Help & guides · Updated August 2026
How to back up your computer before a repair
A few minutes of backup can save years of photos. Here’s the simple way to do it before any repair.
Most repairs don’t touch your files, and we’re careful with your data. But a drive that’s already failing can lose files before it ever reaches us, and some fixes (like a clean Windows install) wipe the drive on purpose. So a quick backup first is always smart.
The easy options
- An external hard drive or large USB stick: copy over your photos, documents, and anything irreplaceable
- Cloud storage: OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox sync your files automatically
- Both, if the files really matter, a local copy plus the cloud is the safest combination
What to prioritize
If you’re short on time, back these up first, they’re the things that can’t be replaced:
- Photos and videos
- Important documents (taxes, records, work files)
- Passwords and anything tied to your accounts
- Email and contacts, if stored locally
What if it won’t turn on?
If your computer won’t boot and the files are what you’re worried about, don’t keep forcing it on and off, that can make things worse. Bring it in and tell us up front that the data is the priority. We’ll talk through what’s realistically recoverable before you spend anything beyond the diagnostic.
Not sure how? We’ll help
If backing up feels over your head, just ask, we can walk you through it or do it for you as part of the visit. Walk in Mon-Thu 9:00-5:30 or call (574) 444-9910.
Common questions
Quick answers
Do I really need to back up if it’s just a screen repair?
A screen replacement doesn’t touch your storage, so your files stay put. We still recommend a backup as a good habit, but a normal screen repair isn’t a data risk.
My computer won’t turn on: can you still get my files?
Often, yes. A computer that won’t boot can still have a healthy drive. Bring it in, tell us the files are the priority, and we’ll let you know honestly what’s recoverable before you commit to anything.
More helpful guides
How much does computer repair cost in South Bend?
Our real numbers, what makes one repair cost more than another, and the honest list of what is usually not worth fixing.
Read more →Where should I get my laptop repaired? How to choose a shop
The questions to ask before you hand your laptop to anyone, what a real diagnostic includes, and the warning signs that mean walk away.
Read more →I let a scammer into my computer. What do I do right now?
The first hour matters more than anything a shop can do later. Here is exactly what to do, in order, starting right now.
Read more →Whatever broke, we’ve probably seen it. Let’s take a look.
Our flat prices are posted on the pricing page. The one thing we never guess at is the repair itself: we look first ($60, credited to your repair), then you get a real number before any work starts. Walk in, book a time, or text us a photo of what’s wrong. Look for the black door with our logo on it, straight ahead when you pull in, up the steps; knock if it’s locked, we’re here.