What type of issue are you having?
Computer won't start
Try these steps:
- Check power:
- Is it plugged in? Check both wall outlet and computer
- Laptop: Is the battery charged? Plug in the charger
- Desktop: Check power strip is on
- Check for lights: Do you see any LEDs on the computer?
- Check monitor:
- Is the monitor on? Check monitor power button
- Is the monitor cable connected?
- Try a different monitor cable
- Hard reset:
- Desktop: Unplug power for 30 seconds, plug back in
- Laptop: Hold power button for 15 seconds, release, then press to start
Computer is slow
Try these steps:
- Close unused programs: Check taskbar for running apps and close what you don't need
- Restart your computer: This clears memory and closes background processes
- Check for updates:
- Windows: Settings → Update & Security → Check for updates
- Mac: System Preferences → Software Update
- Check disk space:
- Windows: This PC → Right-click C: → Properties
- Mac: Apple menu → About This Mac → Storage
- Need at least 10% free space
- Disable startup programs:
- Windows: Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → Startup tab → Disable unnecessary items
- Mac: System Preferences → Users & Groups → Login Items
Computer is frozen
Try these steps:
- Wait 2 minutes: Sometimes Windows is just busy (updates, indexing)
- Try Ctrl+Alt+Delete:
- Windows: Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete → Task Manager
- Find "Not Responding" apps and click "End Task"
- Mac:
- Press Cmd+Option+Esc → Force Quit Applications
- Select frozen app → Force Quit
- Hard reset (last resort):
- Hold power button for 10 seconds until computer turns off
- Wait 10 seconds, then power back on
⚠️ Warning
Hard reset may cause data loss if you have unsaved work. Only use as last resort.
Password / login issues
Try these steps:
- Check Caps Lock: Is Caps Lock on? Passwords are case-sensitive
- Try your network password: Your computer login may use the same password as email
- Check keyboard:
- Try typing password in Notepad to see what's being typed
- Wireless keyboard battery dead?
- Windows password reset:
- Click "Reset password" on login screen
- Answer security questions (if set up)
⚠️ Account Lockout
Too many failed login attempts may lock your account. If locked out, contact support immediately.
Software / application issue
❌
Software won't open / crashes
Try these steps:
- Restart your computer: Simple but effective
- Check if software is already running:
- Windows: Check system tray (bottom-right icons)
- Mac: Check menu bar (top-right)
- Close all instances and try again
- Run as administrator:
- Windows: Right-click app → Run as administrator
- Reinstall the software:
- Uninstall (Control Panel → Programs)
- Download fresh from vendor website
- Reinstall
⚠️
Error message in software
Try these steps:
- Read the error message carefully: Screenshot it or write it down exactly
- Google the error: Copy exact error text and search online
- Check for updates:
- In the software: Help → Check for updates
- Or download latest version from vendor website
- Restart and try again: Restart computer and retry the action
📥
Need software installed
Before requesting installation:
- Get manager approval: Software requests must be approved by your supervisor
- Provide details:
- Software name and version
- Business justification (why you need it)
- Download link or purchase info
- Check if already available: Ask coworkers if they have it
- License cost: If paid software, who will pay for the license?
⚠️ Software Policy
Do not download or install software yourself without IT approval. Unauthorized software may violate company policy and create security risks.
🔑
Software license / activation issue
Try these steps:
- Check license email: Look for activation key in your email
- Deactivate other devices:
- Most licenses have device limits
- Log into vendor website and deactivate old computers
- Contact vendor: Many software companies have activation support
- Check internet connection: Some software needs internet to activate
Printer issues
🖨️
Printer won't print
Try these steps:
- Check printer power: Is it on? Check for lights/display
- Check connection:
- Network printer: Is ethernet/Wi-Fi connected?
- USB printer: Is USB cable plugged in?
- Check print queue:
- Windows: Control Panel → Devices and Printers → Double-click printer
- Mac: System Preferences → Printers & Scanners → Open Print Queue
- Cancel stuck jobs and try again
- Restart printer: Power off, wait 30 seconds, power on
- Set as default printer:
- Windows: Right-click printer → Set as default
- Mac: System Preferences → Printers → Select → Set as default
📵
Printer shows offline
Try these steps:
- Check printer is on: Power button, check display
- Check network connection:
- Look for network indicator on printer
- Print network config page from printer menu
- Restart printer: Power off for 30 seconds
- Remove and re-add printer:
- Windows: Settings → Devices → Printers → Remove → Add printer
- Mac: System Preferences → Printers → Remove (-) → Add (+)
- Ping the printer:
- Open Command Prompt / Terminal
- Type:
ping [printer IP address]
- If no response, printer is not reachable on network
🎨
Print quality issues
Try these steps:
- Check ink/toner levels: Print test page from printer menu
- Clean print heads:
- Inkjet: Run cleaning cycle from printer menu or software
- Laser: Remove and shake toner cartridge gently
- Check paper:
- Using correct paper type for printer?
- Paper damp or wrinkled?
- Align cartridges: Run alignment from printer menu
- Replace cartridge: If low on ink/toner
📄
Paper jam
Try these steps:
- Turn off printer: Power off before clearing jam
- Open all doors/trays: Check every access panel
- Remove jammed paper:
- Pull paper in direction of paper path (usually out the back)
- Pull slowly and steadily — don't yank
- Remove all torn pieces
- Check for obstructions: Paper clips, staples, debris
- Close all doors firmly: Make sure all panels click closed
- Power back on
⚠️ Frequent jams?
May indicate worn rollers, damaged paper tray, or wrong paper type. If jams happen often, printer needs service.