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Computer Lab Troubleshooting

Revision as of 06:51, 29 June 2011 by Msaul (talk | contribs)

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...


Procedure For Reporting a Computer Lab Problem

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


Online Form

This is considered to be the easiest method to send a report to the AVIT facilitator:

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

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 not 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".
WARNING: BELOW THE COMPUTER SERVER IS AN EXACT "CLONE" OF YOUR COMPUTER SERVER. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO PERFORM THIS OPERATION, SINCE PLUGGING IN WRONG CABLE DURING SWITCHING SERVERS COULD RESULT IN COMPUTER SYSTEM NOT WORKING CORRECTLY.


Data Display Unit (Projector) Does Show Computer Display

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

Wireless Keyboard does not Work

To be completed ...


No Connection to the Internet

To be completed ...


Computer System is Running Slow

To be completed ...


No Electrical Power in Computer Lab

To be completed ...


Software Problems

Application Fails to Launch

To be completed ...

Application Crashes

To be completed ...

Cannot Locate Saved File

To be completed ...


Additional Resources

To be completed ...