KBA/How to Problem Solve
From Lankyland
When you encounter an issue with your computer or other technological device you should follow these steps before freaking out.
Contents |
Step 1
Take note of the following items:
- What were you trying to do?
- What actually happened?
- What actions did you perform?
- Did you receive any error messages?
- Did you write down that error message?
Step 2
Turn it off and on again.
Sounds silly but most of the time turning the device off and on again will usually fix the problem.
Step 3
Is everything plugged in correctly? Make sure the device is off and unplug and then plug back in everything. Sometimes something will look like it is plugged in but it will have worked itself loose enough to no longer make a connection but not loose enough to fall out of the socket.
Step 4
This is where recording the error message comes in handy.
Google is an amazing tool for fixing technology. If you have an error message like 0x800FFEE then you can punch that straight into Google and it will usually return a lot of results.
Step 5
This is the point where it is finally okay to contact an IT Professional or the closest geek that you know.
As an IT geek I get asked a lot for help. I don't mind helping people but I prefer it if they have made some attempt themselves before getting on the phone.
So if you have a problem, follow the steps. Chances are you will fix it yourself. If not, then ask.
