Five IT Helpdesk FAQS And How To Resolve Them

With the number of innovations constantly on the rise, keeping up with the intricacies of different devices can feel like a challenge. And, remedying your own tech issues can seem intimidating at first. But by trying a number of simple solutions before raising a help desk ticket, or scouring the internet for an answer, even the least digitally-savvy of folk can safeguard some sanity.

Exploring five of the most pressing IT issues, Systemwork founder, Jamie Durham, offers a useful place to start…

Why is my device not charging properly?

One of the first things to do is check that the AC adaptor, or power chord, is fully plugged into the electric socket, and that the wire is free from damage. For safety reasons, it goes without saying that you should never use a damaged power supply.

This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised by the numbers of instances resolved as a result of this tip! However, if nothing looks out of the ordinary, there is a whole host of other reasons why your laptop or PC might not be charging properly.

If the chord you’re using isn’t original to the product, it could well be the case that your voltage is too low or high, or has failed altogether. To test if the power supply is the issue, remove your battery and insert it into another fully functioning outlet. If another device works when plugged in, there’s your answer – it’s time to purchase something more compatible.

Why has my laptop started, but no image is displaying?

You’ll know whether that screen is defective if the power light is on and the system sounds like it’s running, but the display looks unusual – such as irregular pixelation or resolution, faded imagery, discolouration, backlighting issues, or failure to appear altogether.

If there’s a system error, the issue can often be resolved by restarting the device. In this case, try holding down the power button for around 10 seconds, or press Windows+Ctrl+Shift+B. If the challenge still persists, this could be due to a failure of the LCD display.

To troubleshoot this further, try connecting your device to an external monitor – and see if the display will function properly elsewhere. If it does, your suspicions will be confirmed – meaning it’s time to consider a repair or replacement.

I think my device is compromised, what should I do?

It goes without saying that prevention is always better than the cure – being vigilant against cyber security threats is crucial in today’s climate. But, unfortunately, perpetrators sometimes manage to worm their way through lines of defense.

If you suspect you’ve fallen foul to a breach of some sort, it’s important to change passwords on any other accounts you think could be affected – mitigating the risks of widespread damage. But first, you must run an up-to-date virus scan of your compromised device. This makes the severity of the situation clearer by identifying which areas of your system have been a weak point, as well as ensures that key-logging malware doesn’t capture any new data.

It’s also worth checking through your account settings, if you do still have access, to make sure further changes haven’t been made. And for extra precautions, let friends and family know about the incident too, so they can be extra vigilant with anything that seems peculiar.

Why is my computer mouse not working properly?

Is it the wheel on your mouse that isn’t playing ball? If you’ve already ruled out dust and dirt as a problem by cleaning the accessory, attempt to adjust its settings via the Mouse Properties window. This enables you to confirm that everything is configured as it should be.

Hopefully this helps resolve the issue, but if it doesn’t, reconnecting the mouse might be a good next step – ensuring nothing is loose or inadequately connected. Unplug and replug the mouse if it's wired – being sure to try different USB ports – or forget and repair the device if it’s wireless.

If you’re still having no luck, another option is to update the mouse driver itself. This is the software that controls how your mouse interacts with your laptop or PC. Windows will usually automate this download, meaning you never have to do it manually, but it’s always worth checking if the challenge remains after exploiting other avenues.

How do I connect to a printer?

If your printer connects by a wire, it will download the right drivers and be ready for use, as soon as you plug it into your device. However, if the printer is wireless, there are a few simple steps you’ll need to follow in order to complete the install.