Malfunctioning tech isn’t just inconvenient – it can have serious financial implications for your business. Downtime due to technical errors can result in lost productivity, missed deadlines, and scores of lost business opportunities.
In this guide, we'll provide valuable troubleshooting tips to help you tackle common issues with business phones, computers, and wireless internet. With these steps, we aim to help you minimise downtime, restore functionality, and save both time and money in the process.
My Smartphone Isn't Working
Put Your Phone on Charge
If your smartphone stops working, one of the first things is to try plugging it in and seeing if this makes a difference. Check the charging port and cable to ensure they are properly connected and not damaged. If the phone isn't charging, try using a different charging cable and power adapter. In some cases, a drained battery may be the cause of the problem.
Reset Your Phone
If your phone still doesn't respond, you can try resetting it. Most smartphones have a combination of buttons you can press and hold to initiate a reset. Refer to your device's user manual or search online for the specific steps to perform a reset on your particular model.
Check For Software Updates
Another important aspect to consider is software updates. Outdated software can sometimes cause glitches or malfunctions. Check for any available updates in the settings menu of your phone and install them if necessary.
Remove the SIM Card
Sometimes, issues with network connectivity or calls/texts can be due to a loose or improperly inserted SIM card. Try removing the SIM card, cleaning the contacts, and then reinserting it securely.
Clear Cache and App Data
If specific apps on your smartphone are behaving erratically or crashing frequently, clearing the cache and app data can help. Go to the device settings, find the "Apps" or "Applications" section, locate the problematic app, and clear its cache and data.
Free Up Memory Space
Phones can stop working properly when they don't have enough available memory. Go through your phone and delete any photos, videos, apps or messages that are taking up unnecessary space. You can offload photos onto a computer/external hard drive if you don't want to delete them completely.
Boot Into Safe Mode
Booting your smartphone into safe mode can help determine if a third-party app is causing the problem. In safe mode, only pre-installed system apps will run, and if the issue disappears, it suggests that a recently installed app may be the culprit. Restart your device and follow the instructions to enter safe mode (usually by pressing and holding the power button and then tapping on the safe mode option).
Factory reset
If all else fails and your smartphone continues to exhibit serious issues, performing a factory reset can be a last resort. Keep in mind that a factory reset erases all data and settings on your device, so make sure to back up important information before proceeding. You can usually find the factory reset option in the device settings under "Backup and reset" or a similar menu. You may wish to consult a professional phone repair service before performing a factory reset.
Call Professional Help
If none of these troubleshooting steps work, it may be time to seek professional help. Contact the manufacturer's support or visit a reputable repair centre to have the issue diagnosed and fixed professionally.
My Computer/Laptop Isn't Working
Restart Your Computer
If you've ever watched the IT Crowd, you'll remember the classic "Have you tried turning it off and on again?" question. Sometimes, a simple restart really is all you need! Try turning off and on your computer, and see if that fixes temporary glitches or software conflicts.
Check System Updates
Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues or vulnerabilities, so make sure your operating system and software are up to date. Check for system updates in the settings or control panel of your computer and install any available updates.
Scan for Viruses
Update your virus protection software to the latest version – sometimes, outdated virus protection software can cause conflicts in computers. Then, run a thorough scan to detect and eliminate any malware or viruses that might be affecting your computer's performance.
Check for Overheating
Overheating can cause a computer to malfunction or shut down unexpectedly. Make sure that the computer's cooling vents are clear of dust and debris. Consider using compressed air to clean out any accumulated dust from the cooling fans. If necessary, you can also use a cooling pad or adjust the power settings to prevent the computer from overheating.
Run Hardware Diagnostics
Many computers have built-in hardware diagnostic tools that can help identify potential hardware problems. These tools can test various components such as the hard drive, RAM, and CPU for errors or failures. Access the hardware diagnostics by checking your computer's documentation or manufacturer's website for instructions specific to your model.
Restore to a Previous State
If your computer recently started experiencing issues, you can try restoring it to a previous known working state using the system restore feature. This feature allows you to roll back your computer's settings and configuration to a point in time when it was functioning correctly. Access the system restore function through the Control Panel or Settings menu, depending on your operating system.
Blue Screen of Death?
When it comes to Windows PCs, most of us our familiar with the phrase 'blue screen of death'. This 'blue screen error' (also known as 'black screen error') is an error screen that shows when a serious problem causes a Windows PC to shut down unexpectedly. You'll know if this has happened to you – the warning screen is normally accompanied by a :( emoticon.
Fortunately, Windows has made it easier than ever to find a walkthrough to fix these problems in their Get Help app.
- Open the Get Help app (you can find it by using your PCs search function)
- When the app opens, type in 'troubleshoot BSOD error'
- Windows will provide a guided in-app walkthrough to fix the problem
Call For Professional Help
If you've tried these steps and the problem remains unresolved, it might be time to seek professional help. Contact your IT department or a computer technician to diagnose and repair the issue professionally.
Wireless Internet/Broadband
Identify the Problem
First, check if the issue is specific to your device or affecting multiple devices. If it's only one device, try restarting it and reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network.
You can also try resetting your device's network settings to default. Access the network settings on your device and look for options like "Reset Network Settings" or "Forget Wi-Fi Network." Keep in mind that this will remove saved Wi-Fi networks, so you'll need to reconnect to them afterwards.
Restart the Router
Try restarting the wireless router or access point. Unplug the power cord, wait for a few seconds, and then plug it back in. Allow the router to reboot and see if the connection is restored.
Check Broadband Service
It's worth checking if the broadband service in your area is experiencing an outage by contacting your internet service provider or checking their website. Occasionally, internet signal can go down for a couple of hours due to maintenance or other work.
Disable Security Software Temporarily
Only follow this step if you are willing to accept the risks associated with disabling your security software.
In some cases, overly aggressive security software or firewall settings can block the Wi-Fi connection. Temporarily disable the antivirus or firewall software on your device and check if the connection is restored. If it works, adjust the settings of your security software to allow the Wi-Fi connection.
Call for Professional Assistance
If none of these troubleshooting steps work, it may be necessary to contact your IT department, local IT help service, or internet service provider for further assistance.
Get Your Tech Working Again
There's nothing more frustrating than technology not working as it should, especially when you've got a job to do.
Hopefully, the guide above will have allowed you to identify and solve the problems you've been facing. However, if you're still struggling, it's probably a good time to contact a professional service.
At Town & Country Communications and IT Solutions, we specialise in business technology of all kinds. We have years of industry experience and can help diagnose and solve technical issues over the phone or in person – check out our IT support service page to learn more!
To get things back up and running again, call us on 01202 514444 or send a message via our contact form, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
