10 tips to try before calling the IT Support Helpdesk
Whether you’re on an ad hoc or managed support plan, as a Think Concepts Customer we have your back when your IT is on the blink. We are here 24/7 when you need us, but this handy guide has some tips you can try before escalating issues to our team for a support ticket.
What do I do if my monitor is dead?
Hello Monday! You need to send a document to a client urgently and hit the ‘on’ button and … nothing. Before you panic, check everything is still plugged in. The cleaners could have been through and knocked something in a bid to get the last crumbs from under the desk. Methodically check all power points and plugs to make sure things are in AND on. Also make sure you have hit the power button on the monitor too in case it’s a bit sticky and is simply still asleep.
A lot of offices use power boards, so check the surge protector as well as the power strip itself. The surge protector is designed to trip when there is an electrical jolt, so your systems aren’t damaged. Plugs can also look fully plugged in but still be a bit loose. The best plan is to unplug everything from the power board and unplug the power board from the wall and then reconnect everything.
Why are my webpages not loading?
3. You got as far as powering up and then … zip. Nothing is loading. Many computer problems appear more serious than they are, so start by checking the Ethernet connection. Make sure the Ethernet cable (the coloured cable plugged into the back of your computer) hasn’t come loose. It is an IT solution cliché, but unplug and then plug this cable back in at your machine and at the wall, too. Also ask if anyone near you is having similar issues. It’s an easy way to find out whether this issue is just with your equipment or a wider fault.
Why is my mouse or keyboard not responding?
4. Before you start counting Bitcoin to see if you can pay the hackers who just locked you out of your system, back up the bus. It might be something as simple as a loose connection between your computer and your keyboard or mouse. If you use a USB receiver make sure it is properly inserted. If your devices are wireless, check the batteries. Flat batteries are a common cause of connection problems if you have been lucky enough to be away from your desk for a while.
Why has my screen lay out gone weird?
5. We expect our computer screens to look a certain way and when that changes, it can make us think someone has been tampering with the system. It can be something much simpler. Has someone been using your computer? They may have changed a setting or possibly haven’t logged out properly. So, turn everything off and unplug your computer from the wall then go make a coffee. When you come back, plug everything back in. It might just work!
6. Sometimes the problem is something more complicated. It could be a software upgrade that hasn’t loaded properly. Was there an error code on your screen? If so, write it down or take a screen shot so you can inform our Think Concepts IT support staff. It can help them sort out the issue much faster.
7. While you may not have been hacked, something you have downloaded may have upset your system. Check with us to see if there have been any system updates. It may be that Windows has updated some settings or changed their layout.
8. It could also be a virus or malware so think about what you were doing or clicking on right before the problem started. If there is a message on the screen, take a screen shot and give our IT support staff a call.
Where did that important document go?
9. Speaking of system changes, these can mean documents don’t save to the folder you were expecting. If a document has “vanished” it may be due to a setting change or you may also have accidentally dragged it into another folder. Try running a search by the file name to see where it went or check the last save location – it may have changed from “documents” to “downloads.” If you are worried about losing work, ask us about autosave. This is a feature we can set up for you on onedrive. Spending hours working on a document only to see the dreaded message “this application has terminated unexpectedly” is pain we can all do without.
10. Last tip, make a list of all the things you tried that didn’t work, then call Think Concepts IT Support Staff. We are here 24/7, 365 days a year. Our helpdesk miracle workers can work miracles faster if they understand the situation. Write down all the things you have tried and what happened. It will save valuable time. No matter what issue you're facing, know that if you call us for IT support, your issue will be resolved quickly and efficiently.
Technology has truly changed the world, including how we do business. However, it only works if your systems function well. If your needs have changed or you just want to explore how to streamline your systems, get in touch to schedule a discovery session.
This is similar to a health assessment for your business. A discovery session helps us to collaborate with you and customise our services to suit your needs.