George Fox University | Offices and Services | Institutional Technology | Solutions You Can Try

1) Assess the problem: The first step is to always assess the problem. Is this something that has happened before and can be fixed by calming down and looking at the project with a clear mind?

2) Reboot: Many times all that is wrong with a computer is that it needs a reboot to refresh information.

3) Check all cables: If you are having problems with things not turning on, check all of the connection cables. You would not believe how many problems have been fixed by plugging in a cable or cord. Don't feel embarrassed about it, either, as even the professionals have this happen to them.

4) Run Windows Update or update drivers: Sometimes a hardware recognition problem or glitchy performance issue can be fixed by downloading updated drivers or running Windows Update.

5) Anti-virus: Always run antivirus software and make sure that your definitions are up to date. If you find that you have a virus, get rid of the file and then see if the problem persists.

6) NO FILE SHARING (THAT MEANS KAZAA, etc.): File-sharing programs themselves are harmless, but they are almost always packaged with mass quantities of spyware (little piggyback programs that can infect your computer), and that can play havoc with your system. If you have installed any file-sharing programs on your system, uninstall them and try to find and delete any programs that installed with it. A good program to get rid of spyware is Ad-Aware. It will scan your computer and automatically detect spyware, giving you the option of deleting it. This is available through our Downloadable Software section.

7) Defrag: If your computer is just running slowly try to defrag your hard-drive and see if that speeds it up a bit. Remember, you need at least 15% of your hard-drive space free to run defrag, and 25% or more is recommended for a faster defrag and less future fragmenting.

8) Run an anti-spyware/adware program: Just being on the Internet makes one susceptible to unknowingly receiving adware or spyware which can slow down your computer or even affect its functionality. Programs such as Ad-Aware found in our Downloadable Software section clear out adware/spyware.

If you have exhausted all of your resources then, by all means, please contact the Service Desk and we will do our best to fix the problem.