July Monthly Bulletin
President’s Message
Computer Problems? Try These Solutions First.
I was talking recently with Tom Verbeke, who heads up our First Level Support (FLS) team, about which technology problems we encounter most frequently. It turns out that many support calls answered by our FLS team are for repetitive problems, and we thought it would be beneficial to identify them and their common solutions in this month’s Bulletin. If you encounter any of these technology issues, it’s easy to try fixing them yourself. If that doesn’t work, you can always reach out to the FLS team.
Computer is running but there is no Internet (Windows & Mac.
- Locate the internet modem. Unless you’ve purchased a modem, yourself, this is the device provided by Spectrum, or your internet service provider.
- Disconnect the modem power cord.
- Locate your Wi-Fi router (this should be connected to the modem with an ethernet cable) and disconnect the power.
- Leave the modem and Wi-Fi router unplugged for at least 15 seconds.
- Plug the modem back in first, wait a few seconds and then plug in the router.
Everything is frozen (Windows)
- Press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds.
- Start the machine as you normally would. This most often will result in the computer starting normally.
Computer won’t start (Windows & Mac)
- Be sure it is connected to a live outlet? Plug a lamp into the same outlet and see if it works. (I know, you’re thinking this could never be the case) – but we find this to be the culprit more often than you would think.
- Ensure the AC plugs are fully and tightly inserted.
- Be sure the monitor is turned on. If you’re using a desktop with an external monitor, power or a video signal to the monitor can often be the problem.
- If you’re using a laptop, be sure the brightness is turned up.
Printer connection issues
- Windows 10 supports most printers, but connection issues happen. To install or add a printer (whether it’s networked, wireless or Bluetooth), go to Start > Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners. Select Add a printer or scanner. Your device should find the printer (assuming it’s turned on and connected to Wi-Fi or the network) and should allow you to select Add device.
- If your printer isn’t in the list, select The printer that I want isn’t listed and then follow the instructions to add it manually, using one of the options provided.
- If you’re trying to install a local printer (connected via USB cable and not Wi-Fi), you can typically just plug it into your USB port and follow the same instructions. If your printer stops working, repeat the process.
Problems when updating Windows
If you’re running into a problem or error updating, try the following:
- Make sure your device is connected to the internet (you’ll need an internet connection to update Windows).
- Try to install the update manually, by following the instructions above. If unsuccessful, try the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
- Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter: Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Under Get up and Running, select Windows Update.
Bluetooth not working
If you suddenly can’t connect your Bluetooth headphones, mouse or keyboard, here are a few things you can try:
- Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. You can do this by going to the taskbar and selecting Action Center (it looks like a message square). If you don’t see Bluetooth, select Expand. You should then see Bluetooth, and be able to select it to turn it on. If your device isn’t paired with any Bluetooth accessories, it will say “Not connected.” Your other option is to go to Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth and turn it on there.
- Check your Bluetooth device. Make sure your accessory is turned on, is charged or has fresh batteries, and is close to your Windows 10 device. You can then try turning off the Bluetooth device and turning it back on after a few seconds. If it’s still not working, make sure it’s not too close to any other USB device plugged into a USB 3.0 port, since those can interfere.
- Check your Windows 10 device. Make sure Airplane Mode is turned off (Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode). Try turning Bluetooth on and off (see above). Finally, try removing the device and adding it again (Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. Select the device you’re having trouble connecting, and choose Remove device > Yes).
- If none of this works, Microsoft has some other tips for troubleshooting Bluetooth problems.
Larry McJunkin, President
