Frequently asked questions
Straight answers before you bring something in.
Repair and IT problems are easier when you know what to expect. Here are answers to the questions we hear most often about diagnostics, timing, data recovery, warranties, and business support.
Before you visit
The basics.
Choose a question below. If your situation is unusual, send us a service request and describe what is happening.
Do I need an appointment?
Not for most walk-in repair needs. You can bring a computer, phone, tablet, drive, or supported game console to either location during business hours. For business IT visits or more involved service, contacting us first is the best way to coordinate timing.
How long does a repair usually take?
It depends on the problem, the device, parts availability, and how much diagnosis is required. Straightforward repairs can move quickly; intermittent problems, liquid damage, board-level faults, and data recovery can take longer. We would rather give you a realistic update after seeing the device than promise a turnaround we cannot support.
Do you charge for diagnostics?
Some repair categories have a diagnostic fee, especially when meaningful disassembly or troubleshooting is required. We make the diagnostic terms clear before starting that work. Data recovery follows its own evaluation and recovery process.
Should I bring my charger or accessories?
If the problem involves charging, power, a dock, an external display, or another accessory, bringing the item you normally use can help us reproduce the problem. Otherwise, the device itself is usually enough to get started.
Repair and data recovery
When the device or the files matter.
Do you repair both Macs and PCs?
Yes. We work on many Mac and Windows computer problems, including no-power and startup faults, storage failures, screens, batteries, charging issues, liquid damage, upgrades, and selected board-level repairs.
Can you recover data from a computer that will not start?
Often, yes. A computer can fail while the storage device or some of its data remains recoverable. We evaluate the device and storage condition first, then explain the safest recovery path and what level of work is appropriate.
Can you repair damaged charging, USB-C, or HDMI ports?
On many supported devices, yes. Port repairs may require microsoldering or board-level work, especially when the connector has been physically torn from the board or nearby circuitry was damaged.
Do repairs have a warranty?
Qualifying repairs are covered by our limited repair warranty. Coverage depends on the original service and does not cover new accidental or liquid damage. See our Warranty Policy for the full details.
Business IT
Help for offices and small teams.
Do you provide on-site business IT support?
Yes. We provide remote and on-site support for small businesses in the Bay Area, including computers, Microsoft 365, email, Wi-Fi, networking, backups, migrations, and troubleshooting.
Can you help even if we do not have an IT contract?
Yes. We can help with individual projects and problems as well as ongoing support. If the same issues keep coming back or your team needs a dependable point of contact, we can also talk through a more consistent support arrangement.
Can you help with Microsoft 365 and email?
Yes. We help small businesses with Microsoft 365 setup, mailbox and account issues, email configuration, migrations, security settings, and the everyday problems that keep people from working.
Which location should I contact?
For walk-in repairs, use whichever shop is more convenient. Oakland is at 6019 College Ave and Alameda is at 1305 High St. For business IT, start a service request or call either location and we will route the request appropriately.
Still have a question?
Tell us what is going on.
If you do not see your situation above, send us a short description and we will point you in the right direction.