COMPUTER REPAIR Q&A
Direct answers to common computer repair questions.
Short, specific answers designed for customers who want to understand the likely causes before arranging service.
Why does my gaming PC shut off only when I play games?
Games can create a combined CPU/GPU load that normal desktop use never reaches. Heat, PSU protection, GPU power, motherboard power delivery, memory instability or a short can appear only under that load. The exact difference between a power-off, freeze, restart and blue screen helps narrow it down.
Why did my PC freeze but Event Viewer show no error?
A hard lock can stop Windows before it writes the final event to disk. Use the exact failure time, workload, temperatures and repeatable stress-test behavior as evidence instead of assuming a clean log means the hardware is healthy.
Should thermal paste be replaced every two years?
Not automatically. Repasting is more justified when temperatures are abnormal, the heatsink has been removed, paste coverage is poor or the machine is throttling even after fans and heatsinks are clean.
Can a bad RAM slot cause a black screen or screen artifacts?
Yes. On systems that use shared system memory for graphics, a bad RAM module, slot or motherboard memory path can create visual corruption or prevent display output. Test known-good memory one configuration at a time.
Why does my scanner keep disconnecting after I reinstall it?
If reinstalling works only temporarily, check USB selective suspend, USB hub power-management settings and the Windows Image Acquisition service. The scanner may still be present while Windows power management or WIA communication causes the failure.
If DisplayPort works but HDMI does not, is it a driver?
Maybe, but first see whether HDMI shows the BIOS or manufacturer logo. If HDMI is dead before Windows starts, the cable, monitor input, port or motherboard/GPU hardware is more likely than a Windows graphics driver.
What does AIO_PUMP N/A mean when the CPU is overheating?
If CPU temperature is already very high in BIOS and the pump reading is missing, verify pump power and the correct motherboard header before stress testing. Spinning radiator fans do not prove the pump is moving coolant.
Can DNS make only some websites slow?
Yes. A slow or unreliable DNS resolver can make certain sites hesitate even when speed tests look normal. Test a known public DNS resolver on one device before replacing more Wi-Fi hardware.
What should I do if my laptop smells burned and will not turn on?
Disconnect power and stop trying to boot it. A burning smell can indicate motherboard power-delivery damage, a shorted component or battery/charging-circuit failure. Repeated power attempts can worsen the damage.
My desktop has no display after I moved it. What should I check?
Power off the computer and inspect GPU seating, the bracket, PCIe power connectors and the graphics card/slot for physical damage before reinstalling Windows or drivers.
What can I do if Windows Safe Mode will not load?
Protect your files first if possible, then use a recovery or bootable environment for disk checks, system-file repair and storage-health testing. If hardware is healthy and Windows remains badly corrupted, a clean reinstall may be the more reliable path.
Are high gaming-laptop temperatures always a reason to repaste?
No. Look at sustained temperatures, throttling, stability, clock speeds and artifact behavior. A short high peak can be normal on some gaming laptops if the system sustains performance and does not throttle excessively.
Do you provide onsite computer repair?
Onsite support is available for appropriate home-office and business issues, especially networking, printers, workstations and multi-device problems. Call or text first so we can determine whether onsite, remote, pickup/drop-off or bench diagnostics is the right option.
Do you serve McLean, Fairfax, Springfield, Reston and Tysons?
Yes. VA Computer Repair serves those communities along with Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax Station, Great Falls, Vienna, Lorton, Burke, Woodbridge, Annandale and Potomac, Maryland.
Do you serve the Maryland side of the Great Falls area?
Yes. Service is available in Potomac and nearby Montgomery County communities on the Maryland side of the Great Falls area. We describe that coverage through our Potomac, Maryland service page rather than presenting Great Falls, Maryland as a separate city storefront.