Because almost every call I get in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, or Whitewater starts with the same handful of headaches. If you know why they happen (and how to dodge them) you’ll save time, money, and keep your laptop alive a lot longer. And if things still go sideways, you’ll know exactly who to ring.

My laptop just shows a Black Screen – Nothing Happens

A black screen rarely means your laptop is dead — nine times out of ten it’s just a power‑cycle or loose memory stick we can sort out in minutes.

What’s really going on:

• • Windows didn’t finish an update
• • Loose RAM after a bump
• • Failing hard‑drive/SSD

DIY quick check:

• • Unplug the power cord. Pull the battery if it’s removable.
• • Hold the power button 30 seconds (drains static).
• • Re‑insert battery, plug back in, power on.

Wi‑Fi Drops Every Time I Walk to the Kitchen.

Many older Fort Atkinson homes still have thick plaster walls. Add a 20‑year‑old router behind a TV stand and you’ve got a dead zone.

DIY quick check:

• • Move the router five feet off the floor and away from metal (filing cabinets, fridges).
• • In the settings, rename your 5 GHz network to “YourName‑FAST” and connect newer devices to that.

I Keep Getting Pop‑ups Telling me I Won an iPhone

A black screen rarely means your laptop is dead — nine times out of ten it’s just a power‑cycle or loose memory stick we can sort out in minutes.

What’s really going on:

• • Windows didn’t finish an update
• • Loose RAM after a bump
• • Failing hard‑drive/SSD

DIY quick check:

• • Unplug the power cord. Pull the battery if it’s removable.
• • Hold the power button 30 seconds (drains static).
• • Re‑insert battery, plug back in, power on.

Windows Keeps Updating… Over and Over

A black screen rarely means your laptop is dead — nine times out of ten it’s just a power‑cycle or loose memory stick we can sort out in minutes.

What’s really going on:

• • Windows didn’t finish an update
• • Loose RAM after a bump
• • Failing hard‑drive/SSD

DIY quick check:

• • Unplug the power cord. Pull the battery if it’s removable.
• • Hold the power button 30 seconds (drains static).
• • Re‑insert battery, plug back in, power on.

Everything is Suddenly SLOW

A black screen rarely means your laptop is dead — nine times out of ten it’s just a power‑cycle or loose memory stick we can sort out in minutes.

What’s really going on:

• • Windows didn’t finish an update
• • Loose RAM after a bump
• • Failing hard‑drive/SSD

DIY quick check:

• • Unplug the power cord. Pull the battery if it’s removable.
• • Hold the power button 30 seconds (drains static).
• • Re‑insert battery, plug back in, power on.