ReStory Repair Guide: How Repairs Work
The repair system is the heart of ReStory. Every device, from an Atari 2600 to a Pokia 3310, runs through the same loop. This guide breaks the loop down so you can repair anything cleanly and profitably.This page is the reference you will come back to: the loop, the notebook, the tools, and the mistakes that cost money. Keep this page open while you learn — every repair is the same loop, and the loop is easy once you see it whole.
Disassemble
Open the device with your screwdriver. What you see depends on the device:
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Remove the shell
Open the outer casing to expose the internal parts.
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Lay parts out
Keep track of where each part came from — the notebook helps here.
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Spot the problem
Look for dirty, broken or missing parts before you touch anything.
Inspect & record in your notebook
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Check every part
Each part has a state: clean, dirty, broken, or missing.
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Write it down
The notebook stores the full state of every device you work on.
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Plan the repair
Decide what needs cleaning and what needs replacing before spending money.
Clean, replace & reassemble
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Clean dirty parts
Use the brush and cleaning tools; save consumables like the air can for the stubborn spots.
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Replace broken/missing parts
Buy spares from your computer (surf the web for parts) and install them.
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Reassemble
Put everything back in the right order and hand the device back.
Common repair mistakes
Replacing parts you only needed to clean — wastes money.
Skipping the notebook and guessing — you will open the device twice.
Rushing the clean step — a dirty device is a reputation hit.
Installing parts in the wrong order — keep the disassembly notes.
Repair FAQ
Do I need to clean before replacing?+
Where do I buy parts?+
What happens if I deliver a bad repair?+
Per-device steps are being verified
Device-by-device repair steps (exact parts and order for each of the 14+ devices) are on our unverified list. We will publish per-device step pages as we verify them.
Cleaning tools and when to use them
A clean repair is a happy customer. Use tools in this order:
Brush first — it is reusable and covers most dirt.
Sonic bath for deep cleaning — timing matters.
Air can sparingly — it is a consumable; do not stockpile.
Check every part after cleaning so nothing dirty ships.
Repair details FAQ
What counts as a clean repair?+
Can I repair the same device twice?+
Do parts have states I can see?+
Is replacing always better than cleaning?+
The notebook at work
A real repair flow with the notebook (source: intoindiegames):
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Disassemble and lay parts out
Keep the order straight — the notebook records where things came from.
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Write each part's state
Clean, dirty, broken or missing — one line per part.
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Decide clean vs replace
Use the written states to avoid buying parts you only needed to clean.
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Check off as you finish
Mark each part done so nothing ships half-fixed.
Signs of a good repair
Every dirty part cleaned, not just the visible ones.
Only truly broken/missing parts replaced — no wasted spend.
Assembly order matches disassembly notes.
Customer satisfied, reputation intact.
Quick repair checklist
Run this on every device before delivery:
All dirty parts cleaned.
Broken or missing parts replaced.
Assembly order matches the notebook.
No deadline missed on the way out.
Repair loop checklist
Saved on this device