Tech Tips
Do you ever feel like the technical support game gets old? Here are a few suggestions that will help get you to a resolution quicker when your having PC problems!
Know your problem: Telling a tech that your system is broken won’t help them resolve your issue. Take the time to write down any error messages that appear on screen when the problem arises. Also, try to duplicate the failure before you call your technical support line or on call technician so you can make a note of what happens and exactly when it happens.
Consider what changed: Things usually happen for a reason. If your Internet access is out, could it be that a circuit breaker was tripped during a storm? Perhaps a drive cable got knocked loose when you moved your PC. Or maybe your children got into the office and mucked with your software.
Keep it Simple: Many problems are astonishingly easy to fix-like the unplugged power cord. Before you spend time picking up the phone, make sure your system’s power and data cables are firmly seated if you’re comfortable with opening the cover on your computer.
Have your system information handy: Pull together any documentation in your office or home on the affected product. Software vendors will almost certainly ask for a product ID code, while most PC vendors require the system’s serial number and/or invoice number. Know at least what operating system you are running on your computer.
Get in front of your system or software: The biggest advantage to phone support, but technicians may have latitude to waive fees if they deem the call to be related to an installation problem. If you can present your glitch as being associated with your software installation, you may be able to save a few bucks. Sometimes a quick 5 minute call can get you up and running, so be patient and understand that unless noted on the tech support line in advance, most technicians on the other end of the phone are very well trained and some have more experience then others in their field.
Sometimes you can determine if the problem is software related by performing a “clean boot“. Click on the links below to perform a clean boot and see if your PC boots up any further then it currently is now.