If you have technical problems with your computer, you might ask one of your colleagues or your campus's Technology Support Specialist for help if the problem seems minor. The next step would be to submit a work order requesting assistance. Do not rely on oral communication of the problem to the technician. This allows the Technology Department to keep track of what work needs to be done, a work order is a written record to the kinds of problems that are experienced across the district. It also insures that someone will take care of your problem.

Before you submit a work order, have you tried the following? These are the non-technical techniques to resolve most computer and peripheral related problems. Please go through this list before submitting a work order. While these steps may sound trivial, one or more of them account for over 80% of computer problems.

1. POWER - Make sure that all POWER CABLES are plugged in securely to your computer and all other devices, the a/c outlet, and any power strips. If using a power strip, make sure the power indicator light is on. Check the POWER BUTTONS on your computer and all other devices such as the Monitor, Printer, Scanner, etc. Make sure you have a green power indicator light on all devices. Power on all external devices (i.e., printers, scanners and zip drives) prior to booting your computer.

2. DISK ERROR OR NON-SYSTEM DISK - If there is a disk in the A: Drive, remove it and press any key. Your system will not start with a disk in Drive A. If there is no disk in the drive and your computer is making clunking or grinding noises, submit a work order.

3. NETWORK - Make sure the network patch cable is securely connected to the back of the computer and the wall plug. Make sure you have a flashing amber or green activity light on your Network Card. (This is where your network patch cable is connected to the back of your computer). Ensure that you are logged on properly to the network using the correct username and password.

4. PERIPHERALS - Check that all Input/Output INTERFACE CABLES are securely plugged into the back of the computer. Such as: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Speakers, Printer, Scanner, or Digital Camera.

5. REBOOT the computer and log in again.

6. MONITOR - Check the brightness/contrast controls. Kids play with these. Wiggle your mouse or press a key on the keyboard to make sure your computer is not in power saving mode.

7. SPEAKERS - Check volume controls and connections to the speakers and back of the computer. Make sure your speakers are plugged into the OUTPUT port.

8. PRINTER - Turn the power off and back on again. Check the ink cartridges and paper supply. Try printing again by using the File, Print menu commands, checking to see if you have selected the correct printer before you press PRINT.

If you are using a network printer, be sure you are logged in correctly or it will not be able to receive your print job. Check the printer control panel and see if your printer is OFFLINE. If so, right click and see on the popup utility window if there is a check mark next to User Printer Offline. If so, remove the check mark by clicking on it (Make sure you are logged in first). Check your local print queue. If there are print jobs in the queue, save your document, delete the queued print jobs, and try printing again.

9. MOUSE& KEYBOARD - Make sure the mouse ball is inside the mouse, rolling freely and free of debris. Make sure the mouse is plugged into the computer completely. The keyboard and mouse connections on the PC are color coded and have pictures on their location.

Still have a problem?
If none of these tips resolve your problem, please submit a work order for service. Be sure to include any and all error messages, symptoms, or other pertinent information such as any new software or hardware changes, or attempted repairs by you or someone else.

Work order requests must be submitted online!

Anyone who submits a work order will be a high priority. Any request given to a technician verbally will only be accepted by an administrator. Please do not stop computer technicians in the hall and ask questions about buying printers, software for your home or something that will stop them from completing their service requests in a timely manner.

About 80-85% of requests are completed remotely and can be done the same day or in about an hour to three hours district wide. Special projects are usually done locally because most are computer lab settings or special classroom settings.

If  you receive no response in a reasonable amount of time, you should send a follow-up email to check on its status.
 
Email all Computer Service Requests to: