Basic_Computer_Troubleshooting

=Basic Computer Troubleshooting= Try these things first. If none of them works, then contact techsupport at [|http://techsupport].

The monitor is showing a black screen...

 * The monitor has a serial port plug that plugs into the CPU. Make sure that's not loose.
 * The monitor also has a power cord. Make sure that has not come loose.
 * Most computers have all the power cords plugged into a surge protector. Check to make sure that isn't turned off or unplugged.
 * If you DO find that a cord or connection was loose, you need to power off the computer after fixing it. Then restart it.

The computer says it's 'locked'...

 * If you don't have the person who is logged in right there, you can't unlock it. You'll have to force shut it down (press and hold the power button of the CPU in until it starts powering off) Now restart it.

There's no sound...

 * Dell computers
 * Check the dial on the bottom right hand side of the monitor. It may be turned off there.
 * Return to the Start screen and find the speaker icon on the bottom task bar (far right). Check to see if the sound has be turned way down or off.
 * Right-click that speaker icon, choose open volume control, and check to see if someone has muted one or all of the options.
 * Check to see that the green tipped cord is plugged in the back of the CPU.
 * Lenovo computers
 * Return to the Start screen and find the speaker icon on the bottom task bar (far right). Check to see if the sound has be turned way down or off.
 * Right-click that speaker icon, choose open volume control, and check to see if someone has muted one or all of the options.
 * Check the sound bar attached to the bottom of the monitor. There should be a green light on the left side of the bar indicating that it is plugged in. Try pressing it if it's not on. If that doesn't work, follow the cord to the back of the CPU and make sure it's plugged in, not loose.

The headphones aren't working...

 * Check the computer's sound without the headphones to determine if the problem is truly the headphones.
 * Check the dial on the headphones themselves to make sure the last user didn't turn them down.
 * Check to see that the cord is firmly plugged in on the headphone end.
 * Lenovo desktops--check to see if the sound bar shows it's on (the left hand side green light).
 * Try plugging the headphones in alternative places. (Varies with computer).

Nothing happens when I turn it on...

 * Check to see if any of the power lights are on. If not, a connection is loose somewhere or something is unplugged.
 * If the power light for the CPU is green, but there's no picture -- check under the monitor is showing a black screen.

There are no network drives showing (for example, I can't see the K, S, R, or I drives)...

 * If they all appear to be missing, restart the computer and check again.
 * If you can't see the K drive, make sure you aren't logged in as a student.

The computer won't let me save anything...

 * Check where it is you are trying to save. Is it somewhere you have permission? If you are logged in as a student, you can't save in the S>Resources folder.
 * If you are not able to save to your My Documents folder, chances are it may be full. There's a 500 MB limit, which you can check by selecting everything in the folder, right-clicking, and checking Properties. If you delete items to make room, make sure you have emptied your Recycle Bin on that machine.

This laptop isn't working with the projector...

 * Check to see that the projector is turned on, plugged in, and the lens cap is off.
 * Try clicking Fn (Function) + F8 (Dell laptops), Fn(Function) + F7 (Lenovo laptops). Sometimes you need to do it more than once.

This laptop isn't online/working/seeing the network/seeing the internet...

 * Dell laptop -- Try pressing and holding the Fn (Function) and F2 keys down, then force shutting down and restarting it. You may have to do this several times. If that doesn't work, try "hard wiring" it. Borrow a network cable (most of them are gray, yellow, or blue) and try starting it.) Once it "sees" the network again, you can unplug it.
 * Lenovo laptop -- Check the little slider on the left front bottom. It should be all the way to the right, with "green" showing. If it isn't, you may need to restart after fixing it. If that doesn't work, try hardwiring it (see above).

The screen on this Lenovo has turned sideways/upside down...
You can also use this keyboard shortcut -- Ctrl+Alt+ Up Arrow (if it's sideways)… each arrow turns it a different way
 * Someone has used the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator Driver icon on the bottom of the screen taskbar (to the right). Click on the icon, choose Graphics Options>Rotation>Normal.

The keyboard isn't working...

 * Check to see if it is plugged in the back of the CPU. If it was loose, you'll need to restart the computer

The mouse isn't working...

 * Check to see if it is plugged in the back of the CPU. If it was loose, you'll need to restart the computer.