Basic Troubleshooting

Step 1

Rule out any Common Causes:All plugs are connected – double checkDetermine if it is a desktop problem or a

network problem – what were you doing when it happened?

Turning it on? Using a program? Is it a piece of hardware that is not working?

Hardware Problems

Computer wont turn onCheck all plugs – especially power plugCheck any fuses or breakersListen to see if you can hear the fan If no sound is heard and all cords are

plugged in, you will need to take to computer technician

Hardware Problems

Monitor If monitor does not come on, check all

cords – especially power cord and connection to CPU

See if any indicator lights come onTurn power button on and offTake to technician

Hardware Problems

Mouse and/or KeyboardCheck all connections!!Clean mouse if not working properly

Use rubbing alcohol and Q-tipClean keyboard if keys are sticking

Can use a spray cleaner or rubbing alcoholMake sure it is given time to dry

Software Problems

Computer starts up (you can hear it running), but nothing happens or your receive an error message on the screen.

You are using a program, such as Word or Netscape, and it stops working (you cant move the mouse or click on

Step 2

Try to reboot the system to see if that fixes the problem:PC users – hold down the Ctrl, Alt and

Delete keys and select Shutdown, or close the program that is having the error.

Mac users – hold down the Control, Apple, and start keys to reboot.

Other solutions

Sometimes a software program freezes up or has an error and you need to close that program.

Sometimes files need to be removed or extensions and/or start up files need to be removed in order for the computer to work.

Windows Platform

In the Windows operating system, to force quit a program, hold down the Ctrl, Atl, and Delete keys.

A menu will appear that lets you quit the application you are in and/or restart your computer.

Macintosh Platform

To close or shut down a program in the Macintosh operating system, hold down the Apple, Ctrl, Alt, and Esc keys.

This will force quite the program that was running.

Windows Platform

When Windows has problems starting up, sometimes it will give you the option of starting in a Safe Mode so that you can fix a problem without it ruining your system or losing files.

Windows Platform

When windows is in Safe Mode, you can get assistance with problems in Window 98, use the Trouble Shooting Wizard under the Help menu in the Start Menu.

This will allow you to answer some questions that will evaluate what the problem could be.

Windows Platform

In Safe Mode, you can also remove programs from the start-up that may be causing problems.

To remove programs from Start up folder by going to the Start Menu, Settings, Taskbar & Start Menu. You can click on remove and then remove a program that appears to be freezing your computer, then restart to see if this fixes the problem.

Macintosh Platform

In the Macintosh operating system, you may receive error warnings when the computer is starting up or your computer may “freeze” on the start up process.

You can restart the computer with the extensions turned off to bypass some of the start up files to see if this fixes the problem.

Macintosh Platform

To turn off extensions – hold down the shift key while restarting the computer.

When extensions are turned off, you can go to the system folder and then to the extensions folder and remove any extension you think might be the problem.

Network Troubleshooting

Errors on a network consist of:Printing errorsAccess to InternetComputer Freezing up

Network Errors

First, make sure that the connection to the network is tight

Check to make sure light next to network card is blinking

Reboot your computer

Contact your network administrator

Reminder

Computers are not perfect!

They are created by humans – you will have errors and problems

In order to work, the computer must read millions of code – it can happen that the code is misread and therefore results in errors.

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