Preparing Your Computer for Repair

1. The Password Solution (Protect Your Master Passwords)

You should never have to hand over the master password you use for your emails, banking, or Microsoft ecosystem. Depending on how your computer is set up, here is the safest way to grant our workbench temporary access. (Note: Whichever account you give us access to MUST have Administrator privileges so we can run diagnostic tools).

• If you use a Windows PIN: Change your current PIN to a simple temporary one (like “1234”).
  • Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello) > Change.
• If you use a Local Account Password: Change your current password to a temporary word (like “repair”).
  • Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Password > Change.
• If you use a Microsoft Account Password: Do not change your password! Changing this will alter the password for your Outlook, Xbox, and OneDrive. Instead, simply generate a device-specific PIN for the technician to use.
  • Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > PIN (Windows Hello) > Set up.

2. The BitLocker Warning (Crucial for Windows Users)

Modern Windows laptops use “BitLocker” to encrypt your hard drive. If we need to update your computer’s core system (BIOS) or temporarily remove your hard drive to fix the machine, BitLocker will trigger and lock the drive to protect your data.

• What you need to do: Ensure you have access to your Microsoft Account (where the BitLocker Recovery Key is automatically saved) on another device like your smartphone. Alternatively, you can search “Manage BitLocker” in your Windows search bar and click “Suspend Protection” before handing the laptop over.

3. Log Out of Your Browser

Your repair tech only needs to test system stability, not access your private life. Before you shut down the laptop, open your web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari) and simply sign out of your email, social media, and any other personal accounts.

4. Always Back Up Your Data

We treat every machine with the utmost care, but failing drives and hardware accidents can happen unexpectedly. Before handing your tech over to any repair shop, always copy your important photos, documents, and files to a USB flash drive or a cloud service like OneDrive or Google Drive.

• Note: If your laptop is completely dead and you cannot back it up, let us know beforehand so we can prioritize data recovery as step one.

5. Bring the Charger, Lose the Accessories

Half of all “won’t turn on” issues are actually just a faulty power cable. Always bring your laptop’s original power adapter with you so we can test it on our bench. However, make sure to unplug and keep your wireless mouse dongles, USB drives, SD cards, and laptop sleeves at home so they do not get lost in transit.

Ready to get your tech running like new? Call Chris today at 087-099-1266 to book your diagnostic service with New Ross PC Repairs.