Self Help IT Troubleshooting Tips

Troubleshooting Tips in detail

Troubleshooting Self-Help Tips

If you are experiencing a technical issue, please take a few minutes to go through these checklist items. This may help you solve your problem in the meantime. Go ahead, try to answer these questions and you might be amazed at the results.

  • Save all Data – Before troubleshooting anything, save all open documents so work is not lost.
  • Check Connections– Check all power connections to the power outlet or surge protector. Check the back of the machine for securely connected cables for the power, video, mouse, keyboard, Ethernet cables (Network cables), etc. Check the Ethernet cable connection to the wall outlet.
  • Power– Confirm that the computer is on.
  • Reboot – Sometimes your computer may experience issues due to your computer’s memory getting full, corrupted or it may experience what are called memory leaks. Shutdown the system. Wait 30 seconds and restart.
  • Valid Passwords – Confirm that you are logged into the network using a valid network account id and password.
  • Internet – If the problem is with the Internet, try several other web sites.
  • Colleagues – Check with other users in your area to determine if they are experiencing the same problem. If so, one person should report the problem and submit a technical support request.
  • Error Message – If you receive an error message, write the exact message down and report with your technical support request or take a screen shot of the image and attach it to your technical support request in an email to help@precisionitconsulting.com.
  • Last Function – Make a note of the last function or operation that you completed before the system malfunctioned. (i.e. – “I was trying to print a document to Printer#1 from Microsoft Word”)
Your Application is Not responding
  • Make sure other applications you are using are not having the same issue.
  • Check with your colleagues to see if they are having the same issue as you are.
  • Close out the application and quit/force the application. You can do this by holding "Ctrl"+"Alt"+"Delete" then selecting "Task Manager" then select the application from the list then hit "End Task".
  • If this does not resolve your issue, try rebooting your system as well.
  • If that does not work, contact our help desk at 877-800-6710 Option #1.
Your Mac is running slow
  • If your mac is running slow, you can view what is running on your Mac to see if it is slowing your computer down. Go to "Finder", then select "Utilities" under the "Go" menu and select "Activity Monitor".
  • If that does not work, then the fact your system is running out of storage could cause this issue. To figure out how much storage your system has, go to the Apple menu and click "About This Mac". Then click the "Storage" tab to see how much free space is left on your system.
  • If this does not work, then reset "NVRAM/PRAM" on your system. To do this, shutdown your Mac completely and then turn you Mac back on and them immediately hold down the "Option + "Command" + "P" and "R" keys. Do not release these keys until you hear the startup sound twice or see the Apple logo is gone for the second time.
  • If this does not work, then contact our help desk at (877) 800-6710 Option #1
Your windows computer is running slow
  • Check Task Manager to see if there are any programs or "Processes" that are using up too many resources. To do this, select "Ctrl + Alt + Delete" at the same time. Then click on "Task Manager" and check to see if you have any programs or processes running that you are not using. If you see any, then select "End Process".
  • Another issue that could be causing your system to be running slow is your Windows system is running out of space. To check your storage usage, go to "File Explorer" under the "Start Menu". In the left hand side of the menu, select "This PC" or "My Computer". Under "Devices and Drivers, you will be able to see all of the devices and what storage is available for each space.
  • If this does not work, then reboot your system to see if this helps.
  • If this does not work, then contact our Help Desk at (877) 800-6710 x Option #1
External monitor connected to my laptop will not display
  • If you use a laptop with a docking station, then make sure your laptop is properly docked and then reboot your system.
Wifi (Wireless) is not working
  • If your wireless connection is not working, then press "FN + "F5" to turn the WiFi radio on. Some laptops have a physical WiFi switch on the side that can be pressed/slid to turn on the WiFi connection on.
Can Not Connect VIA VPN
  • Restart your VPN software
  • If that does not work, double-check your internet connection is actually working. Open up your browser and surf to other websites to check this.
  • If you have antivirus on your laptop that has a local firewall, disable this. If you do not have a local firewall, then restart your home router/firewall and see if this resolves your issue.
  • Sometimes updates can affect your software so if you know how, try re-installing your VPN software.
  • If your issues persists then please contact our help desk at (877) 800-6710 Option #1

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Secure Email (Email Spam, Continuity, Archiving) Training Guides

The following are some of the more common issues end-users may need training on when using our standard email security solution from Mimecast. If there is not a tip here that meets your needs, please refer to the following website which has more training options (Select the "User Guides"): https://community.mimecast.com/community/knowledge-base/mimecast-personal-portal-v3