Troubleshooting Tips

Here are a few troubleshooting and preventative measures that could save you time and money.

Computers

You Never Know When the Power (or Your Hard Disk) Will Fail

  • Save. Save frequently when composing or editing. A good rule is to save as often as you would be upset if you had to recreate it or type it back in.
  • Keep Backups. Keep a current backup of all your data on removable media, a department file server, or some other means of archiving. For recommendations on backing up your data, call the Support Center or your department's System Administrator for ideas. For hardware upgrade options on backing up, you may also contact the Support Center at 682-5000 x 3.
  • Buy a UPS. Invest in an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system. In the event of a power failure, a UPS provides power to your system, giving you time to save current projects and shut down your machine in an orderly manner. Simple units, suitable for home use, cost about $100 and are a reasonable investment considering the cost and aggravation associated with recreating lost data or repairing hardware. Contact the Support Center, or your System Administrator.
  • Network storage. Call 682-5000 (on campus, dial 25000) to request NAS storage space.

Beware of Changes in Your Equipment

  • Obviously, smoke pouring out of your PC or printer is a call to action, but you also need to watch for other more subtle signs that your equipment is getting “out of tune.” There is no need to be paranoid, but watch for possible warning signs, such as:
    • Is your computer booting up slower?
    • Is it having lock-ups or freezes?
    • Do you hear unusual noises?
    • Since you downloaded a new screen saver or program, has your computer been running slower?

Keep It Simple

  • It is best to "keep it simple" and only put essential programs on your PC. Many programs, if deleted, even if properly uninstalled, can leave unwanted "pieces" on your hard drive or in the Windows registry, causing problems.
  • To obtain the best results, always use Uninstall programs properly by following the recommended order shown below:
    • Use the Uninstall program provided with the application. It is typically found in the same directory as the application.
    • Use the Add/Remove utility found in your computer's Control Panel.
    • Remove all directories and files associated with the application.
    • To aid in diagnosing a problem, write down the programs you have open when the problem occurs and any error messages. Try to pinpoint the onset of any problems — were you on the Internet, reading email, etc? Information like this will help a technical person diagnose your problem faster.
    • Does anyone else use your PC? Keep your password(s) to yourself. If you suspect any unauthorized users on your machine, there are simple but effective ways to limit usage to yourself and those authorized. Call your SysAdmin or the Help Desk for assistance.
    • Shut your PC down properly through your operating system to reduce chance of corrupting your data.

When You Sense a Problem (but the Computer is Still Running)

  • Check how much available storage space you have left on your hard disk.
  • If it is getting full, spend time cleaning it up. Applications need working room and often do not operate properly on almost full disks.
  • A general rule of thumb is to have 10% free disk space available.
  • If your system making whining, grinding or other irritating noises, call Desktop Services Field Support. While some sounds may be just a rattle or a harmless intermittent sound, some can signal a serious problem.
  • If you're not sure about a file, don't delete it. In most cases, programs have an uninstall function. This is the best way to remove unwanted programs.
  • Make sure that new program you loaded doesn’t require more memory or hard disk storage than you have on your system. It must meet the minimum recommendations to run properly.

Useful Utilities and Tools

  • Have your SysAdmin or the Help Desk walk you through the tools available on your hard disk to help you “clean up” your data.
  • Find out which ones should be run periodically to help maintain a clean system.
  • A partial list of useful utilities is provided below.
  • Tools may be accessed through Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools:
    • Scandisk checks your hard disk and its data for errors.
    • Quickscan checks for major problems. A more thorough scan takes much longer and does a more thorough check of the hard disk.
    • Disk Defragramenter consolidates your data by placing each file's pieces together so that it "reads" faster. Defragmenting your hard drive may take some time to complete.
    • Disk Cleanup lets you to remove temporary and other space-robbing files that accumulate on your hard disk through normal use and Internet access.
    • System Information lets you find out more about the internal workings of your PC, including the amount of RAM (random-access memory) and processor type. It also has valuable technical information if you know how to interpret it.

Printers

Laser Printers

  • Lights! — Look at the lights or message panel on the printe to help diagnose problemsr. Is the ready light on? Are there any lights on? Are the printer lights steady or blinking, and what color? Many times, operator manuals can help you determine a problem by decoding the lights on the printer. It may save you a call to look it up. It could be as simple as having a piece of paper in the transport that is easily removable. Has the printer been moved out of the way? Check all power and interface cables. Most printers also have a self test function that can be done from the panel, without a PC needed. If this option is in the operator guide, it may help determine if the problem is in the printer or the PC.
  • Print Quality — If you are having a print-quality problem, especially with a laser, try another toner cartridge. Many of the functional parts of a laser printer are in the cartridge. If the printer has jammed and paper needs to be removed, pull the paper out evenly and slowly. Be sure to use any roller-releasing levers to assist in paper removal. (Note: These levers are usually green, meaning "OK for operator to use.") Check for any small loose pieces that might be left in the printing path or under a sensor. HEED ANY WARNING STICKERS such as HOT. Lasers have a fuser that can get to over 400 degrees. If you are in over your head, or don't want to attempt anything, call Field Support for assistance.

Ink Jet Printers

  • A Few Ideas — You can do only a limited number of things to a basic ink jet printer. Ink jets have a self-test function that comes in handy. The major problem with ink jets is smeared printing, which usually requires cleaning by a qualified technician.
  • Print Quality — Print-quality problems can also be caused by a faulty ink cartridge. Make sure the exact cartridge for that printer is used as a replacement. Many cartridges look the same, but have a different part number. If the printer is bumping and grinding or overly noisy, generally it needs repairs beyond what a user can do.