Frequently Asked Questions -

FAQs

Computer FAQs

My computer does not turn on, what do i do now?

First check the computer’s power cord to make sure it is completely plugged into the wall socket. If you are using an extension cable, make sure it is completely plugged into the wall socket and that the power switch both on the extension cable and wall socket is turned on.

What do I do when my computer freezes?

There are many reasons why a computer may just stop working or “freeze”. When your computer no longer responds to keyboard or mouse commands, the first solution is to restart the computer.

What do I do if my hard disk fails to work?

As with most computer errors, your first step is to shut down your computer and restart it. This will help you determine whether or not you actually have a hard disk problem. If the disk is severely damaged then your computer will probably fail to restart properly. Contact ICT support.

Do I lose data when my computer crashes?

When the windows crash, most likely the files on local disk where Windows is installed can get lost or damaged. Its advisable to always partition the hard disk drive and store personal files and folders in other partitions which do not contain windows files mainly known as Local disk C: includes folders like desktop, documents, downloads, pictures, music.

Monitor FAQs

There is no display on the monitor, what do I do now?

Make sure the monitor is on. If no power light (green or orange light) is seen on the monitor display try pressing the power button until it comes on. If your computer monitor was on and you stepped away from the computer and upon returning it was black, it’s likely that the computer is asleep. Try moving your mouse, clicking the mouse buttons, and/or pressing any key (space bar) on the keyboard to wake it up. Make sure that the monitor is connected properly to the back of the computer.

What do I do if the image on my monitor is distorted or skewed?

You may receive a distorted image when the cable is loose or defective. Disconnect the video cable going from the back of the computer and verify that no pins are bent, burnt or broken. Once verified re-connect the monitor cable. If the refresh rate is not properly set the monitor may have a wavy or an appearance that lines are going down or across the monitor slowly or fast, this may also cause a flickering affect. This may indicate damaged monitor, get another monitor and connect it on the same computer to confirm if it is the monitor with a problem.

I get a 'no signal input' message on my monitor, what do I do?

Verify that the monitor is properly connected in the back of the monitor as well as to the back of the computer. If the monitor appears to be connected properly. Confirm if the input selected is correct because some computers have for example VGA or HDMI or display connectors.

There are black borders on my monitors screen, what do I do?

If the resolution was recently changed it is possible for the monitor to not auto adjust or shift to the correct size. If this occurs, the resolution can be changed back to the original setting or you can manually adjust the monitor. If a black border exists on the monitor it can generally be resolved by manually adjusting the horizontal or vertical width. Because each monitor is different, the method of adjusting this setting will vary; consult ICT for support.

My monitor is showing content Upside down?

If the monitor shows content upside down, most likely the orientation was changed to landscape (flipped) or portrait (flipped) unknowingly. It can be changed through display settings, select landscape.

Mouse & Keyboard FAQs

Why is my computer mouse acting unsteadily?

Users who have an optical mechanical mouse (most common mouse for desktop computers) are likely experiencing unsteady behaviour because the mouse is not clean or is dirty. If you’ve cleaned the mouse and continue to encounter issues and this mouse has worked in the past fine unfortunately your mouse is likely defective. One additional test that can be done to help determine if this is the case or not is to connect the mouse to another computer. Otherwise we suggest replacing the mouse.

The wheel on my mouse isn't working properly, what do I do?

If you’re running any version of Microsoft Windows and are encountering issues with the mouse wheel, first attempt to adjust the mouse settings through the Mouse Properties window. This window can be accessed by opening the Control Panel and double-clicking the Mouse icon.

How can I clean my keyboard?

The keys on a keyboard are only clipped on, with a knife or other thin object, carefully pop the keys off, this will allow you to clean under the keys as well as cleaning the keys themselves. Contact ICT support to reduce chances of damaging the keyboard.

Windows FAQs

How can I update my Microsoft Windows computer?

If you are running Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 10, or a later version of Microsoft Windows, you are eligible to update Microsoft Windows, and in some cases, your computer hardware with the latest drivers through Microsoft’s update site, visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. In most cases your computer should be set to automatically update when a new update becomes available.

Is it safe to turn off a Windows computer without doing a shut down?

Users should not simply press the power button or restart the computer while Windows is still running unless there is an issue with the computer. Microsoft has included the shut down feature because it enables a computer to go through all the necessary steps that are required before turning off the computer. In fact many versions of Microsoft Windows will check the computer for any problems if the computer is not shut down properly.

How can I recover a file from the recycle bin?

Double click the recycle bin icon on your desktop, here you will see all of the files within your bin. Select the files you wish to recover, right click and choose restore.

Email FAQs

Are spaces allowed in email addresses?

Just like an Internet URL no spaces are allowed in an e-mail address. However, names can be broken up using a period; for example, John Smith may have an e-mail address: ogwal.smith@example.com or ogwal.s@example.com because no spaces are allowed in the e-mail address

Printer FAQs

My printer is printing smudged/distorted pages, what can I do?

When printing on paper your printer may experience marks, un-even or crooked text, and/or text that runs off the edges of the paper. Your printer may be printing fuzzy, blurry, and/or other faint text because of dirty print heads. All modern printers have some type of printer cleaning, self-test, and/or diagnose mode that can be performed to check and clean the printers print heads and other internal equipment used to print.

How do I fix a paper jam?

Turn off the printer. Inspect the location or tray the printed paper ejects to. If the stuck paper is visible manually remove it. Remove all paper trays and any paper that may be stuck between the tray and the printer. Open the printer door that allows you access to the printer ink cartridges or toner and look for any stuck paper. If the stuck paper is visible manually remove it. Turn the printer back on.

I lost my printer installation disk, how can I install my printer?

Thankfully a missing printer installation disk is not the end of the world and will not require you to wait until a new disk can be sent to you. Today all printer and other hardware manufacturers are providing downloads on the Internet to their software programs and drivers that are included with their products.

Network FAQs

I can't connect to my network anymore, what can I do?

Verify that the network cable is properly connected to the back of the computer. In addition, when checking the connection of the network cable, ensure that the LED’s on the network are properly illuminated. For example, a network card with a solid green LED or light usually indicates that the card is either connected or receiving a signal.

Note: generally, when the green light is flashing, this is an indication of data being sent or received.

How do I determine my computer's name?

Right-click My Computer. Click Properties. In the Properties window, click the Computer Name tab. Within this tab you’ll be able to see the full computer name, workgroup and also a description. If you wish to change the name or workgroup, click the Change button.

Virus FAQs

What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is a software program that has been intentionally created to cause a user grief, spread to other computers, or destroy data on an individual’s computer. To help prevent a computer from becoming infected by a virus, software developers have developed anti virus programs that stay active on the computer helping to protect it. It is important to realize that many computers do not come pre-loaded with these already installed and that if computers do come with these programs, the programs may expire within 90 days.

Does Windows come with a virus protection program?

Some versions of Microsoft Windows do come pre-installed with a virus protection program, that is windows defender.

Can a virus damage computer hardware?

No. Computer viruses are software code designed to spread to computer files and other computers, delete files, and cause other problems with the data on the computer. So if you’re experiencing an issue with a hardware device such as your printer, video card, sound card, etc. it is not due to a virus.

If I format or erase my hard drive will it remove a virus?

If your computer is infected with a virus formatting or erasing the hard disk drive and starting over will almost always remove any type of virus. However, keep in mind if backups have been made that contain the virus, other media or drives connected to the computer have a virus, your computer is connected to another computer on a network with a virus, and/or the virus is stored on some other type of software you use with your computer it can become re-infected if not properly protected.