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SU exam weeks: emergency laptop fixes in Stellenbosch (what we can do same-day)

Same-day laptop fixes in Stellenbosch during SU exams: realistic timelines for no-boot, dead chargers, cracked screens, battery swaps, and pickup/drop-off.

· Digissential Team · 3 min read

laptop repairstellenboschsame-daystudents

TL;DR: During SU exam weeks we prioritise same-day triage and fixes. No-boot Windows, dead chargers, and many battery jobs can be turned around today. Screens are next-day if in stock, longer if we must order the exact panel. Pickup/drop-off in Stellenbosch is available by arrangement.

What we can usually do today

  • No-boot / stuck Windows
    We run a fast diagnostic and, if the drive is healthy, perform a clean reinstall with backup the same day.
    Book a diagnostic · Windows reinstall with backup

  • Dead / missing charger
    Quick test with a bench PSU to confirm it’s not the port or board. If it’s just the charger, we’ll advise a compatible replacement.

  • Battery dying fast / random shutdowns
    If your model’s battery is in stock, we can swap it same-day (many mainstream laptops) or next-day.
    Battery replacement

  • Slow, freezing, pop-ups
    Same-day malware cleanup/tune-up if it boots; remote help is possible if you’re on campus Wi-Fi.

  • Hinge screws, keycaps, fan clean, RAM/SSD swap
    Quick bench fixes where parts are on hand. We’ll confirm time after intake.

What’s next-day or 2–4 days

  • Cracked screen / no backlight / lines
    If we have your exact panel, it’s often next-day. Special panels (touch/high-res/OLED) are 2–4 working days for courier stock.
    Laptop screen replacement

  • Rare batteries, keyboards, palm-rest assemblies
    Some ultrabooks and Mac models require full top-case parts. We’ll quote and give you an ETA up front.

  • Board-level or liquid damage
    Needs assessment and controlled cleaning/imaging. Timing depends on severity.

How exam-week triage works

  1. Intake & quick tests (10–20 min). Power, storage S.M.A.R.T., memory, thermals.
  2. Go/no-go decision. If it’s a software fault, we proceed immediately; if hardware, we confirm parts & ETA.
  3. Same-day fixes where possible; otherwise loaned keyboard/mouse/PSU suggestions to keep you working while parts arrive.
  4. Updates as we go—we’ll text you the plan and pickup time.

Under time pressure? Tell us your exam schedule and we’ll prioritise realistically.

If you’re on the way to us (safe steps)

  • Back up the most important folder to cloud/USB if the laptop still boots.
  • Don’t keep power-cycling a machine that won’t start or that makes clicking sounds.
  • Bring the charger (we test with it), and note any error messages or spills/drops.
  • Remove accessories (dongles, SD cards) and keep the bag light—screens crack easily when squeezed.

Pickup / drop-off near campus

Short on time? We can collect and return in Stellenbosch by arrangement. It’s ideal for diagnostics, Windows reinstalls and many battery jobs.
Arrange pickup/drop-off

Transparent expectations & student-friendly pricing

  • Diagnostics are same-day in most cases; you’ll get a written quote before any spend.
  • Batteries: many swaps are same/next-day if in stock; price depends on model and cell quality (OEM vs compatible).
  • Screens: next-day if in stock; special-order panels are 2–4 working days.
  • No surprise charges—we’ll call before ordering anything.

FAQs

Do you offer loaners?
We don’t supply loan laptops, but we’ll help you keep working (e.g., external keyboard/mouse or USB-C Ethernet for stable Zoom during repairs).

Can you save my files if Windows won’t start?
Often, yes. We prioritise a safe backup before any reinstall when the drive is readable. If the drive is failing, we’ll discuss recovery options first.

What time should I drop off?
Earlier is better for same-day outcomes. We’ll confirm by text once the bench allocation is set.

Do you repair on weekends?
Limited slots—contact us to check availability during exam weekends.


Under exam pressure? Walk in, call 066 425 6314, or send a message via Contact us. We’re local to Stellenbosch and we’ll give you honest, fast timelines.