| Basic Troubleshooting Questions
We all run into difficulties with our computers every so often – the printer stops printing, email gets lost, the screen freezes or a multitude of other glitches. To help get the problem identified and solved as quickly as possible, you should have the following information ready before calling tech support.
Troubleshooting Questions:
- When did the problem first start?
- Has the system ever worked properly?
- What was the last thing done (to the system) prior to the failure?
- Is the issue intermittent or ongoing/constant?
- Are there any error messages? If so, what is/are the specific error messages?
- Has any (new) hardware been added to the system?
- Has any (new) software been added to the system (including downloads from the Internet)?
- Has anything changed with the system (e.g. has it been moved) since the issue presented itself?
- Has anyone else had access to the system?
- Are there any environmental factors that could be causing the issue?
- Have you done any trouble shooting on the system on your own?
- Have you checked all the cables/connections for a tight fit?
After reviewing the above list of questions, you are now ready to contact technical support.
Don Paulsen
Computer Services
College of Family and Consumer Sciences
Iowa State University |
