Grove Geeks FAQs

My computer is running slow - should I replace it or can it be revived?

Most of the time a slow computer is due to lots of accumulating junk files (particularly in Windows) which can be cleared out. This, combined with a full tune-up and optimisation can get your laptop as quick as it was when new. However in some cases, a slow computer (particularly short pauses/freezes) is the earliest symptom of the computer's hard drive beginning to die - so worth investigating quickly, and best checked/replaced when you first see issues. Don't wait - it's much easier to clone a working hard drive, than try to recover a failed hard drive.

Do you do fixed-price work?

Yes, depending on the problem. We'll talk it through, and if you'd prefer a fixed price we're happy to quote, on a reasonable endeavours basis.

I'm outside your area - will you still come out to me?

Usually yes, but we'll need to agree some travel time costs - give us a ring, and we can talk options.

Do you do upgrades and software fixes?

Yes - we can advise on upgrades to your devices, including memory, hard drive space/speed, memory upgrades etc. This includes desktops and laptops, almost all of which can have new life breathed into them with one or two simple upgrades, avoiding the need to buy new.

Do you repair hardware too?

Yes - we'll repair desktops, tower PCs, and laptops - and we're happy to look at consoles etc. too. For Apple devices, we're always happy to help with diagnosis and routine repairs/replacement - however they're not designed to be easily repaired by anyone other than a trained Apple specialist - so for more complex issues, we'll always be honest about what we can and can't do, and happy to provide advice on how to get them fixed.

My website is already being run by someone else. Will you take it on?

Yes, absolutely! We're more than happy to take it on as it is, maintain it, and/or rewrite and improve it. Give us a call to discuss what you're looking for.

I want a website, but I'm no good with computers. Isn't it complicated?

It doesn't need to be! We can get you online really quickly, for less than you think, using your existing logos, adverts, words - or just by having a chat about your business. We pride ourselves on making it simple - so do talk to us, how ever much you hate computers!

Will you take my computer away to fix it?

Sometimes, yes. If there are time consuming tests to do, we don't want you paying for us to sit there (and we don't want to sit there waiting either!) So we take it away, and start the tests running (often overnight) whilst we get on with other things. This means you're not paying for the hours of waiting time whilst the scans are running - thus, saving you money!

Will I lose any of my data (photos, documents etc.)?

No, you won't - UNLESS the problem you've got is with the hard drive or storage on the computer, in which case we'll do our absolute best to recover it for you.
We've heard repeated stories from our customers that some of the bigger high-street fix-it shops often have a default approach of re-installing Windows and losing all your personal data to fix problems - it's much quicker for them, and can be done by someone with limited training/knowledge - but a nightmare for you as a customer, as they've deleted everything without warning, including all your personal documents, pictures and installed software! WE DON'T DO THAT - we always aim to fix it without losing any of your data, and if more drastic measures are needed which risk your data, we'll talk to you first.
Having said that, backups of your personal data are an ESSENTIAL precaution for everyone, unless you've absolutely nothing you're worried about losing - so we always advise you to make sure your data is in AT LEAST two places, BEFORE you have a problem. If you'd like us to do a backup for you before we start any work, please do discuss this with us, for your peace of mind - we can provide backup systems for you at a very competitive price, including setup and instructions on how to ensure it's working for you. We can also advise on using cloud-based storage solution seamlessly to automatically securely store your data on an hour-by-hour basis. JUST ASK - we're happy to help.

Will you ask me to switch it off and on again?

Yes, we might - if you've not tried that already, it's definitely worth a go!
But seriously - we're here to help, and we go through a diagnostic approach which ensures we try the simple things first, moving on to the more complex and time-consuming options. We like to problem-solve quickly, both for you and us - and we don't like to be beaten by a problem!

Which is faster? The Millenium Falcon, or the USS Enterprise?

USS Enterprise - no contest.

My FAQ isn't here? What do I do?

Give us a call......it's not been asked frequently enough to make it on here yet. But who knows, it might soon.....but it won't if you don't call us!