Slow Computer, or One That's Actually Dying?
A slow computer and a dying computer feel the same from the chair. The difference matters, because one is a cheap fix and the other is a race to save your files.
Usually just slow (fixable)
- Takes forever to boot, then runs okay
- Browser crawls with lots of tabs open
- Fans spin up loud during simple tasks
- Storage is nearly full
These are almost always software: too many startup programs, a full hard drive, leftover bloatware, or a mechanical drive that should be a solid-state (SSD). A tune-up or an SSD upgrade brings most of these machines back to life for a fraction of a new computer.
Warning signs it's dying (back up now)
- Clicking or grinding noises from the machine
- Files or folders randomly disappearing or won't open
- Blue screens / kernel panics that keep coming back
- It won't turn on, or shuts off on its own
Those point at a failing drive or failing hardware. The single most important thing: stop using it and back up your files first. Every time a failing drive spins up, you risk losing more.
What we'd do
We run a diagnostic ($89, applied to the repair) that tells us in plain terms whether you're looking at a tune-up or a recovery. Either way you get a flat price before any work starts.
Slow doesn't have to mean "buy a new one." But a dying drive doesn't wait — if yours is making noise, book a service call or call (949) 998-2424 today.