And we’d prefer it if you did. 😉
Here are 10 basic troubleshooting steps that can help resolve most computer problems:
- Restart Your Computer:
- Often, simply restarting your computer can resolve many issues by resetting the system. Your support specialist will probably ask you this, and restart the machine themselves, when you call.
- Reboot peripheral devices:
- On printers, scanners, etc. just pull the power cable for at least 10 seconds and plug them back in. Large copy centers will probably have a reboot button on the built-in screen you should use.
- Check All Cables and Connections:
- Ensure that all cables (power, network, peripherals) are securely connected. Lose cables cause 90% of power and peripheral issues.
- Update Your Software:
- Make sure your operating system, drivers, and applications are up to date. Note, we do not recommend users update servers. This can cause unintendedly disastrous results.
- Run a Virus Scan:
- Use your antivirus software to scan for and remove any malware or viruses.
- Check for Overheating:
- Ensure your computer is not overheating by checking the fans and vents for dust and ensuring proper airflow. This can be anything from clutter building up and covering the outside of the computer to dust on the inside. Unless you are a power user, we DO NOT recommend dusting the inside of your computer.
- Free Up Disk Space:
- Delete unnecessary files and programs to free up disk space and improve performance. Ask before removing programs!
- Check Task Manager:
- Use Task Manager to identify and close any programs that are using excessive resources.
- Note any Error Messages for Support:
- Writing down, taking a screenshot, or taking a picture with your phone of the error message can really help narrow down you issue.
- Note the last thing you did to your system:
- Just as important as all the above, letting us know what the last thing you did to or on your system before the issue can be important. Please don’t hide something you may have done; the time savings can be enormous.
A couple things you should not do!
- Do not restore your system.
- This can cause unintended data loss or program corruption.
- Do not attempt to download a troubleshooter or repair utility from the internet.
- The internet is not a safe place anymore, and it is a common attack vector to prey upon users looking for help.
- Do not just uninstall programs.
- If you don’t recognize a program, ASK!
- Do not hard shut down your system.
- Without asking of course. Sometimes this is what has to happen, but you should only do it on the advice of your support specialist.
- Do not touch or power cycle servers or network equipment.
- You can easily take a simple issue to extreme IT event quickly by doing this without assistance of a support specialist.
- Do not “phone a friend”.
- Listen, we know everyone has that guy. We have that guy. But that guy can accidently help hide a pattern problem they we need to resolve before catastrophe.
- Do not call a phone number you found on a popup or Google.
- We cannot stress this enough. Many “support” numbers found on Google are scams and attacks. Just call us (305-247-2227).
A few important notes
- Microsoft, Google, Amazon, etc. do not offer free support.
- Attackers will call stating they are from a well-known company and would like to help. THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO STEAL YOUR INFORMATION, MONEY, or CREDENTIALS! Hang up, call us to verify you’re still safe.
- A phone number on your screen does not mean support.
- Attack programs will produce notifications with support numbers. If you are seeing these popups, call us NOW!
- If a product is free, you are the product.
- Google has been providing free search results to masses for decades. Their money comes from selling the information they gather during your searches. This is not an issue if you know and agree to the data gathering, just be informed.
- YOU, as the user, are the target.
- No user is too small to be attacked; businesses and personal alike.