Computer Help for Seniors in Montgomery and Skillman, NJ
A scam call that got into the computer, a new laptop that needs setting up, a desktop that won't turn on. Here's how a local repair shop can help seniors in Montgomery, Skillman and Rocky Hill, and how a visit actually works.
Who this page is for
This page is for two groups of people. The first is seniors in Montgomery Township, Skillman and Rocky Hill who want a straight answer about their computer from a real person, without a sales pitch. The second is their adult children, who often get the phone call when something goes wrong and live too far away to come over and look.
I'm Dave, and I run Dave's Computers in Somerville, about 25 minutes up Route 206 from Skillman. I'm the only technician here. The person you talk to at drop-off is connected to the person who works on your computer, and your computer stays in the shop the whole time.
What I Help Seniors With Most
These are the jobs that come in most often from older customers around Montgomery and Skillman.
Scam calls and fake pop-ups
A "Microsoft" or "bank" caller who asked to connect to the computer, or a warning screen with a phone number that won't go away. I remove the infection, look for leftover remote access tools, and lock the computer back down.
Setting up a new computer
Bought a new laptop or desktop? I set it up, move the photos, documents and email from the old one, and make sure the things you use every day are where you expect them.
A computer that got slow
Slow to start, slow to open email, fans running all the time. Sometimes it's a worn-out hard drive, sometimes it's junk software. I find out which and give you one flat price.
Keeping family photos safe
Years of grandkid photos on one old hard drive is a risk. I can set up a backup, or recover the files if the drive has already failed. Recovery is done in the shop, never mailed away.
Windows 10 computers
Microsoft has ended regular support for Windows 10. If your computer still runs it, I can tell you whether it can move to Windows 11 or whether it's time to replace it.
Laptops and Macs that broke
Cracked screens, batteries that won't hold a charge, a MacBook that won't turn on. I work on Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer and Apple Macs.
If you think a scammer got into the computer
Tech support scams go after older adults more than anyone else, and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reports billions of dollars in losses to people over 60 every year. If someone called, or a pop-up told you to call a number, and you let them into the computer, here's what to do.
- Hang up, and don't call the number on the screen back. Microsoft says its real error and warning messages never include a phone number to call.
- Turn the computer off, or unplug the internet, so the caller can't keep working on it.
- If you paid with a card, gift cards or a wire, or typed in a bank password, call your bank using the number on the back of your card.
- Don't let the caller "refund" you. Fake refunds are how many of these scams take more money.
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Then bring the computer in. Scammers often leave remote access software behind so they can come back later, and an antivirus scan alone can miss it. I check for that, clean the machine, and change what needs changing before it goes home. More on that in what to do if you allowed remote access and our guide to fake virus warning pop-ups.
How a Visit Works, Step by Step
No appointment and no surprises. This is what happens from the parking lot to pickup.
Come in, or call from the lot
Walk in any time during business hours. If the computer is heavy, call (908) 428-9558 from the parking lot and I'll come out and carry it in for you.
Check in on the kiosk
Check-in happens on a screen at the counter that explains how the service works in large, easy-to-read text. It shows the turnaround time, and you tick a box and sign on the screen.
Bring your Windows password
I need the password you use to sign in to the computer, because the repair tools run inside your Windows account. If you'd rather not share your everyday password, you can change it to a temporary one before you come in.
Diagnosis, then one flat price
I find what's wrong and send you a flat quote by text message. Nothing is done until you say yes. If a repair would erase anything, such as reinstalling Windows, I confirm it with you in writing by text first.
Pick it up, tested and ready
Most repairs take 48 to 72 hours. Rush service is available for an extra $100 if you can't be without the computer.
Where to Start for Common Problems
Pick the line that sounds like your situation.
| What's happening | What to bring | Where to read more |
|---|---|---|
| A caller or pop-up got into the computer | The computer, its charger and your Windows password | Virus and scam cleanup |
| New computer, old one still works | Both computers, chargers and both passwords | Data transfer service |
| Computer won't turn on | The computer and its power cord | Computer repair for Skillman |
| Photos on a drive that stopped working | The drive, or the whole computer | Data recovery for Montgomery |
| Worried about the next scam | Nothing yet, just call | Security protection plan |
The diagnostic is $75 for standard brands like Dell, HP and Lenovo and is credited toward the repair if you approve it. Software jobs like setup and data transfer are quoted at drop-off.
Getting Here from Montgomery, Skillman and Rocky Hill
The shop is at 75 N Bridge St in Somerville, with free parking. Almost every route from Montgomery Township is a straight run up Route 206.
Town pages: Montgomery · Skillman · Rocky Hill
Your files stay private
Handing over a computer full of personal email, photos and banking means trusting whoever works on it. Here there's one person: me. I only open files when I need to confirm that something works, and the computer never leaves the building. I wrote more about this in do computer repair shops look at your files.
Questions Seniors and Families Ask
Do you make house calls in Montgomery or Skillman?
Not for home computers. Residential repairs are drop-off only at the Somerville shop, where the parts and test equipment are. To make it easier, call from the parking lot and I'll come out and carry the computer in.
What should I bring with me?
The computer, its charger or power cord, and the password you use to sign in to Windows. If you're setting up a new computer, bring the old one too.
How much does it cost?
Hardware problems start with a $75 diagnostic for standard brands like Dell, HP and Lenovo, credited toward the repair if you go ahead. Software jobs like setup and moving files are quoted at drop-off. You always get a flat price before any work starts.
Can my son or daughter drop it off for me?
Yes. Whoever brings it in checks in at the kiosk. They'll need the Windows password, and it helps if they know what the problem is.
A caller said they were from Microsoft. Should I be worried?
Yes. Microsoft doesn't make unsolicited calls to fix your computer. If you let the caller connect, turn the computer off, call your bank if you shared any payment or banking details, and bring the computer in so I can remove anything they left behind.
How long will I be without my computer?
Most repairs take 48 to 72 hours. Rush service is available for an extra $100.
Sources
- Federal Trade Commission, How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams
- Federal Trade Commission, ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, IC3.gov (annual Elder Fraud reports)
- Microsoft Support, Protect yourself from tech support scams
Computer Trouble? Bring It Up Route 206 to Dave's
Seniors in Montgomery, Skillman and Rocky Hill get the same thing every customer gets: one technician, a flat price, and a computer that never leaves the shop. Questions first? Send a message.
📞 (908) 428-9558