Computer Problem Checklist

If you are experiencing computer problems, make sure your data is saved,  if possible, and take a few minutes to check the following before you contact the Help Desk. 

  NO VIDEO/CAN'T LOGON?

1.      Is everything plugged in?

2.      Do you see any loose cables?

3.      Do you have power?

4.      Is the brightness and contrast turned up on the monitor?

5.      Is the power strip plugged in and turned on?

6.      Hit the space bar, do you have video now?

7.      Many machines have power saving features. After a certain time they will “blank” off. If you hit the space bar the power will come back on and you will see video.

8.      Are other people experiencing the same problem?

9.      Have you tried to restart the computer? This seems to solve 90 percent of the problems clients have.

10.  Can you get the problem to reoccur after you have restarted the machine?

11.  Are you typing your username and password correctly? Passwords for e-mail and other programs can be case sensitive. They are also different than your network login.

12.  Please take a few minutes to re-read the documentation. You may have missed a few steps.  

13.  Did you turn the PC on with a diskette in the drive?

PRINTER CAN'T PRINT?  

1.      Is the printer turned on?

2.      Is the printer plugged in?

3.      Is the printer online?

4.      Are there any printer error codes indicated?

5.      Is there a printer jam?

6.    Paper in the tray?

NO SOUND?   

              1.   Are all cables connected the correct spot on the monitor and computer?

              2.   Is the volume turned up?

              3.   Are the speakers turned on?  

Try writing down what you were doing before the problem occurred.  Be as thorough as you can. Specifics help us form a solution for your problem. Error messages are helpful in this situation, too.

If you still are unable to resolve your issue, please contact the help desk at 2-6638. We will respond to your call as quickly as possible.