Like everyone else, your IT and Help Desk workers have tasks other than getting you out of predicaments. To make their lives easier, and soften the blow of another holiday seasons that featured no bonuses, here are a few tips to troubleshoot your issues before picking up the phone:
- Please make sure your mouse is plugged in. It would be incredibly silly, and you’d be surprised how often it happens, for people to call in a panic because their mouse/cursor/arrow is not responding. Though your Help Desk could troubleshoot this over the phone for you, they’d probably fix it without stating the problem, in order to salve your ego. While you’re at it, make sure all of your cables are properly connected, including power, video, keyboard, Ethernet, and power outlet.
- Again, silly, but make sure your computer is in fact on.
- If your computer is operating somewhat, just shut it down. Take a coffee break, or count to twenty, then reboot it. Oftentimes this will fix minor issues.
- Ask your coworkers if they are experiencing the same issue that you are. If this is the case, your computer does not have the issue. The Help Desk is probably already working on an office-wide issue, so calling them would only distract them from fixing the issue for everyone.
- If your problem is Internet-based, you should try other browsers, other sites, and close the programs completely then try once more.
- If there is an error message, write it down EXACTLY. Telling your IT guru the message read, “Something like…” is not close enough. Also, record your last function, and any foreshadowing events.
- Before calling the Help Desk, make sense to yourself. If you cannot explain what you mean in your head, it won’t be clear to the person you are calling, either. If possible, include a screenshot of the error message in an emailed report.
Following these tips may lead to office credibility and Help Desk friendships.