does computer and laptop repair cost in Perth?

It depends on what is wrong, so here is what we charge for the jobs people ask about most:

• PC diagnostic and repair: $120 all-in, with a written report before any work starts
• Virus and malware removal: $99, most done same day
• SSD upgrade (labour): from $65, you can supply the SSD or we can source one
• Data recovery: from $149, no fix, no fee
• Laptop screen replacement: from $145 standard, $170 touchscreen, $190 OLED, panel and labour included
• Windows reinstall with data backup: from $120
• Gaming PC build/upgrade (labour): $149 Essential, $199 Performance, $249 Elite, all with a free Windows 11 key
• Complete PC Overhaul Package: $180, combining virus removal, a Windows 11 reinstall, cable management, thermal paste, driver updates, performance tuning and a benchmark report
• Used Laptop Revival Package: $140, a 15-point service for second-hand laptops: a full hardware health check, battery test, secure wipe of the previous owner's data, a clean Windows 11 reinstall and fresh thermal paste

All prices include GST, and you get a fixed quote in writing before any work begins, so the price at collection is the one you agreed.

Computer repair near Canning Vale

We are based in Canning Vale (WA 6155), in the middle of the southern suburbs, so for most of the suburbs around it the trip is short. That includes Cockburn, Willetton, Huntingdale, Jandakot, Thornlie, Cannington, Harrisdale, Atwell, Piara Waters, Southern River, Riverton, Parkwood, Queens Park, Maddington, Leeming, Gosnells, Armadale and Byford.

No appointment is needed: drop off in Canning Vale any time, and most repairs are ready the same day or the next. Software, virus and network problems that do not need the computer in front of us can be sorted by remote support, anywhere in Australia.

Whatever the computer is doing, message us on WhatsApp for a free quote. We will tell you what is likely wrong and what it costs before you commit to anything.