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.
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.