What to do if you have equipment
problems
Step 1 - Troubleshooting - please
try the advice below, including reading more information about the specific
problem further down this page.
To more easily find an answer :
A. Use Search, or
B. Click Edit
on your Internet Explorer Menu Bar, click Find (on This Page), in the Find
what box type the topic or keyword, click the Find Next button.
The keyword (if found) will then be highlighted so you can start reading at that
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General Troubleshooting Advice
-
Relax,
keep calm, retry.
-
Turn
everything off and try again
-
Make
sure there is not a floppy in the drive
-
Log
on properly - just turning
on the computer isn't always enough - watch for error messages. If a
window has a red circle with a white X in it (no matter what the message)
you must immediately restart the computer. If there is a small
blue shield icon in the task bar with a small red x on it, you must
immediately restart the computer. If the computer is not
logged onto the network properly you will not be able to print, you will not
be able to save in your own folder, and any STAR programs and AR will not
work.
-
Be
sure both ends of all cords and cables are plugged in securely. (monitor
into tower, cable between computer and hub, etc)
Unplugging and replugging sometimes helps. Feel free to put
stickers on the cords to help you.
-
Be
sure everything is turned on
-
Check that the cables are
correctly connected to the switch/hub and display a green light for each one - one from each computer to the
switch/hub and one to the wall (if
one goes out of the switch/hub and back into the switch/hub, even though the lights will be
green, neither the network or Internet will work). The easiest way to
check is to count the number of cables connected to the hub - you should have
one more than the number of computers that are in your room; after that you
should remove all cables and reconnect them properly.
-
If
there has been an electrical storm, or the power has gone out in the
building, unplug the switch/hub from the electrical outlet and plug it back
in.
-
Remember,
if the computer has Deep Freeze installed you
cannot make any changes (not even the desktop), install anything, or save
any files on that computer. Upon
start-up the computer reverts back to its district-specified state. If
there is a polar bear icon in the task bar near the clock, it means the
computer is frozen.
Click
on a problem below for more information:
If you still have a problem, continue...
Advice:
Save, Save Often, Backup
More
Advice - become familiar with your computer while everything is
working properly - look at where the cables connect - look at some of the
settings - take notes
-
Be
sure the power cord is securely plugged into the equipment and into an
electrical outlet. Remember
every cord has two ends! Sometimes
cords get “bumped” and are not pushed into the equipment all the way.
Unplugging and replugging sometimes helps.
-
If
you have plugged into a power center or a power strip, be sure the power is
ON for the outlet you are using. Be
sure the power center/strip is plugged into a functioning electrical outlet.
Some power strips have a set of “switched” outlets that must be turned
ON, as well as a set of “unswitched” outlets that are always ON if the
power strip is plugged into a functioning electrical outlet.
-
Try
a different outlet.
-
Try
a known working piece of equipment in that outlet.
-
Perhaps
you have an electrical problem instead of a computer problem.
It
won't turn on! My computer (monitor and/or tower) won't work
at all! No green power lights!! See
Electricity section.
Check
Signal Cable
is showing up on my monitor - Turn
the tower on.
My
CD drive won’t work! - Be sure the CD is clean. It is
OK to use a moist soft cloth to wipe off fingerprints and dirt as long as you do
not use a circular motion around the CD - wipe with short strokes from the
center of the CD going out to its edge. CD’s do eventually wear out -
many scratches can cause a CD to be unusable. Try the CD in another computer.
Turn the computer off and then try again. If you are sure the CD is OK and
no other CD’s work in that drive either, the CD drive probably needs to be
replaced; fill in the online Report
a Problem Form.
I
don’t see Otsegoland - (can't get to building
server) You may not be logged
on properly, or the network may just be SLOW. If the network is
working, you should be able to get around
this:
In the file name box (when opening or saving a file)
or in the "address" bar in a different window, type \\GRE1 or \\WES1 or
\\HES1 then press the enter key and continue.
Another way: Start -
Search/Find - Computer - type in the name of your building's server (GRE1, WES1,
HES1), it should be found and just continue from this window where you see the
server.
I
don't see anything on the monitor (or just a small
white line at the top left) - it is on and so is the
computer.
Make sure there is not a floppy in the drive.
Unplug the
keyboard and the mouse, replug them being sure they are in the correct location
(as strange as this seems, if they are in the opposite locations the monitor
will not display even though it seems like there is no relationship between
display and input).
Be sure the monitor cable is securely connected to the computer.
Also make sure it is in the correct connection - if your computer has more than
one spot where the monitor can plug in, you may have it in the incorrect
connector. If it is a Black Dell, be sure the monitor is
connected to the proper jack - click
here to see a small photo that can be enlarged by clicking on it.
Be sure the settings have not been changed
(accidentally): reset brightness, contrast, etc.
Connect a working
monitor to the computer and see if that monitor works to determine if it is a
monitor problem or a computer problem; also connect "blank" monitor to
a working computer.
If still nothing,
fill in the online problem
reporting form.
I
can’t print! - NOTE: If the network is not
accessible you will not be able to print - go to Network
problem. Also be sure the printer has the
correct paper in the correct tray (make sure the guide at the back of the tray
is set to the correct paper size) and is online - see Printer Tips
to be sure you are printing to the correct printer/tray, also see the table below the next five steps.
1
- The
first time you logon to a Windows XP computer with your username and password
you will have to install the printer for your use, even though another user has
been printing it is only valid under their username.
2 - Improper log-on is a frequent
cause of print failure.
3 - 
Make sure the printer is not offline or waiting for user intervention
(usually shown in red text at the left side of the printer window-click the
picture at the beginning of this step to enlarge it)- go to the printer folder -
double click
the printer, read the comments in the "status" column, or click the
printer's "file" menu and see what is checked. If the printer is
waiting for user intervention, you will have to go to the next step (delete and
reinstall).
4 - If you have checked all other reasons for not printing, you may have to delete
the printer (just highlight the printer and press delete) and reinstall
it.
| Make
sure you know which printer you are using. In the toolbar, pause
at the print button, a sign will tell you the name of the printer; from
File, go to Print, drop down and select the name of the correct printer. |
| Not
ready |
Press
the ready button |
|
Out
of Paper |
load
paper |
|
Wrong
type of paper |
cancel
job at printer, change setting at your computer |
|
Wrong
paper size |
cancel
job at printer, change setting at your computer, load paper properly |
|
Wrong
"tray" |
cancel
job at printer, change setting at your computer or load correctly |
Network
Problem- NOTE: If the network is not working
you will not be able to print, and possibly will not be able to get on the
Internet (depending upon the settings and operating system on the computer you
are using).
January
23, 2007 - Reminder - if the network doesn't work - check that the cables are
correctly connected - one from each computer to the hub and one to the wall (if
one goes out of the hub and back into the hub, even though the lights will be
green, neither the network or Internet will work). The easiest way to
check is to count the number of cables connected to the hub - you should have
one more than the number of computers that are in your room; after that you
should remove all cables and reconnect them properly.
1. Improper log-on
is a frequent cause
2. Be sure the network cable is plugged into the computer and into the
switch/hub or directly into the live port on the wall. If into the
switch/hub - make sure the cable from that hub to the wall is a "live"
connection - be sure there is a green light on the port on the switch/hub that
has the cable from the wall - keep in mind that in most rooms
only one of the wall ports is "live" (connected at the building patch
panel).
3. Unplug the electrical cord
from the wall or power strip that goes to the network switch/hub. Then plug it back in and try
again. If there has been a storm, you must do
this each time there has been a storm - perhaps several times in the same day if
is storming off and on that day.
4. Start at question
3 on the following grid
When
the network is S-L-O-W you may not see Otsegoland as you are trying to save or
open a file. You should be able to get around this:
If trying to open a file, or just to check
if the network is available: Start -
Search/Find - Computer - type in the name of your building's server (GRE1, WES1,
HES1), it should be found and just continue from this window where you see the
server.
If trying to save a file: In the
filename box within the Save As window type in the name of your building's
server preceded by two forward slashes (//GRE1, //WES1, //HES1).
Can't log on -
no domain password - no access - Windows 98 computer (change Feb 2006) - need to
install dsclient.exe from a CD (file stored on server) - see Kathy - the
workgroup should say otsegoland.
Internet
Problem - can’t connect on a Windows 98 computer, but the network
is OK
On Thursday October 29, 2004
NWOCA removed the proxy server. Many
of our Windows 98 computers had used this proxy server to connect to the
Internet. The proxy server must be
removed from the Internet settings on each of the Windows 98 computers to be
able to connect to the Internet after that date.
To do this,
- Open
Internet Explorer (even though it won’t connect, it is OK)
- In
the menu bar click Tools, click Internet Options
- Click
the Connections tab
- Click
the LAN Settings button
- Remove
all check marks - everything should be blank
- Click
OK
- Click
OK again
- Close
Internet Explorer
- Shut
down the computer
- Restart
the computer
XP - My Network Places Properties - Local Area
Connection Properties - 4 checkmarks (Client for Microsoft Networks, File and
Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks, QoS Packet Scheduler, Internet Protocol
[TCP/IP])
10.254.1.13 8080
It's
frozen!
1. Be patient, keep calm. Try to save (Ctrl+S). Then try these steps
in this order:
2. Try Escape
3. Try Alt+F4
4. End Task through Task Manager - press
Ctrl+Alt+Delete - a new window will open (if necessary click on the Task Manager
tab) - click End Task - a new window might open (be patient) - click End Now -
the program should close, then try again.
5. Properly shut down the computer if
possible, if not possible, turn the computer off at the power
switch. Wait a few moments. Turn it back on
CAPS
Lock seems reversed
Press Ctrl-Alt-Shift-C - it acts as a toggle to change CAPS Lock.
When
I “shut-down”, the Ultra computer says to wait, but nothing seems to happen,
what should I do?
If you do not get the message that it is OK to turn off your computer
after about 60 seconds, go ahead and turn the monitor and the computer OFF using
the ON-OFF switches.
Place
the mouse pointer on a blank part of the Taskbar, keep the left mouse button
down and drag the Taskbar back to the bottom – the mouse pointer must remain
the standard arrow while you do this – also move from edge to edge (from top
to side to bottom, you can’t drag from the top directly to the bottom).
I
don’t see the taskbar
You
can change the width of the Taskbar by putting the mouse pointer on the
Taskbar’s edge (even if you don’t see the Taskbar, you will notice the
pointer becomes a double pointing arrow) then drag to adjust the height of the
Taskbar (making it visible).
Journal
Viewer Problem when trying to open a pdf file
Go to www.microsoft.com - search for Journal Viewer - download 1.5 - repair -
finish - close
If this is a Windows XP computer, you will not be able to do this due to
security - fill in the online Report
a Problem Form
specifically stating the problem, otherwise you would correct this problem yourself.
Video
Camera Sound
|
|
Background sounds may be
overpowering using the internal microphone of the video camera. To avoid
this, use an external microphone. There is a microphone jack on the
camera, but be sure you use a "stereo" microphone rather than a
"mono" microphone. A stereo microphone's mini 3.5 jack has
two black rings on it (see picture); mono just has one. |
I
can't get a networked program to work
1. Check for a Network
Problem 2. If that didn't solve your problem, contact the
building representative for the program you are trying to use (not Kathy or
Craig).
I
Can't Seem to be able to use Clips Online
You
need to enable Cookies on your browser:
- Internet
Explorer Version 6:
- On
the Tools menu, select Internet Options.
- Select
the Privacy tab.
- Select
a privacy level under Settings (Medium High or High is recommended).
- Select
OK.
- Return
to Microsoft Office Online
- Internet
Explorer Version 5:
- On
the Tools menu, select Internet Options.
- Select
the Security tab.
- If
the security level is set to Custom, you can change it to another setting
or select the Custom Level button.
- Under
Cookies, click Enable for both options.
- Select
OK.
- Return
to Microsoft Office Online
- Other
browsers:
- To
learn how to accept cookies, see your browser Help.
Troubleshooting
Help Flow-sheet Grid:
|
1.
Are you sure you know which printer is set for printing? (in
room?, building network shared printer?)
|
YES
- continue
|
NO
Check by going to File in the menu bar, then print.
Notice the name of the printer.
If you need to change it, drop down and click on the correct
printer.
|
2.
Is the network (not just Internet) accessible from that computer?
|
|
YES
- continue
|
I
DON’T KNOW.
Double click network neighborhood on the desktop, now click entire
network. Do you see
Otsegoland?
|
NO
- continue
|
3.
Have you logged on properly (Username, Password, Domain)?
|
YES
- continue
|
I DON’T KNOW
or NO
Click the start button. Log
off and then log in again/properly.
|
|
4.
Have you been logged on properly at least 10 minutes?
|
|
YES
- continue
|
NO
- wait
a few minutes longer
|
|
5.
Has the computer been ON over 4 hours?
|
|
YES
-
restart
|
NO
- continue
|
|
6.
Is the switch/hub plugged in to an electrical outlet?
The switch/hub is the small box that has a network cable to each computer
and a cable to the network outlet along the wall; it also has to have an
electric cord plugged in.
|
|
YES -Unplugging
and replugging from the electrical outlet may help. - in fact if there was
a storm and the power went out, you almost have to do this
|
NO - find the
power pack and make sure one end is plugged into the switch/hub and the other
into a working electrical outlet (refer to the “electricity”
section for more information)
|
|
7.
Are there green lights ON the hub?
|
|
YES
- continue
|
NO
- Be sure the hub
is getting electricity. Find
the power pack and make sure one end is plugged into the hub and the other
into a working electrical outlet (refer to the “electricity” section
for more information). Unplugging and replugging may help.
|
|
8.
Is there a cable securely connected between the hub and the wall
jack?
|
|
YES -Unplugging
and replugging may help.
|
NO
- connect it
|
|
9.
Is there a cable securely connected between the computer and the hub?
|
|
YES - Be sure it
is in the network jack (not the modem jack if the computer has more than
one jack that looks like it’s similar). Unplugging and replugging may
help.
|
NO
- connect it
|
|
10.
Is it working now?
|
| YES
- great! |
NO
- fill in the online Report
a Problem Form |
Preventative
Tactics:
Save, Save Often, Backup
Become familiar with your
computer while everything is working properly - look at where the cables connect
- look at some of the settings - take notes - use the digital camera and
photograph it
Keep
the computer, disks, and nearby area, clean.
Return to Teacher
Help Pages or Student Resource
Pages
Last updated November 27, 2007
~
Mrs. K. Bradley
ot_kab@nwoca.org
Possible search words -
can't find
building server can't get to server gre wes hes gre1 wes1 hes1 GRE1 HES1 WES1
GRE HES WES
can't find gre can't find hes can't find wes can't get to wes can't
get to gre can't get to hes can't get to building server
Beeps - won't boot - reseat memory
No sound - "refresh" the audio
driver
Network problem last resort -log on ad
admin@local - My Comp - Prop - Advanced - delete all except Admin - takes a long
time to log back in the first time - be patient (had already switched cables,
virus scan, spyware, LAN settings with no proxy and no checkmarks ran repair,
file sharing turned off, remove then add otsegoland - hoped it wasn't the
network card
Has power - won't boot - old Ultra
updated to XP - had to replace power supply
look in folder called C:\Documents and Settings\bradleyk\My Documents\School\Network installation layout etc\Installation - Advice
- many files including one called "fixes"
*****
Make sure the printer is not offline or waiting for user intervention
(usually shown in red text at the left side of the printer window-click the
picture at the beginning of this step to enlarge it)- go to the printer folder -
double click
the printer, read the comments in the "status" column, or click the
printer's "file" menu and see what is checked. If the printer is
waiting for user intervention, you will have to go to the next step (delete and
reinstall).