Basic Computer Troubleshooting & Tips
Before calling for support or creating a Help Desk Ticket
Shut down all programs
Turn your computer off
Wait 30 seconds
Restart
Internet Security - FYI
Please do not download or install any Antivirus or Security software. It would probably be a conflict and cause issues.
Clean a Monitor/Laptop/Chromebook Screen
Use only water (distilled) or a 50-50 water and white vinegar solution with a microfiber or soft cotton cloth, like an old t-shirt.
Turn off System/Web Notifications - Popups
Popups or Notifications can be annoying!
Power Options
You can change the when your laptop sleeps or the screen shuts down
Printer problems
Is your print password correct
How are you logged into your computer? For your print code to work, you need to be logged in as you! (Google)
Did you send it to the correct print device
Did you wait long enough for the job to get sent
Is there paper in the tray you selected
Is there a message on the printer – flashing – i.e. change of paper (labels)
Is PaperCut running?
Laptop Mouse Pad not Working or Locked
Double Tap the upper left corner of the mouse pad
There should be an icon lit up when the mousepad is locked.
It should turn back on
Icon should be OFF
Computer is frozen
Press and hold the power button until the computer shuts down
OR Unplug it from Power.
Wait 30 seconds
Turn computer back on.
Laptop will not boot up
Unplug the Power Adapter
Remove the battery
Put battery back in
Plug power back in
Try restarting
Projectors
If you have issues with your projector, Click HERE for some tips.
Turn Off/On Laptop Numlock (laptop without a 10 Key Pad)
Hold down the FN Key and the NumLock key at the same time.
This is a toggle - Push the FN and NumLock again to turn it back on.
There is an indicator light for NumLock.
Video Player (CD/DVD) does not work
Windows 10 - Download VLC Media Player - Click HERE
Camera Will not Work - Windows 10
Hit the Function and F3 Key - that should toggle the camera on or off.
Website does not work
Use Google Chrome or Firefox web broswers
If it doesn't work in one browser try another
Empty Cookies and Cache.
Make your screen larger or smaller while on a website
While holding the Ctrl key down, scroll up or down with the scroll wheel on the mouse
Or...While hold the Ctrl key down, hit the + or - key.
Computer/Monitor will not come on:
CPU power cord plugged into the outlet and the CPU
Monitor power cord plugged into the outlet and the monitor
Monitor cable plugged into the CPU and making a good connection
Surge protector plugged in and turned on
The brightness and contrast buttons are where they should be
LAPTOPS – check adapter and/or pop out battery and replace (sometimes works)
Screen is Rotated:
Press and hold the Ctrl and Alt keys while pressing the Left, Right, or Down arrow to rotate the screen a different direction.
Mouse/keyboard problems:
Check to see if the mouse is plugged correctly into the computer
Check to see if the keyboard is plugged correctly into the computer
Frozen screen:
Check to see if the mouse is plugged into the computer
Check to see if the keyboard is plugged into the computer
Try control-alt-delete to end the job or restart the computer
Try holding the on/off switch in until it shuts down or unplug the CPU then restart
Network problems:
Network cable plugged into the wall jack and the CPU and making a good connection
User logging on correctly – user name and password
Is the computer network cable plugged into a switch? If so, unplug the power to the switch, then plug back in. Make sure the lights start flashing, then try logging in to the computer again.
If you are using a wireless network, are you connected - which network - BPSWifi or Guest??
Some Laptops have a network switch - is it turned on?