These are some of the questions we get asked most frequently:
Q) Are you open today?
A) Our Durham computer repair shop is open 10 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday, and closed weekends. Holiday, weather-related, or other unexpected closings are always posted on our front page — if there’s no closing notice up there and it’s within normal business hours, we’re open!
Q) How much does it cost to get (X) fixed?
A) Computer repair pricing depends entirely on the issue, since laptop and desktop designs vary drastically — even two machines with the same model number can require very different parts and labor. We can sometimes give a rough range over the phone, but for accurate pricing you’ll want to bring the computer in for a hands-on diagnosis.
Q) Do you fix Macs?
A) Yes — we repair Macs, MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac minis at our Durham shop, though on newer MacBook models (2016+) we’re limited on what can be done directly due to Apple’s design choices (details on our Mac page). For board-level Mac repairs and screen replacements on newer models, our sister company Bull City Mobile Repair handles many of those.
Q) Are you Apple Certified?
A) No, we are not Apple Certified, and we generally prefer to handle repairs ourselves rather than route them through Apple’s program. Warranty work is Apple’s responsibility, so we typically refer warranty-eligible Macs and other Apple devices to the Apple Store at The Streets at Southpoint in Durham — that’s the channel you’ve already paid for through your warranty, and it makes the most sense to use it.
Q) Why are you not Apple Authorized?
A) Apple Authorization would limit both what we can work on and how we work on it. Authorized shops have to follow Apple’s module-replacement model rather than fixing individual components — a simple battery replacement, for example, would require swapping the entire upper case assembly with palm rest, keyboard, and battery all together, instead of just the battery itself.
Q) Do you fix only PCs?/only Macs?/only Chromebooks?
A) No — we repair PCs, Macs, and Chromebooks in our Durham shop. Whether it’s a Windows laptop, a desktop tower, a MacBook, an iMac, or a Chromebook, we handle them all under one roof.
Q) Do you fix TVs/monitors?
A) No, we don’t repair TVs or computer monitors. The only company we know of that repairs the electronics inside TVs is TV King in Raleigh, and even then nobody can replace cracked panels at a price that makes sense — so a broken TV or desktop monitor usually means it’s time for a replacement.
Q) Do you fix phones?
A) No, our Durham shop currently repairs only computers — phones aren’t part of our service lineup. Our sister shop, Bull City Mobile Repair, handles phone repairs and is a great option for that.
Q) Do you fix tablets?
A) No, tablet repair isn’t something we offer at The Computer Cellar — but our sister company, Bull City Mobile Repair, takes care of tablets and can help you out.
Q) Do you fix game consoles?
A) Yes, partially — we can replace major parts on modern game consoles like power supplies, fans, storage drives, and thermal paste, and we can repair some issues on the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch. We can also perform certain mods (including soldered mods) on classic consoles like the NES, Genesis, Game Boy, and PS1 — please email us if you have a specific project. We replace thermal compounds and HDMI ports on the PS5 family of consoles; for board-level damage or HDMI ports on the Xbox Series X, we recommend Bull City Mobile Repair.
Q) Do you have a battery for (X)?
A) Laptop battery replacements are one of our most common Durham repair jobs, and we can almost always source a battery for your specific model — but we don’t stock batteries because there’s an endless variety of them and they deteriorate sitting on the shelf. We can’t order a battery from a phone call alone; you’ll need to come in so we can verify the correct part for your machine and place a deposit. You don’t have to leave the computer with us while the battery is on order.
Q) How do I know if my laptop battery needs to be replaced?
A) Most laptop batteries last 2–4 years before they start showing signs of wear like rapid drain, sudden shutdowns, swelling, or only working when plugged in. We cover the warning signs in detail in our blog post: 5 Signs Your Laptop Battery Needs to Be Replaced.
Q) I spilled liquid on my laptop — what should I do?
A) Power it off immediately, unplug it, and bring it in as soon as possible — don’t try to “dry it out” by turning it back on, since powering up a wet laptop is what usually kills it. We walk through the exact first-aid steps in our blog post: Spilled Something on Your Laptop? Do These Three Things Immediately.
Q) My computer is running slow — can you fix it?
A) Yes — a slow computer is one of the most common Durham repair jobs we handle, and most cases are fixable with a tune-up, SSD upgrade, RAM increase, or malware cleanup. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included in a PC tune-up and why it’s worth doing.
Q) My Mac is slowing down — is it time for a new one?
A) Not necessarily — many slow Macs just need an SSD upgrade, more RAM, or some cleanup before they’re back to feeling new. Try these five things before bringing your Mac in, and if it’s still sluggish we can take a look.
Q) Should I repair my old computer or just buy a new one?
A) It depends on the age, condition, and cost of repair vs. replacement — sometimes a $150 SSD swap buys you 3+ more years, and sometimes it really is time to retire it. We break down the decision in our blog post: Repair or Replace? An Honest Way to Decide When Your Computer’s Time Is Up.
Q) How can I tell if an email is a phishing scam?
A) Watch for urgent language, mismatched sender addresses, generic greetings, suspicious links, and requests for passwords or payment info — when in doubt, don’t click. Read our full guide: How to Spot a Phishing Email Before It Wrecks Your Day.
Q) Windows 10 support is ending — what should I do?
A) Microsoft is ending free security updates for Windows 10, so you’ll want to upgrade to Windows 11 if your hardware supports it, or replace the machine if it doesn’t — we can check compatibility and handle the upgrade for you. Full details here: Windows 10 Is Losing Support — Here’s What You Need to Do.
Q) Is my data safe during a computer repair?
A) Yes — we treat your data with the same care we’d want for our own, and we never access personal files unless the repair specifically requires it. Read more about how we handle your data during a computer repair.
Q) What actually happens when I drop my computer off?
A) We check your machine in, take notes on the issue, and walk you through what to expect on diagnosis and turnaround time — no surprises, no guesswork. Here’s the full walkthrough: What Actually Happens When You Drop Off Your Computer With Us.
Q) My laptop won’t turn on — what should I do?
A) First try a different power adapter and a hard reset (hold the power button for 15–30 seconds), but if it still won’t power on it’s likely a hardware issue with the battery, charging port, or motherboard. We walk through the most common causes in our blog post: Laptop Won’t Turn On? Troubleshooting Guide.
Q) My laptop won’t charge — what could be wrong?
A) The culprit is usually one of three things: a bad charger, a worn-out battery, or a damaged DC jack. We break down how to tell them apart in our blog post: Why Your Laptop Won’t Charge — Battery, Charger, or DC Jack.
Q) My computer keeps restarting on its own — why?
A) Random restarts can be caused by overheating, failing power supplies, bad RAM, driver issues, or even malware — it usually takes hands-on diagnosis to pinpoint. Read more about the common causes: Why Your Computer Keeps Restarting.
Q) My laptop screen is black but the fan is still running — what does that mean?
A) The computer is technically powered on but failing to display, which usually points to a screen, cable, GPU, or motherboard issue. Full breakdown here: Black Screen but Fan Running? What That Means.
Q) My computer is overheating — what can I do?
A) Overheating is almost always caused by dust buildup, dried-out thermal paste, or a failing fan, and prolonged heat shortens the life of every component inside. Read about the common causes and fixes: Computer Overheating? Causes and Fixes.
Q) What is the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) and what causes it?
A) A BSOD is Windows’ way of crashing safely when something serious goes wrong — typically driver issues, failing hardware (RAM or storage), or corrupted system files. We explain it in plain English here: What the Blue Screen of Death Actually Means.
Q) I think I had a virus or malware — what should I do now?
A) Disconnect from the internet, change your important passwords from a clean device, and bring the machine in for a thorough cleanup before using it for anything sensitive. Full post-infection checklist here: What to Do After a Virus or Malware Infection.
Q) How often should I back up my data?
A) More often than you think — ideally daily for anything important, with at least one backup that lives outside your computer (external drive or cloud). Read why most people aren’t backing up enough: How Often Should You Back Up Your Data?.
Q) Why are software updates important?
A) Updates patch security holes, fix bugs, and keep your apps compatible with the rest of your system — skipping them is one of the most common ways computers get compromised or start acting up. More on why this matters: Why Keeping Your Software Updated Matters.
Q) How do I wipe my computer before selling, donating, or recycling it?
A) A standard factory reset usually isn’t enough — you’ll want a proper secure wipe so none of your personal data can be recovered by the next owner. Full guide here: How to Wipe a Computer Properly Before You Sell, Donate, or Recycle It.
Q) What’s your turnaround time?
A) Most computer repair diagnoses are completed in under 24 hours, and most repairs are finished within 24–48 hours when no parts are needed. Most parts arrive within 1–4 days (sometimes longer due to carrier delays or international shipping), and laptop screens — including Mac screens — can usually be sourced the next business day. We’re typically the fastest computer repair shop in the Durham area for many common repair types.
Q) Where are you located?
A) The Computer Cellar is located at 720 9th Street, Lower Level, in Durham, NC 27705 — see our “Directions and Parking” page for full directions, landmarks, and a map.
Q) What about parking?
A) You can park streetside on 9th Street and walk down 8 Alley, or park directly outside our door via 8 Alley (entered from Iredell). The shop is wheelchair accessible — see our “Directions and Parking” page for full details.
Q) Do you have any computers for sale right now?
A) Yes — we sell professionally tested refurbished desktops and laptops at the shop, and current inventory is always kept up to date on our “Items For Sale” page. Stock changes frequently, so check the page or call ahead if you’re looking for something specific.
Q) Do you buy computers?
A) No, we don’t buy computers from the public, and we’re not aware of any local Durham businesses that do (other than possibly pawn shops). To sell a used computer or components, we recommend listing online through Craigslist, Jawa, Swappa, or Facebook Marketplace.
Q) Can you come to my house?
A) No, we currently don’t offer in-home or on-site computer repair services in Durham — all repairs are handled at our 9th Street shop. You’re welcome to drop your computer off during business hours; no appointment is needed.