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The 10 most common computer faults we see in South Devon (and how to avoid them)

The 10 computer faults our technicians see most in South Devon — and simple habits that prevent data loss, malware, overheating and failed updates.

Published 2026-07-15 · KTechnology Solutions Ltd

After twenty years repairing machines around Kingsbridge and the South Hams, the same dozen problems walk through our workshop door week after week. Most of them are preventable. Here is a straight-talking tour of the faults our technicians see most often — and what you can do before the next crisis.

1. Accidental data loss. A deleted folder, a reformatted USB stick, or a laptop left in a damp porch. Keep at least one automatic backup (cloud or external drive you actually plug in). If disaster has already struck, stop writing to the drive and call us before you “try one more fix”.

2. Malware and scareware. Fake antivirus warnings and phishing links still catch busy people. Keep browsers updated, ignore pop-ups that demand immediate payment, and let our technicians clean infections properly rather than downloading mystery “removers”.

3. Improper shutdowns. Holding the power button every night wears out drives and corrupts Windows profiles. Use Start → Shut down, fix freezing causes, and avoid yanking plugs mid-update.

4. Overheating and poor ventilation. Gaming laptops and stacked-up desktops choke on dust and carpet fluff. Lift vents clear, clean fans yearly, and do not run a laptop on a duvet.

5. Failed or interrupted updates. Windows and macOS updates that die mid-way leave machines half-broken. Leave the PC plugged in overnight for big updates, and call us if you are stuck in a restart loop.

6. Weak or reused passwords. One leaked shopping login should not unlock your email. Use unique passwords (a manager helps) and switch on two-factor authentication for email and banking.

7. No backups at all. Photos, invoices and schoolwork sit on a single ageing drive. Backups are cheaper than data recovery — we set up simple routines that run without you remembering.

8. Ageing hard drives. Clicking, grinding and ever-slower boots are warning lights. An SSD upgrade transforms old laptops and removes a ticking time bomb.

9. Dodgy downloads and “free” software. Toolbars, fake codecs and cracked apps hitch a ride with malware. Stick to official app stores and vendor sites.

10. Power surges and messy electrics. Storms and overloaded extensions fry power supplies. Use a decent surge-protected strip, especially in holiday cottages and workshops.

Avoid even half of this list and you will spend less time with our technicians — though we will still be glad to help when something does go wrong. Serving homes and businesses across the South Hams from East Charleton, we combine honest diagnosis with repairs you understand before we begin.

Need a health check or suspect one of these faults already? Call 01548 600127 or book a free appointment online.

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