Maksim Baulin LLC Book a repair

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Can't find what you need? Call 747-244-8743 — the person who answers is the person who fixes it.

General

How much does a diagnostic cost?

Diagnostics are free for walk-in repairs. You get a written quote, and nothing is repaired until you approve the price.

Do I need an appointment?

Walk-ins are welcome during open hours. Booking ahead through our contact form or by phone guarantees a technician is ready for you.

What warranty do you offer?

Hardware repairs carry a 12-month parts and labor warranty. Software services carry a 90-day warranty. Data recovery is covered by our no data, no charge policy on logical recoveries.

What brands do you repair?

All major brands: Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, MSI, Razer, Microsoft Surface, Samsung, Alienware and custom-built PCs.

Is my data private?

Yes. We only access what's needed to test the repair, never copy personal files without permission, and securely wipe any working copies.

How do I pay?

We accept cash, all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Zelle. Payment is due at pickup.

Do you offer on-site service?

Yes, for network, business IT and multi-computer jobs within the San Fernando Valley and nearby areas.

What happens if my device can't be fixed?

You don't pay for a repair we can't complete. We'll explain your options, including data recovery and responsible recycling.

Laptop Repair

Service details
Is it worth repairing my laptop instead of replacing it?

Usually, yes. Most laptop faults — hinges, ports, batteries, screens, fans — cost a fraction of a new machine. If a repair wouldn't make financial sense, we tell you during the free diagnostic.

Will I lose my files?

Hardware repairs don't touch your data. We still recommend a backup, and we can make one for you before any work begins.

How long does a laptop repair take?

Many repairs are finished the same day. Parts-dependent jobs typically take 1–3 business days; we confirm timing in your quote.

Desktop Computer Repair

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Do you repair all-in-one computers?

Yes — including iMac and Windows all-in-ones. They need careful screen removal, which we do with proper tools.

Can you tell if my power supply is the problem?

Yes. We load-test the power supply with calibrated equipment instead of guessing by swapping parts.

Do you do on-site desktop repair?

For offices with several machines we can work on-site. Single desktops are usually faster at our bench.

MacBook & iMac Repair

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Are you an Apple Authorized Service Provider?

No — we are an independent repair shop. That independence lets us do component-level repairs Apple doesn't offer, often at a much lower cost.

Can you repair a MacBook with liquid damage?

Often, yes. Bring it in as soon as possible and don't try to power it on — corrosion spreads with time and power.

Will my Mac's data be safe?

Yes. We don't erase drives unless you ask us to, and every device is handled under our written privacy policy.

Laptop Screen Replacement

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How much does a laptop screen replacement cost?

Most standard laptop screens start at $129 including labor. High-refresh, OLED, touch and MacBook displays cost more — you'll get an exact quote first.

Can you replace just the glass?

On most laptops the glass and panel are one unit, so the whole panel is replaced. We'll tell you if your model allows a cheaper option.

Is it the screen or the graphics?

We test with an external monitor during the free diagnostic, so you won't pay for a screen you don't need.

Data Recovery

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What does "no data, no charge" mean?

For logical recoveries — deleted files, formatted or corrupted drives — if we can't recover the files you need, you don't pay for the recovery.

Should I keep trying to recover it myself?

Please don't. Every power cycle on a failing drive can make recovery harder. Turn it off and bring it in.

Do you handle drives that need a clean room?

Severe mechanical failures (seized motors, crashed heads) are sent to our clean-room partner with your approval; we manage the whole process.

Virus & Malware Removal

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Will you delete my files?

No. We back up your personal files first and clean the system without reinstalling unless it's truly necessary — and only with your approval.

Someone called saying my computer has a virus — is it real?

Almost certainly a scam. Hang up, don't let them connect remotely, and bring the computer in if you already did.

Can you recover ransomware-encrypted files?

Sometimes, from backups, shadow copies or known decryptors. We evaluate it honestly before any work.

Liquid Damage Repair

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Should I put my laptop in rice?

No. Rice doesn't remove corrosive residue. Power it off, unplug it, don't try to turn it on and bring it to us as quickly as you can.

Is my data safe after a spill?

In most cases, yes. Data recovery is our first priority on every liquid-damaged device.

Does insurance cover liquid damage?

Many home and renters policies do. We provide a detailed repair report you can submit with your claim.

Motherboard & Logic Board Repair

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Why repair the board instead of replacing it?

A replacement board can cost more than the laptop is worth. Repairing the failed component is usually far cheaper and keeps your original data and serial.

What if it can't be repaired?

You pay nothing for the repair attempt beyond the agreed diagnostic, and we'll explain your options.

Do you work on graphics cards?

Yes — common faults like failed VRMs and damaged connectors are repairable.

Battery & Charging Port Repair

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Is a swollen battery dangerous?

It can be. Stop using the laptop, keep it unplugged on a hard surface and bring it in — we'll remove the battery safely the same day when possible.

Do you use original batteries?

We use high-quality cells matched to your model's specification, and original parts where available.

Can a loose charging port be fixed?

Yes. Most ports can be re-soldered or replaced without replacing the motherboard.

Keyboard & Trackpad Repair

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Can you fix just one key?

Often, yes. If the keycap or clip is broken we can replace just that key.

Can I use an external keyboard instead?

You can, but a failing internal keyboard sometimes registers phantom key presses. We'll tell you if that's the case.

Are MacBook keyboards repairable?

Yes. We replace butterfly and scissor keyboards, including top-case replacements where required.

SSD & RAM Upgrades

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Will I need to reinstall everything?

No. We clone your existing drive to the new SSD, so everything opens exactly as before.

Can every laptop be upgraded?

Not all — some have soldered memory or storage. We check your exact model before quoting.

Can I supply my own parts?

Yes. We'll install customer-supplied parts at our labor rate and check them for compatibility first.

Custom PC Builds

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Can I bring my own parts?

Yes. We'll check compatibility first and build it to the same standard.

How much does a custom PC cost?

Our build fee starts at $199; total cost depends on the parts. We'll spec options at your budget.

Do you upgrade existing builds?

Absolutely — GPU swaps, cooling upgrades and platform upgrades are everyday work for us.

Tune-Up & Internal Cleaning

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How often should I clean my computer inside?

Every 12–18 months for most homes; every 6–12 months with pets, smoking or dusty environments.

Will a tune-up speed up an old hard drive?

It helps, but an SSD upgrade makes the biggest difference — we'll recommend it only if it's worth it.

Can you reinstall Windows without losing my files?

Yes. We back up your files, reinstall cleanly and restore your documents, photos and browser bookmarks.

Network & Wi-Fi Setup

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Do you sell the equipment?

We can supply it or install equipment you already own. We recommend proven business-grade gear when it's worth the cost.

How long does a home network install take?

Most homes take 2–4 hours on-site.

Can you run ethernet cables?

Yes — clean, labeled cable runs for offices and homes, including wall plates where possible.

Business IT Support

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Do you offer monthly plans?

Yes. Small teams can choose hourly support or a monthly plan with included hours and priority response.

Can you work after hours?

Yes, by appointment, so upgrades don't interrupt your workday.

What size businesses do you support?

Typically teams of 1 to 25 people.