Fix My Computer!

When You Need Onsite vs. Remote IT Support to Fix Your Computer

One of the most common requests we’ve heard over the last twenty years is: “Help! Fix my computer!”. Whether your screen is frozen, your laptop won’t power on, or your desktop is making a sound like it’s trying to launch into orbit, we’ve seen it all. But not every problem requires a technician visit from your computer superhero. Some issues can be easily solved with remote support, while others definitely need a hands-on fix.

Let’s look at the most common hardware-related problems computer users encounter and see which ones require onsite assistance and which can be resolved remotely.

What Counts as a Hardware Problem?

Hardware problems involve the physical components of your computer. That includes:

Hard drives and SSDs
RAM (memory)
Motherboards and CPUs
Power supplies
Graphics cards
Keyboards, screens, and other peripherals
Cooling systems and fans

Hardware problems are different from software issues, such as a virus or an app crash, for example, because they involve physical failure or damage.

Common Hardware Faults

1. Computer Won’t Turn On

Symptoms: No lights, no sounds, screen stays black.

Likely Causes:

Dead power supply
Faulty motherboard
Loose or disconnected cables

🟢 Onsite Help: We will need to open the machine and test.

2. Overheating or Loud Fan Noise

Symptoms: Computer shuts down unexpectedly or sounds like a jet engine.

Likely Causes:

Dust buildup in fans or heat sinks
Thermal paste issues
Failing cooling components

🟢 Onsite Help: We’ll need to clean and possibly replace hardware. This involves opening up the machine and checking components.

3. Hard Drive or SSD Failure

Symptoms:

Clicking sounds from the drive.
“Operating System Not Found” message.
Slow performance or data disappearing.

🟢 Usually Onsite Help: If the drive has physically failed, data recovery or replacement is required. We can help backup what’s left and install a new drive if needed.

🟡 Sometimes Remote Help: If the drive is not physically damaged but just corrupt or misconfigured, we may be able to fix it remotely using recovery tools.

4. Display or Monitor Problems

Symptoms:

No image on screen.
Flickering or colour distortion.
Screen cracked or unresponsive (for laptops).

This will depend on the problem.

🟢 Remote Help: If it’s a driver issue or an external display configuration problem.

🟢 Onsite Help: If it’s a broken screen, cable damage, or failing graphics card.

5. Keyboard, Mouse, or USB Port Malfunction

Symptoms:

Unresponsive keyboard or mouse.
USB devices not recognised.

🟢 Often Remote Help: Sometimes, these are software or driver-related and can be fixed remotely.

🟢 Onsite Help: In the case of physical damage to ports, liquid spills, or peripheral hardware failure.

6. Random Freezing or Blue Screens (BSOD)

Symptoms:

System crashes or restarts with error codes

Likely Causes:

Failing RAM
Motherboard faults
Driver conflicts (software side)

🟡 Remote or Onsite Help: We will need to diagnose first. We often start remotely to check software and logs. If hardware tests fail, we’ll schedule an onsite visit.

Remote IT Support – What can we fix from afar?

If you have a stable internet connection, we can handle:

Driver reinstalls
BIOS updates
Software diagnostics and cleanup
Peripheral configuration
Basic system tune-ups
Performance issues not tied to failing hardware

If it doesn’t involve opening up your machine or replacing a component, chances are we can fix it remotely.

Onsite Support – When is it time to call in the experts?

Onsite visits are essential when:

Hardware needs to be physically replaced
There’s liquid or impact damage
Power or overheating issues persist
Cables, screens, or ports are damaged
You just want us there to walk you through things step by step

Not Sure What You Need?

That’s why we’re here. If you need your computer fixed, give us a call on 020 3369 0669 or email us at info@ilovepcman.com with a description of your issue, and we’ll be able to determine whether you need an onsite computer repair or if we can save you time and money by fixing things remotely. No guesswork – just fast, friendly help.

Photo by Rainier Ridao on Unsplash