Forget hanging on that tech support line for hours, if in doubt use the tried and tested method of restarting your computer. Miraculously, it solves a lot of issues.
But if it doesn’t do the trick, below are the top 8 tech support problems and how to solve them yourself.
1. Slow running computer
- Check to make sure the problem is your computer – buffering videos and slow loading websites may not be down to your computer (it could be your broadband speed, which can be checked using Speedtest.net)
- Check how much free space you have on your hard drive
- Use Microsoft’s System Configuration tool and switch off any applications that launch automatically if not needed
- Remove any programmes you no longer use and regularly use the disk clean up facility and defragment
2. Slow downloads
- Again check your broadband speeds
- Make sure you’re not inadvertently downloading something
- If neither of these work it may be time to call your ISP
3. Constantly restarting machine
- Make sure you’re not just experiencing a wave of Windows updates
- Update all your critical system drivers (e.g. graphics card, network card, motherboard)
- Clean up your machine as dust could be an issue
- Check for viruses
4. Pop-ups
- If your browser isn’t open, it could be adware – run a full scan with your anti-virus software, if it doesn’t find anything try Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free (disable your standard anti-virus first)
- Search online for the name of the advertised product as this may lead you to solutions from other victims
- If all else fails, do a complete system reinstall
5. Disconnecting Wi-Fi
- Make sure your computer is in the range of your wireless router
- Check your PCs wireless card has the latest drivers
- Troubleshoot through Windows (right click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar and select troubleshoot problems)
- If it doesn’t work, call your ISP
6. A problem with a website’s security certificate
- This is probably caused by your computer’s clock because website security certificates sync with your computer’s clock – click the clock in the system tray and select change date and time settings to correct any issues
7. Printer won’t print
- Check your drivers are up to date, you have enough paper and ink
- Turn it off and on again
- Unplug printer and plug back in again
- Check your print queue
- Make sure the ‘Use printer offline’ isn’t checked
8 Can’t open email attachements
- Probably due to you not having the right software to open the file
- Search the file’s extension to find the right programme
If none of these provide the solution you’re looking for, it’s time to pick up the phone and listen to the on hold music. Sometimes it’s easy to find a solution yourself, but then again there will be times when you’ll have to ask for help.
MPM Computer Consultancy provides IT Services, Support and Training to sole traders and small businesses in Ipswich. Bury St Edmunds and surrounding villages.