Marple Tech Help

27/03/2026

Most people in Marple have a box of old tapes somewhere… tucked away in a loft, cupboard or drawer.

VHS, camcorder tapes, maybe even ones you haven’t watched in years.

The problem is, they don’t last forever. The quality slowly degrades, and the machines to play them are getting harder to find.

I’ve put together a simple guide explaining:
• what happens to tapes over time
• which formats are at risk
• and why now is a good time to get them digitised

If you’ve got old family footage you’d like to keep safe, this is worth a quick read:

Why now is the right time to digitise old VHS, camcorder tapes and DVDs. Learn what degrades first, what formats can be transferred, and how Marple Memories handles them carefully.

13/03/2026

Still using Windows 10? Here's what that means — and what you can do about it.

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025. That means computers running it no longer receive security updates or fixes, which gradually increases the risk from viruses and malware.
The good news is that many existing PCs can be upgraded to Windows 11 without needing to buy a new computer.

I've added a new service at Marple Tech Help to help with exactly this.

🔧 Windows 10 → Windows 11 Upgrade Service

If your computer is suitable, I can check compatibility, back up your important files, safely upgrade to Windows 11, make sure everything still works afterwards, tidy up settings and updates, and give you a quick walkthrough of what's changed.

And if your computer isn't a good candidate for Windows 11, I'll simply explain your options — sometimes that means a hardware upgrade, sometimes it means sticking with the current machine a bit longer, and sometimes replacement makes more sense.

No jargon, no pressure — just clear advice.

If you're unsure whether your computer can upgrade, I'm happy to take a look.

👉 https://www.marpletech.co.uk/tech-rescue/windows-11-upgrade/

As always, local help here in Marple and the surrounding area.
— Martyn

08/03/2026

Digitising a batch of VHS tapes today and this classic Mr Bean episode was tucked in between Christmas mornings and Christenings. A proper blast from the past.

As part of our launch we're digitising for £10 a tape — VHS, Hi8, Video8 and Digital8, with MiniDV and VHS-C coming very soon.

If you've got a box gathering dust, feel free to get in touch.

06/03/2026

Two of our PCs had stuck Windows Updates today. Not a difficult fix and not something that's mega urgent, but worth fixing if you have 10 minutes - this guide tells you how. If it happens to you and you need a hand, get in touch 😊

Windows 11 updates stuck or failing? Step-by-step guide to reset Windows Update, repair system files with DISM and SFC, and fix common error codes.

03/03/2026

Absolutely stunning day today. Perfect weather to take my 'assistant' for a walk ☀️🐶🐾

02/03/2026

Gaming laptop running hot and loud? This is why.

This Lenovo Legion came in struggling with high fan noise and reduced performance.

Inside, the cooling system was completely blocked with dust.
When that happens the heat can’t escape, so the laptop slows itself down to protect the hardware. That’s what causes the sudden FPS drops and constant fan noise.

After a careful internal clean, airflow is restored, temperatures drop, and the fans no longer have to run flat out.

It’s not about making it “faster than new”
It’s about letting the machine run the way it was designed to.

If your laptop sounds like it’s working too hard, it usually is.
Happy to take a look and give an honest assessment.

Marple Tech Help

28/02/2026

If you're having tech trouble, get in touch — fast, friendly, local support right here in Marple. 💻🔧

27/02/2026

Marple now has more broadband choice than ever, with full fibre available across large parts of SK6 alongside existing cable and part-fibre services.

That’s good for competition, but it also means more confusing deals and an increase in door-to-door sales.

I’ve published a free, independent guide to help Marple residents choose the right broadband without pressure or jargon.

The guide explains:

✔ What speeds households actually need in 2026
✔ Full fibre, cable and part-fibre in plain English
✔ How to check what is genuinely available at your address
✔ Why slow internet is usually a Wi-Fi coverage issue, not the broadband line

It also includes a printable doorstep checklist you can use if you’re approached by a sales team.

Marple Tech Help has no commercial relationship with any broadband provider. This advice is completely independent and applies to all networks.

Read the guide here:
https://www.marpletech.co.uk/help-hub/choosing-broadband-provider/

An independent guide to choosing a broadband provider in Marple. Compare full fibre, cable and part-fibre, find the right speed, and avoid overpaying.

26/02/2026

Laptop running hot? 🔥💻

This Dell came in throttling at over 90°C

Cooling system completely blocked with dust.

After a full internal clean and thermal work:
Now running around 50–70°C and stable again.

No new parts needed. Just proper maintenance.

If your laptop is noisy, hot or slowing down, it’s often a cooling issue not a dead device.

📍 Marple

💬 Message to book a Tech Rescue

26/02/2026

Before and after from a local Dell laptop service today.

The cooling system was blocked with dust which was causing temperatures to exceed 90°C under load and the laptop to slow down.

After a full internal clean, fan clearance and thermal work, temperatures are now running around 50–70°C and the system is stable and quiet again.

No replacement parts needed. Just proper maintenance.

If your laptop is getting hot, noisy, or slowing down, it’s often a cooling issue rather than a hardware failure.

Marple Tech Help - Local, fixed-price, no jargon.

14/02/2026

If Final Draft (https://thefinaldraft.co.uk) was too zen, try Deadline, Final Draft's chaotic sibling: https://deadline.thefinaldraft.co.uk - no ads, no logins, just crazy word play

14/02/2026

Printer offline or not printing? Before you replace it, try this simple guide to fix connection, offline, and print quality issues.