BC Technologies
1 North Main Street
Mansfield, PA 16933
(570) 662-7990
sales@bctech.com

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Customer Checklist

When it comes to our computers... we all want them to work.. and work right.....ALL THE TIME! Unfortunately, the modern marvel that we call a "PC" is a machine. And let's face it.. machines fail. When computer problems happen there are some very "obvious" reasons why they fail.
As computer owners, we should assume responsibility for checking out the basics, before calling for technical support or repairs. If you are not sure how to fix a problem yourself, then do not expect that the problem can be fixed over the phone. In all likelihood, your computer will have to come into the shop for repairs.

Listed below are some things every computer owner should check prior to making that repair call!

1. Is the computer plugged in? This sounds simple enough, but you'd be amazed at how often a power cord is the source of the trouble. Show me a stone-cold PC and I'll find a loose power cord, usually at the computer end. Also included is that the power strip/surge protector has somehow been switched off.
2. Are you looking at the right cord? The follow up to the first item: If the computer starts but the monitor doesn't, guess which power cord it is? That, or it's the monitor cables if the monitor turns on but there is no picture.
3. Plug and replug. And if the network, modem, keyboard, or mouse is on the fritz...see where this is heading? until proven otherwise, it is always a cable/cord problem. Turn everything off and unplug and replug all the cords and cables. Amazingly, many problems will work themselves out this way.
4. Is the power switch on the computer/monitor/peripheral device turned off? Computer towers/desktops, monitors, scanners, printers.... all can come with on/off buttons or switches. Has one inadvertently been put in the off position? After checking power cords and cables, checking buttons and switches should be the next step. Also included is that the power strip/surge protector has somehow been switched off.
5. Have you checked your PC cards? First and foremost before reading the following information, ask yourself if you will be voiding your warranty by removing the cover off the case. If the answer is YES skip to number 6. Likewise (and ONLY if you know what you are doing), check to see if a cable has somehow wiggled one of the add-on cards out of its socket. If any of the cables attached to your PC wiggle around even though they are firmly screwed in, this is likely the reason. Now you have to decide if you go any further and re-seat the card yourself (not recommended by BC Technologies) or take the computer to the repair shop.
6. Is there ink/toner in the printer? Occasionally, cartridges must be checked to be sure there is still ink/toner inside. It's amazing how "no ink/toner" will stop the printing process! Also something to keep in mind, is the importance of doing a "print head" cleaning. This, too will help when the printer is experiencing print problems .
7. Is the ink/toner cartridge seated properly in the printer? When installing new cartridges... PLEASE remember to get them fitting snuggly into the print head/cradle. Depending on the style of printer this may mean "clicking" them into place or locking them down with a handle on the cradle.
8. Are you sure the phone jack works? When you plug a regular phone into your modem line, do you get a dial tone?
9. What have you changed recently? Computers do breakdown for no reason, but most problems have something to do with new hardware, or software and occur shortly after installation. Sometimes new software is incompatible with those that were originally in the system. If YOU have installed something.. try uninstalling it, then reinstalling it. Most times this will fix problem software.
10. Does removing hardware or a peripheral device clear up the trouble? If YOU have installed hardware or a peripheral device, try uninstalling and then reinstalling. If this fails to correct the problem then take the computer to the repair shop.
11. Where are you booting from? If there is a diskette in the drive or a CD is trying to boot your computer, you can get really odd errors - so make sure all the drives are empty.
12. When in doubt, reboot. Finally, you should try rebooting the computer (more than once, if necessary) to see if it solves the problem. You'd be amazed at how many people stare at a frozen computer waiting for it to come back to life. If after 10 minutes of waiting, the computer isn't responding, consider a power-down reboot. Keep in mind it sometimes takes multiple reboots to make a problem go away.

If you've now gone through the checklist above and there seems to be no change in the performance of your computer... it's time to move on to the "tech checklist".