Tech Troubleshooting Lifesaver!

Are you having tech issues? Ugh. I hear you. I spend so much of my time dealing with tech troubleshooting and that has given me a lot of perspective on how to go about dealing with them. 

From the mindset side, you probably want to go check out Keep Going When Technology Lets You Down. For practical steps on how to try to fix some of those issues, this checklist is your go-to guide for quickly identifying and fixing the most common tech problems. 

Let’s get you back up and going quickly and easily. 

Start with the Basics

• Restart Your App: If something is glitchy, restart your app or browser. This often takes care of anything that suddenly stops working as it should.
• Restart Your Computer: Trust me, this really works! A simple restart can clear out temporary glitches and give your system a fresh start. It’s the first thing to try when something’s off. 
• Check Your Connections: Sometimes, it’s the little things. Make sure all your cables are snugly connected and everything is powered on. A loose plug can cause big headaches.
• Power Cycle Your Gear: For routers, modems, and other gadgets, unplug them, wait 30 seconds, and plug them back in. It’s like a quick nap for your tech.
• Battery Check: If you’re on a laptop or wireless device, double-check that your battery is charged and connected properly. Low power can make things go wonky.

Internet Troubles? Let’s Fix That.

• Restart Your Router: Give your router a break—unplug it, wait a bit, and plug it back in. This can often clear up those pesky connection issues.
• Run a Speed Test: Check your internet speed with something like fast.com.  It works well and is ad-free. It helps to know if your connection is running at full speed or if something’s slowing it down.
• Check for Outages: Sometimes, the problem isn’t you! Look online or check with your ISP to see if there’s an outage in your area.
• Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal: If your connection is weak, try moving closer to the router, clearing obstacles, or using a Wi-Fi extender.

Software Giving You Grief? No Problem!

• Keep Everything Updated: Make sure your operating system, drivers, and apps are all up-to-date. Updates often fix bugs that could be causing issues.
• Close Unused Apps and Windows: If you’ve got lots of apps and browser windows running, they might not play nice together. Close anything you’re not using to see if that helps.
• Clear Cache and Cookies: These little files can build up over time and slow things down. Clearing them out regularly can keep your software running smoothly.
• Shut it Down: Trying shutting down the app or even your computer restart everything to give your software a chance to start fresh.
• Reinstall or Repair: If one app keeps acting up, try reinstalling it or using the built-in repair options. It’s like giving the app a fresh start.
• Run a Diagnostic: Use your system’s diagnostic tools to spot and fix any hidden issues. They’re there to help!
• Peek at the Logs: If you’re up for it, check out your system logs for more detailed error info. It’s a bit techy, but it can offer clues.

Slow Computer? Let’s Speed It Up.

• Close Unnecessary Apps: Free up resources by shutting down programs you don’t need right now. Your system will thank you!
• Run a Virus Scan: Make sure there’s nothing sneaky slowing you down. A quick scan can catch any malware or viruses hiding out.
• Clean Up Your Disk: Use your system’s cleanup tools to clear out the clutter. It’s like spring cleaning for your computer.
• Check for Background Processes: Some programs like to run in the background, using up valuable power. Use Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to shut them down.
• Optimize Your Startup: Trim down the list of programs that start automatically when you boot up. This can make your system faster from the get-go.

Error Messages? Here’s What to Do.

Hardware Hassles? Let’s Sort Them Out.

• Look for Damage: Give your cables, ports, and devices a quick once-over. If something’s frayed or cracked, that could be your culprit.
• Clean it up: Clean out your ports, keyboard, and other crevices with canned air sprayed from a safe distance (see the can directions)
• Try a Different Port or Cable: Sometimes it’s as simple as switching to a different port or using a new cable. Easy fix, big difference.
• Test on Another Device: If possible, try your hardware on another computer. This helps you figure out if it’s the device or something else.
• Update Your Drivers: Keeping your hardware drivers up-to-date ensures everything works smoothly together. It’s like making sure everyone’s speaking the same language.
• Keep your computer clean: Cleaning your computer (both the software and the hardware) can help maintain top performance.  Use canned air to remove debris from tight areas using short bursts of air with the can held about 10 cm (4”) away. Wipe surfaces with a damp (not wet) microfiber cloth, clean all surfaces, keys, the shell and the screen.

Printer Problems? Here’s How to Get It Back on Track.

• Check Connections: Make sure your printer is properly connected to your computer or network. Sometimes, it’s just a loose cable.
• Clear Jams and Check Ink: Open up the printer and check for paper jams or low ink levels. These are the usual suspects.
• Restart the Printer: Turn your printer off and on again. This simple step can clear temporary errors and get things moving again.
• Run a Diagnostic: Most printers have built-in tools to find and fix issues. Run a quick diagnostic to see what’s up.
• Update Printer Drivers: Outdated drivers can cause recognition issues. Keep them updated to avoid hiccups.

Protection Plans and Prevention

• Back Up Regularly: Use an external drive or cloud service (I like Internext)to save your important files. It’s peace of mind in case something goes wrong.
• Keep Everything Updated: Regular updates can prevent many issues from ever happening. You can even set most apps to update automatically.
• Use Surge Protectors: Protect your gear from power surges with a good surge protector. It’s a small investment that can save you big headaches.
• Invest in Antivirus Software: Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date and run regular scans. It’s your best defense against malware.

You’ve Got This!

Keep troubleshooting and solving what tech issues you can, it’s a great way to build your tech confidence. 

Celebrate those wins—they add up!