This Simple Fix Will Surprise You…

The other day I got a frantic call from a client. They wanted me to come out and fix a major computer problem.

The client said, “Our payroll system is down, it’s telling us there’s an error. We called the software company and they had us do a bunch of stuff but it still doesn’t work. We tried everything and nothing works! If we don’t get this system up in an hour we won’t be able to pay our employees. My boss is going to be so mad!”

I said, “Ok, have you tried rebooting?”

Client says, “No.”

“Let try that first.”

…a reboot and a little while later…

The client screams in excitement, “Wow, it’s working now! That’s all we had to do? You’re my hero!”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve witnessed this scenario. Whether it’s a hardware or a software related problem, often times all you have to do is reboot, and then like magic, whatever problem you had is fixed.

HOW TO REBOOT TO FIX PROBLEMS
Rebooting means that you turn off your equipment and turn it back on.
If the device doesn’t have a power off switch, just unplug the power and plug it back in after a few seconds.

Common scenarios:

Can’t open a program or errors are popping up? Reboot your computer.

Can’t get on the internet? Turn off the modem, the router, and the computer, then turn them back on in the same order (modem 1st, router 2nd, computer 3rd), a minute apart from each other.

Can’t print? Reboot your computer and your printer (printers have to be unplugged, not just turned off).

Monitor (screen) doesn’t work? Turn off the switch and unplug the power, then plug everything back in and turn it on.