After years in the repair business, you learn one thing quickly: no two PC problems are ever the same. At Absolute PC Repair, we’ve seen everything from everyday hardware failures to situations so strange they still get talked about in the workshop.
Here are ten of the most unusual (and unforgettable) PC repair cases we’ve solved—proof that computers can surprise you in ways you’d never expect.
1. The PC That Wouldn’t Boot… Because of Ants
A desktop came in completely dead—no power, no lights, no signs of life. When we opened it, we discovered an ant colony had built a home inside the power supply. Heat + shelter = prime real estate for insects.
Lesson learned: Always keep PCs elevated and away from food or moisture.
2. A Laptop Filled with Sand (Literally)
This laptop sounded like it was grinding itself to death. Inside, we found sand packed into the keyboard, fans, and motherboard—apparently from a beach vacation gone wrong.
Lesson learned: Laptops and beaches do not mix.
3. The “Microwave-Dried” Laptop
After spilling water on a laptop, the owner tried to “dry it quickly” in a microwave. The result? Burnt circuitry, warped plastic, and a smell we’ll never forget.
Lesson learned: Never microwave electronics. Ever.
4. A PC Used as a Pet Bed
A customer complained about overheating and sudden shutdowns. The culprit? Their cat had been sleeping on top of the PC tower for months, blocking airflow and filling the case with fur.
Lesson learned: PCs need ventilation—even if your pet thinks it’s cozy.
5. The USB Port That Smelled Like Fuel
A desktop arrived with non-functioning USB ports. When we inspected it, we found fuel residue inside—turns out it lived in the trunk of a car during a long road trip.
Lesson learned: PCs are not designed for extreme environments.
6. The “Invisible” Virus That Wasn’t a Virus
A customer swore their PC was hacked because files kept disappearing. The real issue? A failing hard drive slowly corrupting data.
Lesson learned: Hardware failures often look like software problems.
7. A Keyboard Glued Together with Super Glue
Some keys fell off, so the owner glued them back—unfortunately, the glue seeped underneath and permanently locked the keys.
Lesson learned: DIY fixes can make repairs more expensive.
8. The PC Struck by Lightning (Indirectly)
A power surge from a nearby lightning strike fried the motherboard, power supply, and network card in one go.
Lesson learned: Surge protectors are not optional—they’re essential.
9. The Laptop That Survived a Flood
This one came from a flood-affected area. After extensive cleaning, corrosion treatment, and part replacement, the laptop booted again—against all odds.
Lesson learned: Sometimes, recovery is possible with the right expertise.
10. The “Too Clean” PC
A customer cleaned their PC weekly—with a household vacuum. Static electricity from the vacuum damaged sensitive components.
Lesson learned: Cleaning electronics requires the right tools and techniques.
Final Thoughts
Unusual problems are part of what makes PC repair interesting—and challenging. Behind every strange case is a simple truth: computers are more fragile than they look, and small mistakes can lead to big repairs.
If your PC is behaving oddly (or you’ve had a repair mishap of your own), it’s often best to call professionals who’ve seen it all—and fixed it all.
Because trust us… if it’s strange, there’s a good chance we’ve already handled something stranger. 😄