Getting Started: How to Connect and Set Up Your PC
Make sure you have: PC unit, power cord/adapter, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and any included accessories.
Desktop: Plug in power and monitor cables (HDMI, VGA, or DisplayPort).
Plug in keyboard and mouse (USB or wireless dongle inside mouse battery compartment).
Press the power button. The initial setup process may take a few minutes.
Choose your language, time zone, keyboard layout, connect to Wi-Fi, create a username/password, and sign in with either a Microsoft or local account.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, install all updates, then restart your PC.
Laptops
If you’re powering on for the first time, please remove the power adapter if applicable. Then plug the adapter into the wall first and then insert the dc adapter into the device. Allow to charge for at least 1 hour.
If you’ve had the device and it’s previously been charged, please follow the directions in Step A. Once sufficiently charged, hold the power key for 10 seconds to execute a hard reboot.
Please ensure that the device is through the “Out of Box Experience” setup and all updates are completed.
By design, in order to scroll, you will need to use 2 fingers. Manufacturers made this change after complaints that a slight touch on the pad would move the page around.
A system (Windows) update provides the necessary upgrades to functions as it pertains to the operating software such as Windows.
A BIOS update provides the necessary manufacturing updates for your device’s functionality, such as the keyboard, touchscreen etc.
Hardware
Try these steps:
- Check Cable Connections
Check to make sure the monitor is connected directly to the graphics card.
Ensure HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, or DVI cables are firmly connected to both the monitor and the PC. If your PC has a dedicated graphics card, connect the monitor to that port — NOT the motherboard port.
- Power Supply
Verify the monitor is powered on (check if the power LED is lit). Try a different outlet or power cable if necessary.
- Input Source
Use your monitor’s menu or buttons to select the correct input (e.g., HDMI 1, DisplayPort).
- Computer Power State
Make sure the PC is turned on (listen for fan noise or check for lights). If unresponsive, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force shutdown, then turn it back on.
This is usually a RAM related issue, where a stick may have become slightly unplugged during shipping. This is almost always easily fixed in a few seconds: View Help Video
Many of our PCs support hardware upgrades. Check your system specs or user manual for compatibility. We can also assist with recommendations and upgrades.
- Press Windows key plus X. Select Device Manger from menu.
- In this list, select Display Adapters, right click the video card in that list, and select Uninstall Device. Tick the box that says Delete Drivers for this Device
- When that's finished, right click any item in the list and select Scan for hardware changes.
- Under Display Adapters you should see Basic Display Adapter or similar. Right-click this, select Update Drivers, Search Automatically.
- You should now have the extended display and multiple-monitor setting options
Blair Technologies uses a mix of trusted brands to provide reliable refurbished systems. Different brands ensure quality and availability but are fully compatible and tested.
These partitions hold your restore information for the restore partition. Do not delete or modify these drives! Doing so will prevent you the ability to restore the computer back to the default Windows settings. This feature becomes very beneficial if you ever get a virus and/or run into software issues.
To reset your keyboard to the proper format, follow these steps:
Click the Start button, then the "Settings" Icon (looks like a gear)
Click the "Time and Language" Category
Select "Region and Language" on the left side of the window.
On the right side, click "English" then the Options button that appears
Check all power cable connections and outlets first. Look for power lights or fan noise. Try different cables or outlets if needed. Contact us if the problem persists.
Windows
Microsoft has stopped printing these discs as of Jan 1st 2014. We now include a restore partition on the hard drive of every computer we sell. Once implemented, the restore partition will reload Windows back to the default settings and clear all data that was stored on the hard drive. However, this will not protect you against a hard drive failure. It is always a good idea to backup your important files/documents to an external drive to prevent data loss.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to reload Windows and start fresh, as if the computer just came out of the box, this method will allow you to do so: If you're able to boot to a Windows login screen, or the desktop, follow these steps:
To perform a Partition Restore, you'll need to first enter the Windows repair mode.
- While on the Windows desktop or login screen, hold down the right shift key on the keyboard, then click the Start button. Select the shutdown option, and click "Restart" while still holding the Shift key. You can release it once the screen goes blank.
- Click "Troubleshoot"
- Click "Reset this PC"
- Click "Only the drive where Windows is installed" (This is VERY important!!!)
- Click "Just remove my files"
- Finally, click the "Reset" button
If you're not able to reach the Windows login screen, you can use the next method outlined below.
- Hold Shift and click Restart
- Go to Startup Settings > Press 4
All of our machines are loaded with a default level of Windows updates. However, Windows will need to install any additional updates released afterwards. Never turn your machine off in the middle of installing updates! This will corrupt your Windows installation.
Using a Microsoft Account (Windows 10/11): click “I forgot my password” on the login screen and follow the verification steps via email or phone to reset your password.
Still Locked Out?
You may need to reinstall Windows, which will erase your files. Back up important data if possible or consult a technician before proceeding.
This is the result of an older driver being used, however it will still function normally. To prevent the error from showing up, try the following:
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete
Select "Task Manager"
Click the "Startup" tab at the top (You'll need to enable "More Details" at the bottom left)
Locate "SMax4PNP" in the list, right-click it, and select "Disable"
Follow these steps:
Press the Windows Key ( ) + R to open the Run dialog, then type slui.exe 4 and press enter.
Click the drop-down menu and select your country or region to find the toll-free number.
If you see a message asking if you would like to allow this program / app to make changes, click Yes.
Call the toll free activation number.
Enter the installation ID numbers on your phone's keypad when instructed, and click "Enter confirmation ID" when ready.
Enter the confirmation ID you are provided by the automated system, then click "Activate Windows".
If activation was successful, you are ready to go, and safe to hang up the phone.
If activation failed, you will be told activation cannot proceed, and will be automatically transferred to a Microsoft Activation Team operator who will further assist you.
Software
Yes! Every Blair Tech PC includes:
- Windows Defender (Windows 10/11)
- Microsoft Security Essentials (for older versions)
If you install another antivirus, uninstall Windows Defender first to avoid conflicts.
We do not install Microsoft Office on our computers as it is a paid service through Microsoft (Office.com). However, we install a standard, open source Office Suite that is compatible with Microsoft Office files. You can open and edit all the standard files that you create in Office.
Background apps, startup programs, and installed software can affect speed. Running updates, removing unused apps, and scanning for malware usually helps. Contact us for support if needed.
BitLocker encrypts your drive for security.
Go to: https://aka.ms/recoverykey
Sign in with the Microsoft account linked to your PC to find your recovery key.
No key found? You will need to reinstall Windows, which erases encrypted data.
ChromeOS
Welcome to your renewed PC, powered by ChromeOS! ChromeOS Flex is designed to be simple and secure. To make it feel like your own, follow these steps to get your favorite apps ready to go!
On ChromeOS your favorite apps live in the Shelf (the bar at the bottom of the screen).
How to add Gmail, Calendar, and Drive:
- Click the Launcher (the circle icon in the bottom left corner)
- Find the app you want (ex. gmail)
- Right click the icon and select "Pin to shelf"
- Now that app is on your shelf and it is only one click away
If you want Google meet or sheets to open in their own window (without the address bar at the top) you can turn them into shortcuts:
- Open the website in your chrome browser
- Click the three dots in the top right corner
- Select "Save and Share", then "Install page as app"
- Now your program will appear in your app list
Most of your work will happen through these core links. We recommend pinning these four:
- Email: mail.google.com
- Calendar: calendar.google.com
- Docs/Sheets: drive.google.com
- Video calls: meet.google.com
Make the computer your own by adjusting the visuals:
- Wallpaper: Right click anywhere on the desktop and select "Set wallpaper & style". You can choose from Google's gallery or upload your own photo.
- Dark Mode: In the same menu, you can toggle between Light, Dark, or Auto. Auto changes from light to dark and dark to light based on the time of day.
- The Shelf: You can move the bottom bar to the left or right side of the screen by right clicking it and selecting "Shelf Position"
Even though most of what you are doing on ChromeOS Flex is in the cloud, you still have a files app.
- Downloads: Files you save from the web go here
- Google Drive: This is built directly into the Files app. Anything you drag into the Google Drive folder will automatically sync to your Google Drive so you can access the file from any device.
Yes, you can use Microsoft Office on ChromeOS!
How to Use Microsoft Office Online
Go to: office.com and sign in with your Microsoft account.
From there, you can access:
- Microsoft Word – for documents
- Microsoft Excel – for spreadsheets
- Microsoft PowerPoint – for presentations
Once signed in, simply click the app you would like to use. You can create and edit files directly in your web browser — no installation required.
Laptop Docking Hub
Setting up your Laptop to be used as your primary desk workstation is simple and only takes a few minutes.
Step 1: Arrange Your Workspace
Place your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories where you’d like them on your desk.
Step 2: Connect Accessories to the Dock
Plug your monitor, keyboard, mouse, Ethernet cable, and any other devices into the docking hub. (Do not connect the hub to your laptop yet.)
Step 3: Connect Power to the Dock
Your Laptop bundle includes 2 power adapters. One to charge your laptop on- the- go when needed and one to power your docking station.
Plug the included power adapter into the docking hub.
This allows the hub to power your laptop and connected devices when used as a desktop.
Step 4: Turn On Your Laptop
Power on your laptop as you normally would.
Step 5: Connect the Dock to Your Laptop
Using the included USB-C cable, connect the docking hub to your laptop.
Your external monitor(s) should turn on automatically.
By default, Windows may duplicate your screen.
To extend your displays:
- Right-click on your desktop
- Click "Display Settings"
- Scroll to "Multiple Displays"
- Select "Extend these displays"
Now each screen will function independently.
Unplug the docking hub from your laptop, wait 5 seconds, and plug it back in. This resolves most connection issues instantly.
When you close your laptop lid, the system is likely set to go to sleep by default. You can change this setting so your external monitors stay on while connected to your docking station.
How to Keep the Display On When the Lid Is Closed (Windows)
Step 1: Open Power Options
Click Start
Type Control Panel and open it
Click Hardware and Sound
Click Power Options
Step 2: Change the Lid Close Action
On the left side, click Choose what closing the lid does
You will see two columns:
On battery
Plugged in
Change When I close the lid to:
Do nothing
(At minimum, change the Plugged in setting if you use the dock while connected to power.)
Click Save changes
Your external monitor(s) should now remain active when the laptop lid is closed.
Orders, Shipping & Delivery
Please contact our Customer Service Department via email or telephone 1-855-252-4784, Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM Eastern Time to cancel your order.
We offer a 30-day return window for most products. Items must be returned in good condition with all original accessories. See our Return Policy page for details.
For information about warranties, please visit our Warranty page
We accept major credit cards (Discover, MasterCard, Visa and AMEX). You can also pay for your order with PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay!
Yes! We do offer promo codes on our site our through email, social media like Facebook and more! Be sure to follow us and subscribe to our newsletter to recieve all of our promotions as they launch! If you have a promo code, you can activate it in your cart or on the checkout page.
Standard shipments will be shipped through UPS, FedEx or USPS Ground transport. We usually ship within 3-5 days Business Days of payment received.
Standard shipments will be shipped through UPS, FedEx or USPS Ground transport. We usually ship within 3-5 days Business Days of payment received.
We appreciate your interest in our products, however, we do not ship internationally or to U.S. territories outside the 48 contiguous states in the USA.
At times, due to parts availability, we may upgrade your refurbished PC to a newer or more powerful model at no extra cost to you. This ensures you receive the best value and performance for your purchase, even when specific components are out of stock.