PC Repair in Consett — Common Problems We Fix

If your PC or laptop has stopped working properly, you don't need to drive to a big retail chain or wait days for a courier to sort it. GLS Tech provides PC repair in Consett and across County Durham — often with same-day turnaround for the most common faults.

Here are the problems we deal with most often, and what's usually behind them.

PC Running Slowly

This is the most common complaint we hear. A computer that used to be fast but now crawls is almost always down to one of a handful of causes: too many startup programs, a full hard drive, failing hardware, or — most commonly in older machines — a traditional spinning hard drive that's reached the end of its useful life.

Replacing an old mechanical hard drive with an SSD is the single most effective upgrade you can make. It transforms the experience completely, and it doesn't cost as much as people think. We carry out this upgrade regularly for customers in Consett, Stanley, Blackhill, and across Derwentside.

PC Won't Turn On

A computer that won't power up at all is alarming, but it's rarely a write-off. Common causes include a failed power supply unit (PSU), a dead CMOS battery causing boot failure, a faulty RAM stick, or — on laptops — a worn-out battery or damaged charging port.

We diagnose these faults properly before recommending any parts. No diagnosis, no charge.

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

Random crashes and blue screens are usually caused by driver conflicts, faulty RAM, storage errors, or Windows corruption. We run full hardware diagnostics and memory tests to identify the root cause, rather than just reinstalling Windows and hoping for the best.

Virus and Malware Removal

If your PC is behaving strangely — running slowly, showing adverts, redirecting your browser, or producing pop-up warnings — there's a good chance it's been compromised. We remove malware thoroughly and check for any damage it's caused, including changes to startup items, browser settings, and host files.

If you've seen a pop-up warning telling you to call a number or pay for antivirus software, see our article on fake virus pop-up scams before doing anything.

Broken Screen

Laptop screens crack more easily than people expect — especially on thin, lightweight models. We source replacement panels and fit them at a fair price. Most screen replacements are completed the same day if we have the part in stock, or within a day or two once ordered.

Overheating and Fan Noise

If your machine runs hot, shuts down unexpectedly, or the fan sounds like a jet engine, it almost certainly needs a clean-out. Dust buildup in heatsinks and vents is extremely common in machines that are more than two or three years old. Left unchecked, overheating causes permanent damage to processors and motherboards. A service — thermal paste replacement and a proper clean — fixes this completely.

Data Recovery

Accidental deletion, a failed drive, or a corrupted file system doesn't always mean your data is gone. We carry out data recovery for personal photos, documents, and business files. The success rate depends on how quickly you act — the sooner you bring the drive in without continuing to use it, the better your chances.

Laptop Keyboard and Port Faults

Keys that stop working, USB ports that have become loose, HDMI ports that no longer connect to a monitor — these are all repairable. On laptops especially, ports get damaged through repeated plugging and unplugging. We replace individual ports and keyboards without needing to replace the whole machine.

What We Don't Do

We don't give you a vague quote, disappear for two weeks, then call to say it needs a new motherboard and isn't worth fixing. We tell you what's wrong, what it'll cost, and what we'd recommend — then you decide. If a repair isn't economical, we'll tell you that too and help you find a sensible replacement if needed.