Find People >>

• Home
• About
• Service Levels
• Policies
• Get Help
• Hours of Operation

Computer Support

Troubleshooting: What to Try First

Troubleshooting the source of problems with modern software can be very difficult unless the software is providing a good error message. That being said there are a few standard steps you can try to recover from software failures on a Windows based PC.

• Often simply rebooting the PC can correct most issues.
• If you are unable to get the machine to restart from the Start Menu then you can power the machine off by holding in the power button (typically for 3 to 5 seconds), however this should be done as a last resort as it can cause corruption to the computer’s file system.

There could be particular software on your computer that is causing the issue. If you know what is causing your problem you can try to remove it.

1) Go in to the Control Panel from the Start Menu.
2) In this Control Panel you will find an icon for either Add\Remove Programs or simply Programs (depending on your version of Windows).
3) Click on that icon and a window will pop-up that will, after a few seconds, list most of the software on your machine. ( Note that it is possible for some programs to hide themselves from this feature or that are installed as a part of a larger package and so do not appear individually).
4) You should be careful here about uninstalling items you don’t recognize as they may control devices like the sound card in your machine, but in general software like toolbars and web search engines can adversely affect performance and interfere with your network connection.

If neither of these steps helps with your problem then we suggest that you contact the OIT Computer Support Center in Stalker Hall, which provides free carry-in service for Indiana State University students.

<< Back



All systems normal.

Check Systems >>

Events & Training

Computer-based self-paced training for students, faculty and staff >>

Faculty workshop schedules >>

Contact

Gillum Hall 103
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN 47809

Help Desk:
(812) 237-2910
(888) 818-5465

Offices:
(812) 237-8439

E-mail:
it-help@indstate.edu