A few minutes of preparation before handing over a laptop makes the whole process smoother, and it protects your data.
Back up whatever you can
If the laptop still switches on, copy important documents, photos and project files to an external drive or a cloud account. Repair work often involves the storage device, and a backup means nothing is riding on a single copy.
If the laptop does not start at all, mention at the time of the enquiry that the data matters to you.
Note down the details
- Brand and model number, usually printed on the base
- A clear description of the symptom in your own words
- When the problem started and what changed around that time
- The exact text of any error message, or a photo of it
Decide what to send along
The charger is usually worth sending, particularly for power or battery related complaints. Remove memory cards, USB drives, external mice and anything else you do not want travelling with the laptop.
Passwords and accounts
Some checks require the laptop to boot into the operating system. Decide in advance how you want to handle login access, and never write passwords on a note stuck to the laptop.
Physical condition
Take a few photographs of the laptop from different angles before handing it over. This is a simple record of its condition and takes less than a minute.