5 Star Computer Service
Category: Local Services IT Services & Computer Repair IT Services & Computer Repair [Edit]
North Hollywood, CA 91606(818) 908-9495
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 6 pm - 9 pm
Fri 9 am - 8 pm
Sat 10 am - 3 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
I provide one on one on site service with over 10 years of experience in Mac and PC repair, upgrades, virus removal, water damage repair, and data… read more »
64 reviews for 5 Star Computer Service
64 reviews in English
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Review from Brian K.
Los Angeles, CA
5/17/2012
I'll make this short and sweet. I used to get the extended warranties when I purchase a new laptop. That was a waste! They would have your gear for long periods of time and give you a loaner that you would have to download your software to continue your work. So I learned how to "back-up"!
Anyways, the laptop I purchased two years ago started to act funky. Looked up Yelp and found 5 Star. Greg kept in touch with me everyday of his progress and roadblocks that he encountered through his diagnosis (the hard drive was corrupt). After the second day of work, he called to let me know that he was finished. When I picked up my gear, he showed me a few tips on how I can prevent from this to happen. He answered all my questions with clarity. He didn't use large computer words. I spent $250 on the repair. That is about the price of an extended warranty. But, I got great customer service in a very timely manner! I felt like a person than another "whiny" customer if I went to the "B"ig "B"ox store. And I made a pledge to myself that the "mom & pop" shops get my business first!
I'll end with this..... Highly Recommended!!!!!! -
Review from Samantha G.
Culver City, CA
2/20/2012
I am so happy I found Greg. I do most of my own computer repairs. However, recently I when I tried to replace my DC Jack, I found my polarity still was not working. I couldn't figure it out. I thought maybe because I tried a mod my solder job was bad? So, I cleaned up my "bad solder" and put my computer back together. Decided I may need a pro on this one.
I called around to shop after shop, on the westside. A number of shops refused to touch my lap top since, I opened it up myself. Which I have done many times before. I replaced my own hard drive, my previous DC jack, and disk drive. However, many stated they would charge me double for trying to fix my mess. Even after I said, there isn't much mess. I just can't figure out why I am not getting polarity? I finally found a shop, who recommended Greg. Said, he was an expert on DC Jacks and soldering issues.
Called Greg. Told me I could bring the computer down, without much delay at all. I was going to the valley anyways later in the week and I planned on dropping my computer off with him. I go there and we talked about what was going on. First thing, he does is check what I didn't think to check, the battery! I didn't even think about it! I had already cut the DC Jack planning to mod it. Since, this was my third one I had replaced. He talked me out of it. Explained the factory DC Jack is actually better then my mod idea. Which I thought was clever. He said, my lap top already came with one of the best DC jacks out there. Since, I was busy and already there, I just had Greg replace the DC Jack. He also, looked into my battery. I was planning on buying a new one, after we discovered there was no polarity in it.
A couple hours later, I receive a call from Greg. He explains he fixed my DC jack and my battery. They battery was a complete surprise. I was curious what he did. Because I've had batteries in the past go bad on me. I didn't know they could really be fixed. He explained there was just a slip in the cord and he soldered it back. That was the real polarity issue.
I was shocked. He surprised me twice! I went to pick up my lap top and he also, cleaned it up. My lap top was filthy from traveling around the globe with me. My computer has spent a lot of time in the dusty deserts of the USA & Mexico, and the wilderness of Canada. He kindly removed the sap, dirt, and grim from the wilderness as apart of the service. Something, I didn't expect.
He is a pro and one of the very best. Not only is he good at what he does, but he was a very understanding and pleasant person. His wife is also, just as polite and charming as he is. Both wonderful people. I will be sending everyone Greg's way. Too things hard to find A) a good car repair person and b) an excellent computer repair person. When you find either, you keep them!
Greg really proved there are professional computer repair people out there. After contacting a number from yelp. I found he was a rare breed. Many never answered their phones or even returned my messages. A few that were very nice didn't do the kind of service I needed. The remaining were rather rude and came off as very unprofessional. Talked down to me because I did the majority of my own repair work. One even sneered the word hobbyist on the phone and told me, he wasn't my teacher and wasn't going to have a student over his shoulder. When I asked a number of questions about the repair over the phone. Greg, seemed to encourage my learning about computer repair and gladly explained what I did wrong. Which is the professional way to be. Greg didn't seem to mind answering my questions. I am the kind of person who liked to learn where I went wrong.
I thank Greg for everything he did to help get things back to normal. He also, taught me a few things, I will know for next time too. -
Review from Boj o.
Los Angeles, CA
1/31/2012
My pc was fixed in not time.
Thanks to Greg for his expertise of diagnosing and notifying me with the problem asap with great price (parts and labor) to boot. I have dealt with few computer repair shops and getting calls from them on how much the cost would be after the initial diagnosis usually give me the chills; hoping for a low estimate. With Greg, his accommodation and customer service was second to none. As he announced the estimate, I was in surprised that the estimate was lower than I expected compared to other repair shops. So two thumbs up for this guys and business. Highly recommended!!! -
Review from Lil M.
N HOLLYWOOD, CA
3/19/2012
I broke the clips on my RAM slots trying to upgrade my laptop memory. Greg made a repair so I didn't have to get a new motherboard.
He gets 5 stars all around:
- speedy response to my inquiry,
- easy to understand, accurate answers to my questions,
- very fair labor costs
- easy to find with great parking,
I highly recommend him. Thanks, Greg! -
Review from Steve B.
San Fernando Valley, CA
2/24/2012
I got some excellent service from Greg today. It was fast, friendly, professional and because it ended up being a very minor repair, it was on the house. Wow, that was nice. I even offered to pay him and he said, "no". So, I was very happy about that and found out about him through a friend.
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Review from Patrick C.
San Francisco, CA
8/8/2011
Greg is a modern day wizard. He saved my 4.5 year old laptop twice already. Once, the software crashed due to viruses (I was downloading too much junk), and the second time the main fan croaked and caused some of the hardware to overheat. With the latter issue, he replaced a broken sensor with one from a spare and defunct laptop he had left over. He didn't even charge me for that part. I was only billed for labor.
I don't know enough people with broken laptops. If only I knew more I could send them all to Greg. He is awesome. -
Review from Grant L.
Burbank, CA
8/11/2011
I done effed up.
My computer was busted due to a botched ram upgrade, so I brought the old girl into Greg for a diagnosis (which he didn't charge for, even after gutting and replacing a bunch of components).
I had to buy a new motherboard, which sucked, but Greg installed it for only $65 bucks, about $50 cheaper than the next lowest cost. I have my computer guy for those rare occasions I make a mistake. -
Review from Scott B.
Studio City, CA
1/22/2012
This guy is the best, had to go to him 3 times in the last 4 yrs and he always does the repair at a fair price and always on time. Been to other places where the ripped you off. At least here you will not be ripped off. Honest cat...
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Review from Daniel A.
Las Vegas, NV
12/12/2011
+1 for this great guy
I broke the connector on my hard drive, which held precious data. Greg SOLDERED a new connector onto the drive for a very reasonable price, and I was able to save all my data.
My new tower just got destroyed by TSA so I'll be seeing Greg ASAP to see what can be salvaged. A rare gem. -
Review from maria r.
Lake Balboa, CA
3/15/2011
I don't normally write reviews, but I was blown away with Greg. Everything I read about his company and more importantly his character is true. It so refreshing to find geniune people in this world. Who do not take advantage of others. I work 60 hours a week and go to school full time... I'm in the middle of review week for finals and all of a sudden I find that my laptop will not charge... Being in school, I'm financially strapped, so I made a few phone calls yesterday...
It turns out that my computer is a year old and out of warranty... So the Geek Squad said it would cost 162.00 for them just to look at it. I called a friend who works for HP who told me to throw the computer away, it wasn't worth fixing. Another person told me it could be the mother board and to hurry up cause he had another call waiting...
Then, I found 5 Star Computer Service... His wife answered the phone.. so charming.. I explained my situation and she told me he would be at the shop at 6pm... "Just stop by"..
I was stuck at work and gave them a call to let them know I was running late, Greg said, Don't worry just get here before 8PM.
Greg and his wife are such geniune people, I feel blessed having encountered them and I'm a customer for life. He basically looked at my laptop and checked out my charger... It turns out it was the charger. He looked for a test charger from his inventory and sure enough it registered with the computer.
I was so relieved.. He could have taken me for a lot of money. He said, IT WAS NO CHARGE. CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS. And, there's more, I explained that I didn't have any money til payday this Friday and was wondering if I could borrow the test charger 'til then. I needed to study for my finals. HE NOT ONLY DIDN"T CHARGE ME. HE LET ME BORROW THE CHARGER. I just can't say enough about them. You don't experience this everyday. I am so thankful. SO, IF YOU HAVE A COMPUTER PROBLEM, TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO GREG! -
Review from David S.
North Hollywood, CA
1/18/2011
I had an excellent experience with Five Star Computer Service. The work is done by the owner, Greg, and he obviously cares about his customers and understands that the success of his business comes from customer service. In my case, it turned out that the problem with my desktop was relatively minor, but he explained in advance what might be wrong, and that he wouldn't recommend service that wouldn't make sense economically (even though it might be to his advantage). I had another laptop computer I asked him about, that had already been diagnosed with a serious motherboard failure, and he warned me right off the bat that it wouldn't be worth it to try to fix it, which I appreciated. Didn't encourage me to waste time and money when it would make more sense to just buy a new one.
Quick turnaround, very reasonable rates, obviously knows his stuff and has the skills, and solved my problem quickly and efficiently. VERY HIGHLY recommended. -
Review from George U.
West Hollywood, CA
8/6/2007
All the stuff people wrote below is true.
My friends computer died and I searched on Yelp for a place to take it. I found this one, and thought, "Wow, these people love this guy."
So I took it. Greg was totally cool. He stopped doing what he was doing to look at my friend's computer. He took it apart, tested everything, and explained that the power supply and motherboard were dead. I could tell he was not bs'ing me. I have built computers so I know what he was talking about.
He said, "It will be $250 to fix this one, or $450 for a new one. We can use the same hard drive so you won't have to reinstall everything." So, instead of just selling me a computer, he found a way so that life would be easy for me and my friend. He solved the problem, instead of just selling me some computer stuff.
So, I told my friend, and he said, "OK, I'll get a new computer." I told Greg. Greg said, "OK, I'll get started right now."
Then, two hours later, my friend called me. "I changed my mind. Just go and pick it up." So I called Greg, "Hey, you're gonna kill me, but my friend changed his mind. Did you start working on it?" He said, "Yes, but that's OK. I will put it back the way it was." I said, "OK, I'll go and pick it up. How much do I owe you for your time?"
long pause...
"Well, its OK. Nothing." he said. He was so nice and helpful he didn't even ask to be paid for his time. It was more important to solve my friend's challenge than to get paid. Isn't that awesome?
I said, "All those positive comments on Yelp are true."
I don't know if this long rambling story helps, but that is what happened today. I highly recommend Greg! -
Review from Tracy C.
Los Angeles, CA
3/7/2007 1 Check-in Here
Got a referral from Stephy S. to go here to get my Dell laptop (that's almost a decade old) fixed. I didn't really care about the computer getting fixed; I just wanted the data on my hard drive. I called Greg, the store owner, beforehand to make an appt. and to get a quote on my laptop. He was nice, honest, and informative, unlike some other computer repair stores I called who just ranted out a bunch of labor costs to me (in the hundreds of dollars).
I went in the next day, and Greg immediately started working on my laptop. He was able to get the data off my computer onto dvds in about 2 hours, and found out I had dozens of viruses on it in the process.
In the end after I got my dvds, I asked him what I should do with my Dell b/c yeah I got what I needed but the stupid thing wasn't booting up Windows correctly. He said he could buy my computer off of me, refurbish it, and potentially sell it again to someone who doesn't want to pay thousands for a laptop.
Anyway, somehow, in the end we negotiated at $135 for my laptop, minus $70 to move the data on dvds, so I got only $60 bucks back . At first I was like whoa, only $60? But I looked into his eyes and asked him "Honestly, do you think I could get more for this laptop anywhere else?" He said he wouldn't lie to me, and no. And you know what? I'm a pretty good judge of character and I believed him. Besides, I wanted the durn laptop off my hands. I only paid $1000 for it, but that was like 7 years ago. I'm pretty sure it's worth crap now. I was tired of lugging that thing around from the 3 times I moved this past year. Plus, I already have a Sony Vaio so whatevs, I took the $60.
Other pluses: He let me use the restroom numerous times (b/c I had too much soda). He even let my dog in even though he said he was allergic to dogs. He answered numerous other questions I had about computers, computer software, and anti-virus questions and I learned a lot. Apparently, Norton Antivirus is not a good program to use for viruses -- it slows down your computer 15-20% he says.
So anyway, it was pretty fast, efficient, and painless process. I got the attention I needed without the fuss. I will go back to get my Sony Vaio cleaned out sometime soon. If you go, say Stephy and Tracy referred you from Yelp. =) -
Review from Michele G.
WOODLAND HLS, CA
4/6/2007
Thanks Stephy S. and Tracy C. for recommending 5 Star Computer Service. Unfortunately, I didn't take my PC in myself. My husband did. After picking up our computer he said, "You gotta put a review up on Yelp. Greg was so thorough and quick."
Yep. We brought the computer in Wednesday morning and got a call on Thursday that it was ready. Apparently, it was a mess. But that's in the past. Now it's good as new. Wheeeew! I don't know what I would've done without my computer for more than one day.
In the past, we poked around in the yellow pages and found some guy who not only charged a lot but took our computer home to his house for days upon days. Uhhhh....no thanks! Never again.
*Update - Again, major computer trauma!! Apparently, our computer's mother board exploded or something (I'm no expert) when our power went out. Bad timing!!! I am a writer working on a deadline - my article needs to be submitted before tomorrow. Greg saved the day. This morning at 9am,we called. He said to bring our computer over. We did. It's now done at 3pm. And!! It's working better, faster, smoother than ever!!! Thanks, Greg. You are a computer guru. Oh, and you saved my butt. Thanks for that, too.
Thanks, Stephy and Tracy. -
Review from Marco C.
Los Angeles, CA
4/19/2008
I brought my laptop here based on the recommendations from yelp. My hard drive crashed and I brought it here hoping to recover all my personal and work files. 5 Star was very up front with the service charges (they were listed on the wall). Other places I checked out charged by the hour and did not have fixed rate pricing to fix my laptop. Gary also did not charge me a diagnostic fee to see what was wrong with my hard drive. He even stayed after hours, so I can pick up my computer before he left for vacation the next day.
I recommend 5 Star to anyone looking for good, responsive service from an honest, hard working computer technician. -
Review from Karen C.
7/20/2011
This guy has saved both of my computers. The first time I got the blue screen of death with my desktop. Greg took 10 minutes to diagnose the problem and 48 hours to fix. He was amazing. The second time I spilled coke all over my labtop in Africa. I cleaned it off the best I could and tried to keep it dry. I thought it was toast!! I brought it over to Greg and he cleaned it and told me all I needed was a new keyboard. He only charged me $75 which was a steal. I will never go to anyone but him for computer repairs. He is fast, amazing and very personable. A true hidden gem!!
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Review from Stephy S.
San Francisco, CA
6/18/2006
Never has a business been more accurately named than 5 Star Computer Service! I am the first to admit that I am a bit of a (okay a major) computer re re, but thanks to Greg(the owner), I've never felt more comfortable around the scary world of computer technology.
He's Honest. Reliable. Patient. And just plain cool and he takes care of you at the fairest price around.
So if you have a computer issue, I say screw the Geek Squad and the hundreds of dollars you'll waste cuz they show up in a cute little beetle and go for the guy who will take care of you and make you feel great about the whole experience!Listed in: Los Angeles Places To Know!
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Review from Evie H.
Simi Valley, CA
5/20/2010
Honest computer guy? Is there such a thing? There is at 5 Star Computer Service. And not only is Greg honest, he's professional, reasonable, fast, and really good at what he does. Oh, and he's a super nice guy which doesn't hurt.
And one more thing that I think speaks volumes, this review was not solicited. He doesn't need to ask people for reviews. His service speaks for itself. If I could give this place 10 stars, I would.
I'm thrilled my fellow yelpers led me to Greg! Thanks, guys. -
Review from ... ..
CA
8/21/2008
Actually if I could give 7 or 8 star to this business I will do it.
Greg the owner is mastering the place as I never seen that often anywhere in the world.... He take time to listen you, explain you everything about your issues and the way he will proceed to repair your machine, his whole behaviors and communication inspire trust and respect.
His lab is extremely clean and perfectly arranged, everything is under his control and you can feel it.
Greg repaired one of my laptop crossing 5 or 6 different diagnose tools, he analyzed all the components, detected the roots of the problem, cloned my data's and re-installed everything perfectly onto a new hard drive... all in 2 days for a very reasonable price.
He gave me back the trust in computer repair that I lost completely in other places... Greg can also provide you advices to build the machine of your dream and assemble it .
Now I have other things to repair with few other devices and without hesitation I will do it with Greg and 5 Star Computer Service... NO ! 8 Star Computer Service
Yeah ! Fifteen Star Computer Service !
A place I vividly recommend....
Thanks again Greg ;) -
Review from DJ Lee D.
Los Angeles, CA
6/4/2008
I also fought traffic from the West Side to Sherman Oaks based on what other Yelpers had to say about Greg.
He was honest, fast, efficent and didn't sell me any repairs I didn't need.
Doesn't matter where you live...
It's worth the drive to know you are being treated well and not getting screwed like so many other computer repair joints in this town! -
Review from Jeannette S.
Los Angeles, CA
6/2/2010
I found Greg at 5 Star Computer Service on YELP and have to echo what everyone else says. Greg fixed my computer for about 1/4 of the price than they quoted me at other places. At other places they told me it might be "several weeks" before they could get my computer back to me too.
My computer was repaired and returned to me in under 48 hours AND he had to order a part. His shop is insanely organized and he's probably the only honest computer guy I've ever met. He's friendly and nice and his wife was cooking some desserts when I stopped by that smelled amazing. All-around 5 star PLUSPLUSPLUS experience. -
Review from Sarah C.
Rowland Heights, CA
2/2/2010
Honest PC Repair
friendly/professional service, quick repair, knowledgeable, informative, great value. Tech Greg puts you at ease and your pc in good hands.
*after an unlucky week of fever/flu, first week at new job, college portfolio deadline, bull sh-t parking ticket, and barely scraping by to make rent this month.. all without the aid of internet due to virus invasion ..I felt pretty defeated. My laptop and spirits were revived by 5 Star Computer Service. It's good to know there are honest businesses run by real people. -
Review from Michelle R.
Los Angeles, CA
7/26/2008
Greg is the BEST!
i had an 'accident' with my Sony Vaio laptop. couldn't get it to turn on. i was afraid the logic board had died. i had 'accidental damage' coverage, so i'd be able to send to Sony for repair. but Sony won't retrieve data from your hard drive. thank GOD for Greg.
i brought him the laptop + an external hard drive. he was able to retrieve all of our data in less than an hour.
i'd recommend 5 Star to anyone with a PC (my only complaint? he doesn't work on MACS). great service, very professional + knowledgeable, and super friendly. -
Review from Chris Y.
Los Angeles, CA
2/19/2010
This really is 5 star service! Greg has his shop in the back of his house in the North Hollywood area. No bells and whistles. Just really good and fast service. I called at 9 am, Greg told me to come right over, and I was in and out in 30 minutes. It would probably taken even less time had we not been chatting away about the neighborhood and the real estate market. (my fault)..
I found Greg right here on Yelp and the reviews speak for themselves, and I agree wholeheartedly.Greg's a straight-forward, no-nonsense kind of guy who charged me $25 to reload my OS. Very reasonable. If I ever need PC help again, will definitely not look elsewhere. Greg's da man! -
Review from Brandon S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/31/2010
Greg is an awesome tech! He knows laptops inside and out and has many tricks up his sleeve to diagnose problems for you. He didn't charge us for diagnosing our laptop. Very Honest, and a great person. We will be definitely coming back for our laptop lcd repair (R&R broken LCD). Greg knows his stuff and I build computers for a living.
I live in Hollywood, and I passed by many computer shops to get to his lab. He's worth the drive from anywhere. His prices are great and you will feel at ease with Greg.
Note: Call him for the address! Very nice place with very comfortable outdoor sitting area. -
Review from Justin T.
Studio City, CA
5/9/2009
Yep, there's a reason that '5 Star Computer' has 5 stars on Yelp... I went to Greg for laptop repair because of the raving Yelp reviews. I was NOT disappointed.
Greg is super friendly, very knowledgeable and works quickly to fix your issues. The only reason I didn't get my laptop back in a couple days was because I couldn't pick it up - not because he didn't fix it in record time. :)
Seriously, this is good time & money spent. If you need any kind of computer repair, Desktop or Laptop, take it to 5 Star Computer Service.
If you don't believe me, let me tell you that I am actually writing this review on my newly fixed laptop (which is working at lightning speed thanks to Greg)!
Your friend on Yelp - Justin T
He also gave me a missing keyboard key for cheap... better than buying a new keyboard for sixty bucks... -
Review from Jeff G.
North Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
9/2/2008
In world where ediocrity rules, and where professionals too often seem pathologically incapable of going above and beyond low-normative average in the service of their clients, this computer shop is a revelation. Greg does everything right. I brought him my Averatec laptop that had a power-charging issue. Not only was he in touch with me by phone every couple of hours to tell me where he was in the process, he methodically went through all the possibilities for the failure, instead of going right to the most profitable-for-him decision. (If he did, I would have paid it and known, right?)
Five stars? Ten stars? Give this man a galaxy and name it Five-Star. -
Review from Elizabeth L.
Burbank, CA
4/23/2010
Yelp comes through again!
Greg at 5 Star Computer Service is the most professional computer "Doctor " around.
Super fast diagnosis. Straight forward communication. Honest practice plus reasonable prices!
My crashed c-drive was replaced & back on my desk with in 48 hours.
Amazing job.
Greg rocks! -
Review from Ted K.
Los Angeles, CA
6/20/2011
I had my laptop LCD replaced and Greg did a great job. He also did some trouble shooting and estimate for my desktop. Straight forward, will not up sell you and knows his stuff. Highly recommended.
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Review from sharadov R.
Sherman Oaks, CA
12/26/2008
I went here based on Yelp reviews.
I needed a power button for my PC cause the old one
was broken, based on my troubleshooting.
The motherboard was good and the power supply fine.
But there is no way you can buy a power switch, you have to buy
a case, which is like 50 bucks+.
The only alternative was to salvage one from an old box.
I went here and Greg gave me a switch, only for 5 bucks!.
Not only that, when I came home and ran into issues, he guided me through thesteps to troubleshoot,and lo and behold I got it running.
This was truly those techie to techie moments. He could have just as easily askedme to bring the box over and charged me anything to look it over.
Gret work ethic I say!! -
Review from John K.
Van Nuys, CA
8/25/2008
I have to agree with the poster who suggested giving more stars. Greg and his business are a definite 10 out of 10!
I had a problem with my motherboard last week and had purchased a replacement on the net. I was still hanging onto my old AGP board and couldn't get the new one to boot up properly. I brought it into Greg who did the most extensive diagnostic testing I've seen. Not content with just a surface fix and letting me find out it didn't work when I got home, Greg ran 24 hour bench tests on it to get to the bottom of the problems.
It was found that the board was bad and those boards are tough to find replacements for. I needed my computer now and I just had Greg build me a new one, which he did quickly and at a very competitive price. I get the board home and start loading stuff onto it and contract a virus!! I take it back to Greg (who had the foresight to create a restore disk) and he put everything back to the way it was at no charge.
On top of everything, he is personable, knowledgeable and one of the most trustworthy people I've had the pleasure of dealing with. He took what was a nightmare week of computer issues and made it much better. I can't imagine going to anyone else ever again. -
Review from Kaiday J.
Culver - West, CA
10/10/2008
This place is legit!
I went to 5Star after reading all the good reviews here. It was a Friday when I went to pick my computer up from the shop and it was just before closing, I needed my computer that day. Greg stayed an hour after closing on a Friday evening to finish fixing my PC. Even before closing he had a rush of customers all waiting for their PCs to be fixed and Greg was able to multi-task like a champ. At no time did Greg make me feel like I was inconveniencing him when he easily could have.
I was very appreciative and to top things off, Greg didn't charge me extra for his work, in a situation where I think he had every right to.
I'll definitely seek him out again in the future and refer him to my friends if they need a straight-shooting PC pro. -
Review from Wayne R.
Valley Glen, CA
1/13/2011
5 star computer service is the best. They fixed my slow computer quickly. I would reccommend this place to any looking for great computer service.
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Review from Yi z.
Astoria, NY
12/20/2009
I bought my PC from Cyber Power about three years ago. It has never worked efficiently from the very first day I received it. I've brought it to multiple repair shops when I was stationed in Germany and I've brought it in to Cyber Power twice to find out what was wrong with it in addition to my computer-saavy friend taking a look at it from school. No luck. No one could figure out why it would keep shutting down.
Luckily, I found 5 Star on Yelp and after reading the reviews on 5 Star Computer Service I decided that I should at least give Greg a call to see what he can do. I brought it to him on a late Wednesday afternoon and he had it ready to go by Friday. I was getting married on Friday so I couldn't pick it up of course. Greg responds to my email, congratulating me and telling me that he wont "disturb" me on Saturday presuming that my honeymoon was the day after Friday. Haha, it was a very considerate gesture and to me: that's good business, though I didn't have my honeymoon on Saturday since my wife has class in the morning .
I picked it up on Monday morning, Greg invited me into his shop where he had explained what was wrong with the system and a few temporary problems that I had with my Windows 7 product key. My P5NSLI mobo's North Bridge was wayyyy too hot, so Greg installed a hasty zip-tied mini fan to the bridge heat sink.. for free =) ! He also pointed out that one module of my 2x1GB PC6400 memory was no good. Additionally, upon hearing that I was planning on upgrading my CPU and RAM, he gave me some very useful tips regarding those simple procedures.
Greg is a straightforward and considerate gentleman whom I really owe the salvation of my three year old rig to. It's been fairly good so far with Windows 7, which Greg installed for me BTW, and I'm running MW2 on max settings- no problem whatsoever!
The price? Greg only charged my case for the diagnostic fee of $105. He only took a $100 from me as I didn't bring exaclty $105 and I guess he didn't want to go find change. What can one say about such outstanding service? Not much except, "Truly FIVE STAR!" -
Review from John C.
Beverly Hills, CA
1/31/2010
As a result of the favorable yelp reviews, I chose to call Greg at 5 Star Computer Service to diagnose my HP Pavilion Laptop. I left him a voice mail just prior to business hours and he returned my call within 30 minutes.
Greg was able to start work on my laptop upon my arrival. In about 15 minutes he was able to confirm that my computer was ready for the junk yard.
For a reasonable fee, he encased the hard drive from my broken computer, in order to save and store the data . After double checking to make sure the data would be retrievable, he taught me how to transfer the data from the hard drive to my next computer. Greg suggested that I call him, so he may help me through the process, when I'm ready.
Greg is professional, friendly, and easy to work with. I would recommend you call him if you think you are in need of a repair. -
Review from I H.
Los Angeles, CA
5/5/2011
I waited a while to write the review for this company. It is a great service and Greg is knowledgeable and dedicated to his work. My HP laptop has been slow and sometimes frozen. I also had problems of printing documents in pdf version. However, I am cautious and choosy in who is going to do the repairs this time since I have bad experiences with other PC repair person previously.
I had my laptop serviced by a guy named Terry and claimed himself as an UCLA computer graduate. Instead of cleaning my laptop, he went ahead without my permission to install another Window in my PC. I did not know he installed a Chinese version till later time. Ever since my laptop had many issues. I had to have my friend erase what he had installed and then found the original to install again in my PC. The process took days. I was horrified by this experience, therefore I become vigilant in finding out a reliable and competent PC repair person.
My experience with Greg is great. He explained to me first and then he took time to thoroughly cleaned my laptop since I had virus infection.
He then helped me with the nagging print issue. My laptop now got a new life and I am able to print pdf with ease. I am very grateful to his service.
Though initially I think his price is a bit steep. But at the end, it is worthy.
5 stars service knows the PC and does a honest and good job. The previous scary PC Terry was cheaper but did lots of damages to my laptop as well as my emotion. It was more costly with the cheap and irresponsible one and there was mental agony. So do not let the cheap guys fool you, check it out. I have been there, I have paid tremendous price for my lesson. At the end, paying a bit more and have peace in my heart and a reliable laptop proved to be much better investment. -
Review from katphishy w.
Alhambra, CA
1/23/2011
Definitely recommend. All the positive reviews and comments are true. Greg is wonderful, friendly and professional. I'm a little wary of handing off my precious laptop to a stranger on yelp, but once I met Greg, I can tell he knows his stuff and is definitely trustworthy. Before finding 5 Star on yelp, I was considering going to Geek Sqad, but thank goodness for reviews. Geek Sqad is a death trap. 5 Star is a sure bet. =) I had virus/spyware issues, and now it's thoroughly cleaned up. Happy customer.
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Review from G.C. W.
Los Angeles, CA
10/30/2011
I can't recommend Greg enough. He's not just a great, knowledgeable, honest computer guy. But he's also generous with his time and expertise. After fixing my computer, he went beyond the call and helped me find and load important programs to keep my computer running smoothly. He does exactly what he says he'll do and always gives more, much more. I second all the things other customers have written about him.
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Review from Juan Carlos M.
Hancock Park, CA
7/23/2008
I wanted to have my processor upgraded but I haven't had to deal with hardware issues for a while so I'm forced to call and admit I don't know what kind of chipset I have or motherboard expansion who's'it-what's'it "but can you fix it?" Normally, this means the tech is going to either throw jargon and intimidate your lack of knowledge so you withdraw or agree to whatever fees they throw at you.
Instead, based on the Yelp reviews, I called 5 Star and said I wanted a dual-core upgrade but couldn't answer technical questions about my computer. They took my model number and THEY RESEARCHED my computer FOR ME then called me back and educated me about the options I had. No lugging my computer across town so they can take a look at it .
Who does this? Cool people? Yes, cool people do this. -
Review from Gary A.
Los Angeles, CA
8/29/2010
I have used Greg for years for all my computer problems. He has worked on my two desktop computers and my laptop. I have found him to be an honest and competent computer guru. I highly recommend him.
