Computer Lab Troubleshooting

Purpose

To discuss some problems that could be encountered in the Computer Lab, and the procedure to solve those problems.

It is important to contact the AVIT department whenever there is a problem encountered in the Westminster Computer Lab.

For example, if there is a hardware problem, failure to report the problem just delays the problem being fixed, and becomes someone else's problem...

How to Contact AVIT Regarding Computer Lab Problem

If you discover a problem in the Computer Lab, you should inform the AVIT department.

NOTE: Please do NOT inform an individual, since the AVIT facilitator is best suited in notifying the best volunteers/professions to solve the problem in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Here is the easiest (most convenient) method to send a report to the AVIT facilitator:

• Online Form: Online AVIT Form

Computer Lab Troubleshooting

YouTube Video

If you want to see the visual steps for "Computer Lab Troubleshooting", here is a link to a customized YouTube video:

Written Instructions

Below are the written description of Computer Lab problems (in case you prefer to have a printout of these procedures):

Computer Lab Problems

Physical / Hardware Problems

Computer Lab is Messy Upon Entry

A messy Computer Lab does have a negative impact. Not only does it present a possible health issue, but also reflects poorly in promoting the Computer Lab to the Orangeville community. If you notice a messy lab, please see above procedures "Reporting Computer Lab Problems".
(fill-out an online AVIT form).

Computer Server Fails

If it appears that the computer server has failed, please confirm by trying the following checks:

• Power-off server by holding down power button for approx 10 seconds, then power-on to see if server re-boots.
• If no power, check to see if power is supplied to outlet, and that power cable is plugged in (i.e. didn't come loose).

If the server still fails to boot-up, contact the AVIT facilitator immediately (i.e. by phone), It is also important to fill-out an Online AVIT form (from a computer system that works and has access to the Internet). Please see above procedures "Reporting Computer Lab Problems".

FYI: BELOW THE COMPUTER SERVER IS AN EXACT "CLONE" OF YOUR COMPUTER SERVER.

WARNING: YOU ARE REQUIRED TO IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AVIT TO SWITCH COMPUTER SERVERS. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO SWITCH COMPUTER SERVERS YOURSELF, SINCE PLUGGING IN WRONG CABLE DURING SWITCHING SERVERS COULD RESULT IN COMPUTER SYSTEM NOT WORKING CORRECTLY.

Data Display Unit (Projector) Does NOT Show Computer Display

Sometimes this can be caused by a loose cable connection. Try powering off then powering on the device.

If the data display unit still fails to boot-up, contact the AVIT facilitator immediately (i.e. by phone), It is also important to fill-out an Online AVIT form (from a computer system that works and has access to the Internet). Please see above procedures "Reporting Computer Lab Problems".

Data Display Unit Display Lamp Warning

Usually there is a warning when the data display lamp is coming to the end of its life. Although a warning appears, the lamp should be able to operate for a few more hours.

It is important to notify AVIT so that they are aware of the problem and make arrangements to install a new lamp. It is also important to fill-out an Online AVIT form (from a computer system that works and has access to the Internet). Please see above procedures "Reporting Computer Lab Problems".

Workstation Fails to Work

If the workstation fails to boot up, please note the exact problem. For Example:

• Does Computer fail to Power-on?
• Does Computer Power-on, but not connect to Server?
• Does connect to Server, but does not allow user to Login?

If the workstation still fails to boot-up, contact the AVIT facilitator immediately (i.e. by phone), It is also important to fill-out an Online AVIT form (from a computer system that works and has access to the Internet). Please see above procedures "Reporting Computer Lab Problems".

Workstation Monitor Does Not Work

If the workstation monitor does not work, check if the power-switch is off. It monitor still fails to work, contact the AVIT facilitator immediately (i.e. by phone), It is also important to fill-out an Online AVIT form (from a computer system that works and has access to the Internet). Please see above procedures "Reporting Computer Lab Problems".

Printer Does Not Print Jobs

If the Computer Lab printer does not work, try the following:

• Make certain that the printer is powered on.
• Check for loose printer cables to printer and the Server.
• Check the Print Queue for backed-up printouts (See "Managing Print Jobs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgJrKCR0JaY

If the printer still fails to work, it is also important to fill-out an Online AVIT form (from a computer system that works and has access to the Internet). Please see above procedures "Reporting Computer Lab Problems". If you noticed that the printer cable was disconnected, it is recommended to inform the AVIT department (to provide feedback to individuals that may have removed cable, but forget to reconnect the cable).

Wireless Keyboard Does Not Work

If the wireless keyboard does not work, try the following:

• Power-off wireless keyboard and power-on.
• Press SHIFT key, and then see if touch-pad is responding.
• Replace batteries with new set of batteries located in the Server cupboard

If the wireless keyboard still fails to work, it is also important to fill-out an Online AVIT form (from a computer system that works and has access to the Internet). Please see above procedures "Reporting Computer Lab Problems". If you replaced the batteries in the wireless keyboard, it is recommended to inform the AVIT department (in order to dispose of old batteries and replace with a new set of batteries in the Server cupboard).

No Connection to the Internet

If the user cannot connect to the Internet, please try the following:

• Wait five minutes and try Internet connection.
• Power down workstations, Reboot the Server, and restart the workstations.

If there is still no connection to the Internet, fill-out an Online AVIT form (from a computer system that works and has access to the Internet). Please see above procedures "Reporting Computer Lab Problems".

Computer System is Running Slow

If the computer system is running slow, shut-down the workstations, and reboot the Server.

It is important to inform AVIT of this problem by filling-out an Online AVIT form (from a computer system that works and has access to the Internet). Please see above procedures "Reporting Computer Lab Problems".

No Electrical Power in Computer Lab

If there is no electrical power in the computer lab, you should inform property immediately. You should also fill-out an AVIT form indicating the problem and that you have contacted property. Please see above procedures "Reporting Computer Lab Problems".

Software Problems

Application Fails to Launch

If an application fails to launch, then power-down the workstations and reboot the Server.

It is important to inform AVIT of this problem by filling-out an Online AVIT form (from a computer system that works and has access to the Internet). Please see above procedures "Reporting Computer Lab Problems".

Application Crashes

If an application crashes, then try to re-launch the application. If that does not work, then power-down the workstations and reboot the Server.

It is important to inform AVIT of this problem by filling-out an Online AVIT form (from a computer system that works and has access to the Internet). Please see above procedures "Reporting Computer Lab Problems".

Cannot Locate Saved File

The applications are set to save files or documents under the default locations. Students are instructors are advised to save in those locations to avoid confusion, and to allow other programs (like Grab Work) to operate correctly.

Refer to this YouTube video on File Management: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DsoidBjbjY

If you still cannot locate the saved file, fill-out an Online AVIT form (from a computer system that works and has access to the Internet). Please see above procedures "Reporting Computer Lab Problems".

Additional Resources

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