Computer frozen? Laptop making an odd noise? System running slow? Printer stuck? All of those are common problems that we will all experience at some point. At The Launch Pad we know that not everyone is technical but we also know when something isn’t working it is best to get it fixed as quickly as possible. So before you get frustrated or spend some time talking to your Client Solutions Manager, you might try the following….

Restart The Device – Guaranteed this will be the first thing the Client Solutions Manager will ask if you call them. So why not get a head start on finding out the problem and try it out first?

This tip seems so simple but many times it can remedy most issues. This solution doesn’t just apply to your computer or laptop either, you should restart anything electronic (printer, cell phone, router, DVD player, etc.) when it does not seem to be working.

Check All Plugs & Power Supply – Sometimes plugs can be stepped on, start getting loose or even pulled out on accident. Make sure you check that all the cables on both ends of the device are secured correctly. On some occasions the electrical outlet you are using could have failed and is no longer supplying power to the device. Be sure to check that and make sure that is not the problem before placing blame on the device.

Power Off the Device – This is not the same as solution #1. Restarting the device doesn’t allow the whole system to fully shut down. Think of it in terms of having a weekend off vs. taking a week-long vacation! Shutting down the device and unplugging the device from the power source for a minute before plugging it back in will ensure the entire system is fully re-booted. On portable devices you can shut down and remove the battery to achieve the same thing.

Try to Understand the Problem – How many times have you experienced a problem but when your Client Solutions Manager takes a look it doesn’t seem to be acting up? The CSM will sometimes need to see the problem you are having in order to fix it, so try to make sure you know what you did before the problem started. You should also be honest about what happened – If you spilled water on your machine, tell them! If you have a better understanding of what causes the device to act up, it will be a lot easier to identify and fix the problem.

The Launch Pad understands how frustrating it can be when your devices are acting up and you do not know how to fix it. We provide all our customers with access to a personalized customer portal where they can search through past technical problems and read our CSM’s notes on how we fixed the problem. Providing an archive of past problems allows our customers to have a better understanding of what can be done to fix an issue as quickly as possible. So, the next time your device decides not to act properly, try the solutions mentioned above and see if it fixes the problem. If they don’t– create a ticket, email support@launchpadonline.com or call your Client Solutions Manager!

If you have any questions about your technology contact The Launch Pad for a Free Technology Assessment so you can discover worry-free IT. View the Top 8 Reasons why your Business should subscribe to RevITup Worry-Free IT!