The blue screen of death? A dead laptop battery? A cracked screen from an unlucky drop? There are a lot of things that can go wrong with your computer and ruin your day.

When this happens, you must find a trustworthy computer repair shop to get you up and running again.

There are several different types of places you can go to get your computer repaired:

• The specialty store where you bought your computer. If you have a Mac or Microsoft computer, you can get help and repair services at the Apple or Microsoft store where you bought it. Some people prefer this because the technicians at the store will be very familiar with your specific computer.
• A general electronics store. Whether you bought your computer at the store or not, many large electronics stores have repair departments where you can bring your computer in for help.
• A dedicated repair shop. Some shops are dedicated solely to computer repair services. No matter what type of computer you have or where you bought it, you can find help there. They may also have specialties like computer screen repair or battery replacement.

No matter what you decide about where to repair your computer, there are things you should consider and do before dropping off your machine to get fixed.

• Check reviews and complaints. You may be in a panic when your computer has problems and want it fixed quickly, but you still need to take the time to vet your computer repair options. Search BBB.org for the name of the repair shop you are considering and check for any complaints and reviews. You can also search the internet for more reviews.
• Be aware of tech support scams. Scammers know it’s scary to have a computer that doesn’t work, and they take advantage of the need for quick solutions. BBB has tips to avoid scams and an in-depth study on tech support scams.
• Always back up your computer. You never know what will happen when you repair your computer, so always back up your files to the cloud or a backup hard drive. Of course, if your computer needs to be repaired because it doesn’t work, you won’t be able to do a backup. That’s why it’s a good practice to back up your computer regularly before you have any problems. Learn more about backing up your computer and World Backup Day (March 31st).
• Get a receipt for any equipment you leave behind so you have a record of them taking your computer.

As important as keeping your computer in good physical condition, it’s also crucial to regularly maintain digital information and keep up with best security practices. BBB has tips for a “digital spring cleaning” to help you keep your information safe. You can also learn more about cybersecurity.