Transcript Troubleshooting - Shelby County Schools

Created by: Mikki Cantley, School of Technology
• Alabama Technology Course of Study
• Grades 9-12, Objective 12
• Grades 6-8, Objective 4
Definition:
• The process of identifying, containing, and
restoring operation (Basically, you try a lot
of different ways to fix something until you
find the answer to your problem).
Table of Contents
• Login
• Email
• Star/AR/SST
• Peripherals
• Printing
• PC Tips
Tips!
• Before asking for help, try a couple
different things.
• Make sure you double check the common
mistakes.
I can’t login!
Have You…
• Rebooted the computer?
• Checked the network cables?
• Checked to see if there is a green light next
to the network cable?
• Asked someone else to login on your
computer to see if it is a password problem?
• Tried to login on another computer?
OH NO!!! I can’t get my e-mail!
Have You…
• Rebooted the computer?
• Tried to login with NO password? (try leaving it blank)
• Checked to see if your Caps Lock is on? Groupwise
passwords are case sensitive.
• Asked someone else to get his or her email on your
computer?
• Tried to get your email on another computer.
• Asked if others are having trouble getting their email.
I can’t open STAR/AR/SSTS!
Have you…
• Rebooted the computer?
• Logged in? (You should see more than just
drives A, C, and D)
• Tried to open these programs on another
computer?
• Clicked on the AR or STAR shortcut icon
with the RED arrow?
Monitors
Problem: My monitor is dark, not clear, or
the display appears distorted
A: Adjust the contrast and brightness.
Shut down the computer, unplug the
cable between the monitor and the
computer and make sure the cables pins
are not bent or broken. Re-plug the
cable and reboot the computer.
Headphones!!
Problem: The sound coming out of the
headphones is inadequate.
A: Make sure the microphone is OFF. Adjust
the volume on the headphones. Unplug and
re-plug the jack into the computer. Make
sure the plug seats properly. Switch with a
functioning headset and reboot to
determine if the headset is damaged.
Microphone
Problem: The microphone isn’t working.
A: Unplug and Re-plug the microphone
cord into the jack on the back of the
computer . Switch with another
microphone to determine if the
microphone is damaged.
Keyboard
Problem: The Keyboard is not working.
A: Shut down the computer, unplug and replug the keyboard into the computer.
Reboot the computer. Switch with another
keyboard and reboot to determine if the
keyboard is damaged.
Mouse or Trackball
Problem: The mouse on the computer isn't
working.
A: Check the ball to make sure it is in place and
rotates easily. Shutdown the computer, unplug
and re-plug the mouse into the computer,
reboot. Remove the ball and clean lint out of
the casing. Switch with another mouse and
reboot to determine if the mouse is broken.
Printer is not working!!
Problem: The printer does not appear to be working.
A: Check the power light and the “On Line” or “Select”
lights. Make sure there is paper in the printer. (both
trays) Run the printer test. (Utilize the printer
troubleshooting guide) Unplug and re-plug the printer
cable at both ends. Reboot the printer.
Printer Output problems
Problem: The printer will not stop feeding
paper or the output is distorted.
A: Clear the print que. Turn the printer off and
then on again.
Paper Jams
Problem: The printer paper keeps jamming on
continuous feed.
A: Remove all paper and reset the paper on the
tractor feed. Try paper from a different ream.
Refer to the quick reference card that comes
with the instruction manual for the printer.
Lock both sides of the tractor feeder. Make
sure the lever in back of the printer is in the up
position. Turn the printer off and form feed.
Other problems associated with
printers!
Cables
• On most printers, the cables must not exceed 8
feet in length.
• You might be able to use one that goes as far as 16
feet but the printer may not work correctly.
• IEEE cables are recommended
Additionally…
• On a switch box, the combined length of all cables
must not exceed the above limits. That means to
start measuring from the plug on the back of the
computer and trace the cable all the way to the
plug on the back of the printer.
• If you are using a scanner in the tandem with a
printer, limit the cable to the length above. The
newer printers require either a Bi-directional cable
or an IEEE-1284 cable. Both of these cables are
special and cost more than a standard cable. Your
printer’s documentation should explain which to
use.
If the printer is dead…
• Check the power cable, and the power switch.
Some printers go to sleep automatically when
they are not used for a few minutes, but as soon
as you press a key like Form Feed on the
printer or when you send a job, the printer
comes on.
Memory
• When printing graphics, you might find that the whole
page didn’t print out. Instead, you might get a partial page
to print and the remaining page is blank. This is a sign of
not having enough memory
Drivers
• You must install proper drivers in order for
a printer to work in Windows. Usually the
drivers come on a CD-ROM or on a floppy
diskette. You may also download them
from the network or manufacturer’s
website.
Settings
• Sometimes a setting found on the Printer
Properties under the “Spool Settings”
(Normally set to EMF) can be changed to
RAW and correct some printing problems.
You must have proper settings such as
Landscape or Portrait.
Applications
• You must select the proper printer driver
from the application prior to sending the job
to the printer. This is done by selecting
File, Print and pressing the setup tab, after
which, you select the printer’s name from
the drop down menu.
A common problem…
When you try to print you get many pages with the
same characters at the top of each page, but the
rest of the page is blank. Solutions:
• The cable is too long.
• The correct driver isn’t installed.
• The driver is corrupt and needs to be reinstalled.
Inkjet Printers
• Q: The printer acts like it’s printing but there is
nothing on the paper. What should I do?
• A: Most likely the ink cartridge is out of ink. If
the colors look funny, such as the red looks purple,
only one color may be out or the cartridge could
be clogged up with dry ink. You should try
cleaning it or purchase a new one.
Laser Jet Printers
• Q: The printout has black vertical stripes
running down the page, what’s wrong?
• A: The toner drum might have a scratch on
it. Most likely, changing the toner cartridge
will correct this problem.
Always prepare for the worst –
Back it up!
• When a serious problem occurs, be ready
for it. Back up your important data. Most
applications can be reloaded from CD so
there’s usually no reason to back them up.
Focus on your documents.
Check & test equipment
regularly!
• Make sure cables and all devices are plugged in
correctly and running. If they don’t run, check to
see if the pins are bent or if the cable is damaged.
You should do this on a regular schedule with ALL
equipment!
Know your computer!
You should know the following…
• The brand and model (sometimes indicated on the
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front of the computer).
Type of microprocessor and speed.
Operating system (ex. Windows 2000)
Size of hard drives and free space.
Peripheral devices (ex. Printer, mouse, etc.)
Size and manufacturer of monitor (ex. 17-inch
Sony Trinitron color monitor)
Purchase date and warranty information!
More Tips…
• Scan for viruses regularly.
• Take care of your PC and keep it up to date!
You have completed the lesson on Basic
Troubleshooting! If you have a problem with a
computer, hopefully you will now know what to
do. Good Luck!