Top Customer Issues

1) My computer is running really slow

Solution: If your computer has been running progressively slower, it could be a sign of old age, meaning that you may just need some file and disk maintenance.  You can start by removing all programs that are no longer needed, defragment the hard drive (a couple times if necessary) and turn off all startup programs not needed.

2) I think I may have a virus

Solution: Sudden erratic behavior could be a sign of a virus.  Promptly close all open programs and run a scan of your computer with your anti-virus software.  Make sure that it’s up to date prior to scan.  Also ensure your Windows operating system has all of the latest Service Packs and security updates, which will allow your anti-virus software to operate as efficiently as designed.

3) My computer keeps locking up

Solution: Hardware lockups are usually caused by a faulty piece of hardware.  Items like cooling fans, power supply, memory modules and hard drives are the most common and easy are to diagnose.  Software related lockups could indicate a virus or corrupted system file.  A virus scan or program reinstall, including Windows, may be needed.

4) My computer is making funny noises

Solution: Usually computer noises come from moving parts inside the computer.  Items such as a cooling fan with worn bearings or a hard drive with a motor or disk failure.

5) When I boot up I get a blue or black screen

Solution:  The blue or black screen includes an error message that could point you in the right direction when troubleshooting.  It will (hopefully) give you information related to a potential fix.  Unfortunately, these messages can also be generic in not providing enough information.  If you recently installed some new software or a piece of hardware,  that could be the culprit or you could have a virus, which is becoming far more common.

6) I can’t get on the Internet

Solution: First, make sure that the network cable is plugged in at both ends and the lights on the network connector (where the cable plugs into the computer) are lit up -  usually one is green (which shows connectivity) and the other light is amber (which shows activity and will blink periodically).  Next, you may want to  check for a virus, as many network-related problems stem from virus infections altering the network settings.  If you don’t seem to have a virus, you will want to troubleshoot an Internet connection problem from within Windows.

7) I can’t connect to my file server

Solution:  Network connection problems are very similar as troubleshooting Internet problems but in addition to the above checks, you will need to look at your common network devices.  (Items such as your file server, hub or switch, router and the network cabling.)  If your computer is the only one having problems on your network and everyone else can connect without issue, then the troubleshooting should stay with your computer and its connectivity back to the network devices, not the network devices themselves.  If all of the computers on the network cannot connect to the server, then you would want to troubleshoot only the network devices.  Reboot or shutdown the server and unplug any routers and switches/hubs (wait for these devices to reset before turning the server back on).  These simple steps could get you back in running in no time.