Many of these common IT problems can be solved without the help of an IT professional, and IT departments can save a lot of time with a portal or document that details the solutions to these problems. This article is a helpful resource to get your IT problems FAQ document started!
Files were accidentally deleted.
It’s happened to just about everyone. Oftentimes, accidentally deleted files will automatically be placed in the Recycle Bin, where they can be easily recovered. However, if the individual has emptied the Recycle Bin or “Shift-Deleted” a file, a more forensic recovery will be in order and the files may still be unrecoverable. Click here to learn how to recover deleted files on a PC, or click here for the instructions for Mac.
User has difficulty logging in.
This is a daily frustration for many an IT professional, and while its solution could be as simple as a simple user error such as a repeated typo or leaving the ‘caps lock’ on, there are more major issues that a locked login indicates. For example, if they have been using high-risk applications (such as Farmville), their account may have gotten suspended. You may need to follow steps to fix a user profile service fail.
Computer operates slowly.
‘Rainbow Wheel’ and the obnoxious hourglass on a PC are two icons that spark anger in many a tech user’s heart. Normally, these icons should only be seen momentarily, as the machine catches up with the user’s actions. But a slowly running computer with a ‘spinning beachball of death’ and frozen hourglass indicates other issues. A slowly operating computer may be the result of having too many browser windows and/or heavy desktop applications (such as Photoshop) open or running at once. In this case, an easy fix is close the ones the user isn’t actually using, or to cut back on multitasking. However, there could be more complicated issues with the machine hardware (such as needing more ram) or worse, the machine has picked up malware. These more complicated causes for slowness and require an IT professional’s assistance to fix, and if the cause is malware, it will help if the user can identify what they were doing when the slowness began.
The wireless network keeps kicking a user off.
It’s very frustrating when the wireless connection keeps dropping in and out. The first check, in this case, is to ensure that the wireless router is securely connected. Next, check the connection to the modem. You may need to reset one or the other or both to re-boot the system.
Weird sounds are coming from the computer.
The cooling fan on a computer needs to be dusted and cleaned every so often, otherwise it can get clogged with a hockey-puck-looking layer of dust and debris. If this is allowed to happen, the computer may start making strange sounds to indicate it needs cleaning. However, loud sounds coming from a computer are not always symptoms of a clogged fan – it could be the hard drive, which is a far more serious issue. For example, if the computer is making a clicking sound, that’s an early indicator that there may be a hard drive issue, and it could crash due to mechanical failure or a virus. First, make sure that all data is backed up before investigating the problem and starting on the fix.
Malware has infected the computer.
Malware is a malicious software of many types, which attempts to infect machines like computers and mobile devices. You can protect against it with anti-malware software, but if the device gets infected, you will need to use a reliable removal tool to clean the machine and get rid of the malware.
Spyware has infected the computer or network.
Spyware is more frequently successful at infecting a business’ machines or network than malware because it is almost always undetected by the common anti-virus applications. Using email and website links, it can slip past firewalls. It is used by hackers to gain access to personal information, banking details, or online activity. Symptoms that indicate spyware infection include being redirected to an alternate search engine when running searches, new icons appearing in the user’s taskbar, and strange error messages that didn’t use to appear when performing normal operations. Use a spyware scanner from time to time to monitor and detect spyware more effectively, and if infected, use an antivirus software to remove it.
Pressing the power button doesn’t turn the computer on.
If the computer won’t turn on after the power button is pressed, a power supply failure has likely occurred. It may have been overloaded, the system board has a defective capacitor, it overheated due to too much dust, or basic voltages required for the power supply are missing. To determine if it can be fixed or needs replacement, follow these steps.
The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).
At one time or another, almost every PC user has encountered the Blue Screen of Death. It’s also known as a STOP Error and occurs when something serious happens that requires your computer to restart. Depending on the Stop Code, fixing this issue may be more or less time-intensive and may or may not require professional IT assistance.
“404” or “Page Not Found” website error.
When you attempt to go to a web page and experience this error, it means that the page isn’t there or doesn’t exist. First, make sure that you typed the address correctly in the browser window, or if you clicked a link, check to make sure the link you were given doesn’t have a typo. If that doesn’t work, follow Yoast’s steps for fixing 404 errors.
Downloads take ages to complete.
Slow downloads could indicate connectivity issues or may be a symptom of more serious computer trouble. First, run a speed test to check out your download and upload speeds. Ideally, it should be at least 50 percent of the speed you are paying your Internet service provider for, and should ‘ping’ at less than 100 milliseconds. If the speed is good, check your system to see if you are running any downloads in the background inadvertently. If not, try resetting your Internet router and modem. That often corrects the issue, but if you’re still having trouble, contact your Internet provider.
User keeps receiving the error message: ‘There is a problem with this website’s security certificate’.
According to most support technicians, this problem is almost always due to your computer’s clock being out of sync or having a dead battery. Since the security certificates sync up with the clock on your computer, a dead our out-of-sync CMOS battery will create this error. Older computers also run a higher risk of this. To correct it, change your clock’s date/time settings.
In addition to the items above, there are a couple of the most common IT issues that can often be solved by asking the following questions and performing the associated actions BEFORE asking an IT professional for help:
- Anything electrical: Is it turned on/plugged in?
- First step (often): Have I restarted my computer?
- Website issues: Have I cleared my browser cache?
- Login issues: Is the Caps Lock off?
- Computer issues: When was the last time I updated my computer’s operating system?
So there you have it. Make sure to hold onto this in case another flashing light pops up. Or when Linda down the hall needs a hand, just pretend you wrote this. You’re welcome and good luck!
Jeff Steele, ofCMIT Solutions Seattle, a Managed IT Solutions Services provider, has worked at or with the world’s leading players in digital media — from Fortune 100 companies to VC backed firms. Starting in datacenter operations and datacenter management, he was a self-taught programmer and top Systems Engineer for IBM Global Services. Jeff helped build and grow new media businesses worldwide for companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Fox by bringing technical understanding and know-how together with deep business experience — resulting in innovative ways to showcase and monetize content. Jeff is able to bridge the gap between tech and business.
