I’m an I.T. guy, and proud of it. I like fixing stuff. However, most of the techniques I use are readily available to you with little to no real training.
The following are some basic I.T. tips that will help you, no matter what your skill level, troubleshoot not only computers, but also toasters, cars, etc.
UPDATE: Kaleb very astutely pointed out that a new #3 was in order, and he was right.
Long Version
- Is it plugged in? I know it hurts your pride when we ask you this, but it is a pertinent question. We ask this question because a) it is the easiest and simplest troubleshooting step, b) without this step all other troubleshooting is useless, and c) even the best I.T. guy has probably learned this the hard way at some point.
- Is it plugged all the way in? I have frequently been dispatched to work on a device that appeared to be plugged in, but was only plugged in enough to hold the cable in place, but not enough to make contact.
- Is it really plugged in? Check it again. If you wouldn’t confidently wager $1000 on it, then you need to check it.
- Is there anything between the device and the power source? This means extension cords, power strips, grounding adapters, anything.
- Will anything else work in the same power outlet? Try a nightlight or something simple that you know is functional to test with.
- Is it turned on? Again, a very basic question that causes no end of indignation on the other end of the phone.
- Turn it off and turn it back on. It’s amazing what this fixes: computers, cars, VCRs, DVD players, TVs, scanners.
Short Version
- Unplug it and replug it.
- Remove anything between the device and the power source.
- Try something else in the same outlet.
- Turn it on.
- Turn it off and then back on.
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