Mac Broke Before Your Dissertation Deadline? Here's What to Do

Warning

Don't panic. We offer same-day MacBook repair and emergency data recovery. Call us now on 07700 143573 or book online for priority service.

Deep breath. Your dissertation isn't gone. Even if your Mac won't turn on, even if you spilled coffee on it, even if the screen is completely black - your work is probably still there. We've recovered dissertations from MacBooks that other shops declared dead.

Here's your action plan, depending on what's happened.

If Your Mac Won't Turn On

First, try these quick fixes:

1. Check the charger: Try a different power outlet. Try a different charger if you have access to one (library, friend, etc.)
2. Force restart: Hold the power button for 10 seconds, release, wait 5 seconds, press again
3. Reset SMC: For Intel Macs, hold Shift+Control+Option+Power for 10 seconds. For M1/M2/M3, just hold power for 10 seconds

If none of that works, the issue is likely hardware - but your data is almost certainly still on the drive. Bring it to us and we can usually recover your files even if the Mac itself needs major repair.

If You Spilled Something On It

Time is critical. Do this immediately:

1. Turn it off NOW - hold the power button until it's completely off
2. Unplug everything - charger, accessories, everything
3. Flip it upside down - let liquid drain out, tent it like an upside-down V
4. DO NOT use rice - rice dust causes more damage than it fixes
5. DO NOT use a hairdryer - heat damages components
6. Get it to us within 48 hours - the sooner the better

Pro Tip

The 48-hour window: Liquid damage gets worse over time as corrosion sets in. A MacBook treated within 48 hours has a much higher recovery rate than one left for a week. Don't wait to see if it "dries out" - it won't.

If The Screen Is Broken But It Still Works

Good news - your data is fine. You have options:

• Connect to external monitor: Use HDMI or USB-C to connect to any monitor or TV. Your Mac will work normally.
• Back up immediately: While connected to a monitor, copy your dissertation to a USB drive, cloud storage, or email it to yourself
• Get it repaired: Screen replacement takes 1-2 hours. You could drop it off, grab lunch, and pick it up working

Emergency Data Recovery

If your Mac is completely dead and you didn't back up (we're not judging - it happens), we can help:

• Same-day data recovery: For most cases, we can extract your files in a few hours
• Priority service: Tell us you have a deadline and we'll prioritise your case
• No fix, no fee: If we can't recover your data, you don't pay for the attempt

We've recovered dissertations from water-damaged MacBooks, dropped MacBooks, MacBooks with failed SSDs, and MacBooks that hadn't turned on in months.

What To Bring

When you come to us (or send your Mac via mail-in):

• Your MacBook and charger
• Your Mac password (we'll need it to test and back up)
• A USB drive if you have one (for us to copy your files)
• Your deadline date (so we can prioritise appropriately)
• Student ID (for your 10% discount)

Get Help Now

Phone: 07700 143573 - call now and explain it's urgent

Visit: Byte, Dovehouse Parade, Solihull - walk-ins welcome

Mail-in: Request emergency shipping label

Good News

You've got this. We've helped hundreds of students in exactly your situation. Take a breath, contact us, and let's get your dissertation back.