Our offices rely on computers for everything. Between the downtime and waiting for help having office computers or networks fail can be frustrating. (In fact, 95% of professionals pointed to IT issues diminishing workplace morale.) Before calling IT (or throwing a...
Our offices rely on computers for everything. Between the downtime and waiting for help having office computers or networks fail can be frustrating. (In fact, 95% of professionals pointed to IT issues diminishing workplace morale.) Before calling IT (or throwing a computer out the window), try our troubleshooting guide.
Issue: Can’t Log In
With so many logins used in the workplace, it’s hard to keep track of them, making difficulties logging in inevitable.
Trouble Shooting Tips
- Check if the caps lock is on; passwords are usually case-sensitive.
- Reset the passwords following the steps provided by the software.
- Check for any onscreen messages. For security reasons, most software will lock the login after too many attempts to prevent brute force hacking. If that’s the case, the onscreen message will indicate how long to wait. If the wait is too long, call support, they can often remove the lock after verifying you as a user.
Prevention
To make it easier, we suggest using password manager software.
Issue: Lost Work
It happens to the best of us; we are in a hurry and forget to save a file or accidentally delete it.
Trouble Shooting Tips
- If you are using cloud software, then you are in luck. Most cloud software auto-saves work. To retrieve the lost file, enter the software’s recovery area.
- Files can be restored from a backup drive if you’re not using cloud software. If you don’t have a backup drive, most software creates what’s known as a temporary file locally. Accessing the file usually requires the help of an IT professional.
Prevention
To prevent this, we suggest using cloud software that auto-saves work or an external drive with automated backup software. (Windows and Apple both have built-in features for this!)
Issue: Slow Computer
Trying to work on a project is frustrating when most of your “work” is spent waiting for the computer to complete tasks, especially simple ones. Computers often slow down when asked to do too much.
Trouble Shooting Tips
- Malware is often the culprit for slow computers. Run malware/antivirus software to ensure no malicious software is running in the background, causing the lag.
- If the computer is clean, check the number of programs and browser tabs that are open and running. Close any tabs and programs you don’t need. If you can’t close any, you might need to upgrade your computer’s hardware to keep up with your demands.
Prevention
To prevent this issue, regularly run antivirus software to avoid malware. This software often monitors how hard the computer works, which lets you know how healthy your computer is.
Issue: Slow Internet
Sometimes your computer isn’t slow, but your internet is. Generally, there are two sources for this problem, your internet service provider (ISP) or your hardware (router).
Trouble Shooting Tips
- Try rebooting your router.
- If you are on the Wi-Fi, connect to the internet via ethernet and run a speed test. (This is as easy as googling “speed test” and clicking the run speed test button.) If your internet speed is below what your ISP indicates that you should have, you’ll need to contact your ISP to resolve the issue.
- If the problem persists, it is probably the router. The router is responsible for taking the internet and giving it to the devices in the office. Ensure your router is appropriate to handle the number of devices you have and the bandwidth your ISP provides. If it isn’t, it needs to be replaced.
Prevention
Make sure to keep your router up to date with your needs.
Issue: Computer randomly shuts down
Working and having a computer shut down feels random. However, it isn’t usually random. Usually, when we see this problem, it accompanies the complaint that the computer is slow—computers shut down when overworked to prevent damage.
Trouble Shooting Tips
- Was the fan running usually high and long? Feel the computer; if it’s too hot, the problem is overheating.
- If it’s not overheating, then it could be your power source. Test different power outlets and cords to determine whether it’s the power outlet you’re using or the power cord you are using.
Prevention
Regularly run antivirus software to prevent malware. This software often monitors how hard the computer works, which lets you know how healthy your computer is.
Issue: Computer acting “weird”
You can’t describe it; the computer is just acting weird. This is usually a problem with the operating system.
Trouble Shooting Tips
- Restart the computer. Once restarted, ensure all updates have been installed.
- If the problem persists, reinstall the operating system and update through recovery mode in the computer
Prevention
Make sure your install all software updates in a timely manner.
Issue: Can’t turn on the computer
Worse than the computer acting weird is a computer that just won’t turn on. This is often the case when an OS system update goes wrong.
Trouble Shooting Tips
- Reinstall the operating system and update through recovery mode in the computer.
Prevention
Make sure your install all software updates promptly.
Issue: Screen doesn’t turn on
Hearing the computer turn, but the screen won’t, is a more common issue with laptops and is often the side effect of a slow machine. Excessive heat from the computer burns the screen.
Trouble Shooting Tips
- For laptops, the screen has to be replaced.
- For desktops, it might be a connection problem, so check the cords for a secure connection to the outlet, screen, and computer.
Prevention
Regularly run antivirus software to prevent malware. This software often monitors how hard the computer works, which lets you know how healthy your computer is.
Issue: Can’t print
Click print, then nothing? There could be several reasons that it is not printing.
Trouble Shooting Tips
- Make sure the printer is on. If it is not turned on, turn on the printer.
- Check the printer display for any errors. If there are any errors, resolve the errors.
- Check the connection between the computer and the printer. If there are any connection issues, delete and re-add the printer from the system preferences to fix it.
Prevention
Ensure printers have a battery backup and are hardwired to the network with a static IP.
Conclusion
Many IT problems can be easily solved without the help of a professional. However, some minor IT problems are signs of more significant issues that must be resolved. By working with an IT professional, you can optimize your technology usage, understand your ongoing needs, and plan for growth. Contact us to start an IT audit with one of our business IT experts.
