Free Advice
If it's the computer that is acting up (like going really slowly or not doing the normal things it does [for instance, printing], you want to start with Step 1.
If it's the internet connection that is acting up (like getting "Page Not Found" errors or pages are loading unusually slowly), starting with Step 1 or 2 will not hurt, and may help, but you may find the real solution in Step 3 and on).
Step 1 - Reboot
I'm not sure why, but most people omit this first step. It takes about a minute or two to do, and it will probably take longer to call me, anyway. This step is often skipped as if something this simple is not going to help, but it often does. If it doesn't work, or you want to skip this step in lieu of saving time, skip away to the next step.
Step 2 - Turn Off the Computer
While the computer is off, reach around the back side of the computer and unplug it from the power. For a laptop, you'd do the same thing, but would also remove the battery. After this is done (for either a desktop or a laptop computer), push the power button about 15 times in relatively quick succession, and hold the last press for about 15 seconds, and then release the power button. Wait about 30 seconds before plugging the computer back in to the power (or plugging it in and reinserting the battery for a laptop), and then power the computer up normally.
Step 3 - Reboot the Modem and/or Router (probably not necessarily unless it's "the internet" or your network that's acting up).
All electronic devices benefit an occasional power cycle (meaning removing the power and then putting the power back to the device). The modem and the router (may also be a combo device) are no exception to this rule. The modem is what is connected to the cable company's cable line or the phone company's DSL line. The modem will have the cable or phone line going into it, and a regular network cable coming out of it (you can click HERE to see what a network cable looks like). That network cable will then go into your router, and then come out with another network cable that goes to your computer (if you're wired) or transmitted wirelessly to your computer (if you're wireless). This is actually much simpler than it sounds here. You can find a simple diagram HERE).
You want to unplug the power cord (usually the thinnest black cord) from the back of the modem, and do the same for the router. Keep them unplugged for about 30 seconds, and then plug the power cord back into the modem first. Wait about a minute, then plug the power cord back into the router as well. After a minute or two you should be able to get on the internet again, and if not, reboot your computer and see if that helps.
You want to do the reboots of the modem and router in that order. The modem gets information from your Internet Service Provider that it then hands on to the router. If you do them backward, the router won't get the information it needs.
One last note about the modems and routers (mostly about the routers). There is usually a recessed button on the back of the device. It is usually labeled "RESET." Don't push it unless you want the router to act like it just came out of the factory box. Your secured wireless and router password will be deleted and you will be flappin' in the breeze, wide-open to anyone hacking your network and/or wireless, until/unless you reconfigure it.
Step 4 - Call Todd
If the above steps have not helped solve your problem, now is the appropriate time to call me. Some things I'll usually want to know if I haven't heard from you in a long time or if I'm unfamiliar with the machine (it's o.k. if you don't have this information, don't stress, just tell me whatever your best guess is on them...):
1) Is it a laptop, a desktop, or a server, and who makes it?
2) How old is it?
3) Is it under any warranty that you know of?
4) When did the problem start?
5) Has it been acting strangely in any other way recently?
Then we'll figure out the best way to proceed with the repair (or if the repair is even suggested in some cases).
If it's the internet connection that is acting up (like getting "Page Not Found" errors or pages are loading unusually slowly), starting with Step 1 or 2 will not hurt, and may help, but you may find the real solution in Step 3 and on).
Step 1 - Reboot
I'm not sure why, but most people omit this first step. It takes about a minute or two to do, and it will probably take longer to call me, anyway. This step is often skipped as if something this simple is not going to help, but it often does. If it doesn't work, or you want to skip this step in lieu of saving time, skip away to the next step.
Step 2 - Turn Off the Computer
While the computer is off, reach around the back side of the computer and unplug it from the power. For a laptop, you'd do the same thing, but would also remove the battery. After this is done (for either a desktop or a laptop computer), push the power button about 15 times in relatively quick succession, and hold the last press for about 15 seconds, and then release the power button. Wait about 30 seconds before plugging the computer back in to the power (or plugging it in and reinserting the battery for a laptop), and then power the computer up normally.
Step 3 - Reboot the Modem and/or Router (probably not necessarily unless it's "the internet" or your network that's acting up).
All electronic devices benefit an occasional power cycle (meaning removing the power and then putting the power back to the device). The modem and the router (may also be a combo device) are no exception to this rule. The modem is what is connected to the cable company's cable line or the phone company's DSL line. The modem will have the cable or phone line going into it, and a regular network cable coming out of it (you can click HERE to see what a network cable looks like). That network cable will then go into your router, and then come out with another network cable that goes to your computer (if you're wired) or transmitted wirelessly to your computer (if you're wireless). This is actually much simpler than it sounds here. You can find a simple diagram HERE).
You want to unplug the power cord (usually the thinnest black cord) from the back of the modem, and do the same for the router. Keep them unplugged for about 30 seconds, and then plug the power cord back into the modem first. Wait about a minute, then plug the power cord back into the router as well. After a minute or two you should be able to get on the internet again, and if not, reboot your computer and see if that helps.
You want to do the reboots of the modem and router in that order. The modem gets information from your Internet Service Provider that it then hands on to the router. If you do them backward, the router won't get the information it needs.
One last note about the modems and routers (mostly about the routers). There is usually a recessed button on the back of the device. It is usually labeled "RESET." Don't push it unless you want the router to act like it just came out of the factory box. Your secured wireless and router password will be deleted and you will be flappin' in the breeze, wide-open to anyone hacking your network and/or wireless, until/unless you reconfigure it.
Step 4 - Call Todd
If the above steps have not helped solve your problem, now is the appropriate time to call me. Some things I'll usually want to know if I haven't heard from you in a long time or if I'm unfamiliar with the machine (it's o.k. if you don't have this information, don't stress, just tell me whatever your best guess is on them...):
1) Is it a laptop, a desktop, or a server, and who makes it?
2) How old is it?
3) Is it under any warranty that you know of?
4) When did the problem start?
5) Has it been acting strangely in any other way recently?
Then we'll figure out the best way to proceed with the repair (or if the repair is even suggested in some cases).
Copyright 2000-2012 todd hickerson computing ltd
"My server's hard drive is making strange scraping noises" Listen. If a drive is really making scraping noises, the drive is dying, and your
data will be smoked quicker than you can look it up on Google. The best and only answer to this complaint it to shut off the server immediately, and don't
turn it back on. You will need professional help for this issue. Don't try to figure it out yourself, or the cost to you will be the extermination of your data.
People are constantly hitting me up for free advice. What I've decided to do here is to list some common issues and what I tell people to do. That way there's
a reference for it, and people can look up my suggestions the next time it happens also. My guess is that this section will grow as more and different
problems become prevalent. We'll start with some basic troubleshooting steps, and move on to common issues below that.
todd hickerson computing ltd
"My computer is infected and it tells me that it's sending my banking information all over" This is indeed an infection, but it is a
hoax variety. It's not a real virus. The "scan" that this supposed anti-virus is actually a movie clip designed to scare the bleep out of you. I get many frantic
calls about this very situation. Relax and take a deep breath. While you are infected with this spyware/trojan, it's not as bad as the scare tactics will lead
you to believe. In all reality, they are not destroying or sending your data all over. All they want is for you to buy their program which you SHOULD NOT do.
Assuming your normal anti-virus software hasn't prevented the infection, the best bet is to turn off the computer and give me a call. If you want to try your
hand at fixing it, hit up a Google search for some hints on how to slay the specific savage beast that's afflicting you.