Help for Users

Submitting a help request

Here is a checklist that you should follow when asking for help with a computer problem:

OK, you've done everything you know to do.

You've rebooted your computer, you've restarted your cable or DSL modem, you've checked to see if all cables/power connections are still as you would expect. If you had just added a device or plugged in an SD card, you've removed it and rebooted to see if the problem cleared. If the problem looks like internet access, you've checked the status lights on your cable/DSL modem for proper indications and you've tried to access using a different browser. If you are having trouble accessing a particular site, you've tried to bring up Google as a test.

But STILL no joy?

Time to call in the Cavalry!

First decide if you want to e-mail the "Collective" (General) or if you can wait until the club meeting. The meeting is good if you have a mobile device and can bring it to the meeting for resolution. This is really good if the problem can be duplicated.

If you need immediate help, go the e-mail route.

In BOTH cases it will be ENORMOUSLY helpful for you to provide the answers to the following questions and bring/post them with your call for help.

  1. Name and model of computer?

  2. Desktop, laptop or other?

  3. Operating system and version? Windows NT, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, Linux (name/version), Ubuntu (name/version), Apple OS(x), other?

  4. Name of anti-virus? Is it current version? Last full scan? Results?

  5. Recent data back-up available?

  6. Method of connection to internet and ISP? DSL, Cable, WiFi, other?

  7. Is the problem with a web activity such as basic connectivity, site access, GMail, Skype, etc?

    1. Describe the problem and what you have done so far to find a solution.
    2. Describe any error/result messages completely.
    3. Can other computers (if available) at your location access the internet?
    4. Is there a problem accessing ALL sites or only certain ones? Which?

  8. Is the problem with a local activity such as printing, display, OS error messages?

    1. Describe the problem and what you have done so far to find a solution. Results?
    2. Describe any error/result messages exactly and completely.
    3. If the problem is with a program such as Word, Excel, Picasa etc, what version is the program at issue and version number?
    4. If the problem is inability to open certain kinds of files, what are those COMPLETE file names? i.e. filename.xxx

  9. Note and describe the circumstances surrounding the problem - what you were doing when the problem occurred?

    Loaded/downloaded any new software recently? What was it?

Top of Page Back to 1st Page