Hardware repairs

Dead, broken, noisy or overheating – if it's a physical fault in your laptop, desktop or All-in-One, our workshop can usually fix it. You'll get a precise cost and timeframe first.

Computer won't power on?

A common problem with a few usual suspects. Often it's the power supply in a desktop, or the internal power circuit in a laptop. Our assessment pinpoints the exact cause, then we'll tell you the fix, the cost and how long it will take.

Broken screen?

We can fix almost any broken screen – MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Microsoft Surface and every Windows brand, including Acer, Asus, Compaq, Dell, HP, IBM, Lenovo, Samsung and Toshiba. We source most screens here in New Zealand, so repairs are quick.

Battery replacement

We supply and fit batteries for almost any laptop, Windows or Apple. Many are sourced locally and fitted within a few days; older or rarer models may need importing and can take a few weeks. You'll get an accurate timeframe, and you can often keep using your laptop while you wait.

Charging problems?

Only charging when the cord is held just right? It's usually the charger, the battery or the charging port (DC jack), and each has a different fix. We test all three, then give you a precise cost and timeframe. Tip: don't keep wiggling the cord – a damaged port can get worse and take the motherboard with it.

Broken ports

Broken USB, USB-C, HDMI, sound or power socket? Ports are usually soldered directly to the motherboard, which takes specialist equipment to repair. Our specialist tech fixes many of these – bring it in for an assessment and we'll advise on cost.

Keyboard repair

Missing a key, or the keyboard won't type? We'll find the exact problem. If you need a new keyboard, we source most locally within a day or two, and you'll get a precise cost and timeframe first.

Spilled liquid?

We can often get it going again. We find exactly where the damage is and, if it's economic to repair, clean every trace of liquid and dried drink off the motherboard (sugar is bad for circuits) and repair the damaged section. If the whole board needs replacing, we'll tell you during the assessment.

No operating system?

Computer turns on but says "no disk", or shows a sad face? It usually comes down to the drive, or how the computer sees it. Fixes range from a simple settings change to a new drive – and if the drive is damaged, we can help recover your data.

Overheating or running hot?

Hot to the touch, or the fan roaring away? Dust builds up inside every computer and eventually blocks the cooling. Our cooling service opens the machine up, cleans out the dust, checks the fans and replaces the thermal paste – so it runs quieter, cooler and often noticeably faster.

Noise reduction

Noisy computer? Desktops, All-in-Ones and laptops all have moving parts – CPU, power supply, graphics card and case fans, hard drives and liquid coolers. We've even tracked down coils on a motherboard making strange noises. Whatever it is, we'll quieten it down.

CMOS battery replacement

Every computer has a tiny battery that helps it remember key settings, like the time. If your clock keeps resetting to 1 January 1980 or 2000, the CMOS battery is probably flat. It's usually a cheap fix on desktops; laptops vary, and our assessment will tell you what you need.

Software, scams & speed

Slow, infected, hacked or just a mess? Most software problems can be fixed in our workshop, at your place, or remotely – often the same day.

Slow computer?

The most common complaint we hear – and one of the most fixable. Sometimes it's clutter or a program misbehaving; often it's an old hard drive holding everything up. A solid-state drive (SSD) is the single best upgrade you can make, with all your files and programs moved across. We'll tell you honestly whether an upgrade is worth it, or whether the money is better put toward a newer computer.

Anti-scam clean

Been scammed, or had a hacker on your computer? We'll get things back to safety: full virus and malware scans, removal of every suspicious program, a check of your email security, and our 38-point health check. At the end, you can trust your computer again.

Viruses & antivirus

We'll clean up any infection and advise on the right antivirus for you. For many people Microsoft Defender is enough; for others we recommend Malwarebytes. We'll also check the other three essentials of security: firewall, applications and passwords.

Health check service

Our unique 38-point health check covers the most common issues and heads off problems before they happen. We recommend one a year, or twice a year if you're a heavy computer user.

Windows 11 upgrade

Windows 10 is running out of security updates. We'll check whether your computer meets the requirements, then handle the whole upgrade with your files, emails, photos and programs exactly where you left them. If it can't run Windows 11, we'll talk you through the options, including the free extended updates that buy you time. No scare tactics.

Reorganise & clean up

Computer a bit of a mess? We'll sit with you to organise things, delete files you don't need, remove old apps and give the machine a general clean-up.

Email setup or recovery

Lost email, a tricky set-up, or your emails landing in people's spam? We have tools to recover lost email and can set up any tricky situation. If you have your own domain, Google and Microsoft now insist on the right DKIM, DMARC and SPF settings – without them, you may be losing email.

Login & password restoration

Forgotten a password? We all do. We can get you back into your computer, or reset the password for your email or other accounts. Just give our team a call.

Social media clean

Problems with your Facebook, X (Twitter) or Instagram account? These companies often make recovery hard, but we'll guide you through the process and take as much of the pain out of it as we can.

Data, backup & transfer

Your files and photos matter more than the computer they're on. We'll get them back, keep them safe and move them across to your new machine.

File & photo recovery

Lost precious photos or files? First: STOP using the computer straight away – that gives us the best possible chance of getting your data back. We use professional recovery tools, and we'll advise on backup so it doesn't happen again.

Backup

Without a backup, you risk losing your files and photos – a backup today is worth a lot tomorrow. We have three options: an external hard drive, a cloud backup, and a monitored backup that checks it has run every day. We'll advise how much is worth investing based on how you use your computer.

Clone your computer

Need your computer copied onto a new solid-state drive (or hard drive)? Cloning is usually straightforward, but a damaged drive makes it harder – and we have a full range of tools to repair the drive and recover your data.

Data transfer

New computer? We'll move your files and photos across, install your applications, set up your email (signature and contacts too), install your printer and scanner, connect the Wi-Fi – and even put your favourite picture back on the desktop. Simple or complex, we've seen it all.

At home, at work or remote

Some jobs are best done where the problem is. We come to homes and businesses across Canterbury, fix plenty remotely, and sort small things over the counter.

Onsite at your place

We come to you anywhere in Canterbury – Christchurch, Rolleston, Prebbleton, Darfield, West Melton, Belfast, Rangiora and more. Some jobs, like internet or printer problems, really need to be done at your place, or you may simply prefer the convenience.

Remote support

Many problems don't need a visit at all. With your permission, our techs securely connect to your computer and fix things while you watch – often the same day you call. Ideal for software issues, email problems and mystery pop-ups, anywhere in New Zealand.

Internet or Wi-Fi

No internet or Wi-Fi? Our techs will quickly work out why – whether it's a few settings to get your fibre, VDSL or ADSL going, or a new router and Wi-Fi extender. Our onsite techs arrive with the tools and parts they're likely to need.

Printer & scanner problems

Printers cause more frustration than almost anything! Won't print, won't connect to the Wi-Fi, or the scanner won't talk to your computer? Many printer issues are best fixed at your place, and our onsite techs sort them every week. We'll also tell you honestly when a printer isn't worth fixing.

Phone & tablet help

We help with iPads, tablets and phone niggles too: setting up a new device, moving photos and contacts across, getting email working everywhere, freeing up storage and making sure your photos back up safely. Bring the new one in with the old one and we'll get you sorted.

Tuition

Want a tech to sit down and show you how to do something? Our patient, friendly techs explain things in down-to-earth language that's easy to understand – at our place or yours.

Simple problem?

Just a small niggle you'd love sorted? We can often fix little issues on the spot, sometimes right over the counter. If it turns out to be something bigger, we'll let you know.

New computers, insurance & business

Buying new, getting rid of old, claiming on insurance or running a business – we can help with that too.

New computer sales & advice

Not sure what to buy? We sell new and quality refurbished laptops and desktops, with honest advice about what suits your use – not just what's on special this week. We repair computers all day, so we know which brands go the distance. We'll set it up properly, move everything across from your old one, and we're right here if you need a hand afterwards.

Recycling & safe disposal

Old computer sitting in the cupboard? First, we make sure your data is properly wiped – or the drive destroyed – so your files and photos never end up in someone else's hands. Working parts get reused where possible, including through a local project that turns old computers into machines for kids who need them, and the rest is disposed of properly, not sent to landfill.

Insurance assessment

Dropped your laptop, or had another accident? Our assessment meets all your insurance company's requirements. We find the exact fault and send the report direct to your insurer, copying you in, so your claim is sorted quickly. Then we can repair your computer (or set up a new one) as soon as they get back to us. Around 98% of claims are accepted with our assessment and reporting.

Business IT support

In business? Our proactive support services keep your computer systems running. Preparation is key – once disaster strikes, it's too late. We'll put systems in place for the common problems that can grind a business to a halt. Call and ask for our business specialist – a no-obligation meeting is on offer.

“I can certainly recommend the service. Used these guys 3 times, and a quick efficient solution each time. Called out and fixed the last problem within an hour.”

“I have been so suspicious of repairers. Just bit the bullet and nothing but good to report. My laptop is now bug free, has a new hd and I'm happy. All in good time. And ditto for my friend too!”

“The team at Computer Help is excellent to deal with in all respects. I would recommend them to anyone.”