3 common hardware issues (and how to fix them yourself)

Hardware issues — been there, done that, right?

Of course.

And there’s nothing more frustrating. You invest in technology to make your workday easier, but then it somehow complicates processes and makes you miserable in the process.

We get it — which is why we’ve put together this list of 3 common hardware issues and their incredibly easy fixes.

My computer won’t connect to the wireless internet

One second the internet is working, and the next second it’s not. But before you go for the bat, try these steps.

Here’s what to try:

1. Go to “Control Panel.”
2. Click “Network and Internet” and then “Network and Sharing”.
3. Now click on “Manage Wireless Networks.”
4. Right-click on “Wireless Connections” and select “Remove Network” from the drop down menu.
5. Close all open windows and restart your computer.
6. Once your computer is rebooted, scan for wi-fi networks” using the “WiFi” icon on the Toolbar.
7. Click the available network you normally access and select “Connect.”
8. Enter the password for your wi-fi connection and click “Connect” again.

You should now be connected. If this doesn’t work, it’s time to reach out to your IT provider.

The printer isn’t responding to my commands

You’ve tried resending the document. You’ve checked the paper trays and toner levels. And the print window still says the document is already printing. Heck, you’ve even checked the plug. Is it time to go full-on Office Space?

Not quite.

Instead, it’s time to run the printer troubleshooter in Windows 10. That’s right, Windows 10 has a built-in tool for just this problem.

 Here’s how to use it:

1. Press “Windows + R” at the same time. This will bring up a “Run” window.
2. Next, enter “msdt.exe /id PrinterDiagnostic” into the Run window. Press “Enter.”
3. Now click the “Advanced” button.
4. Click “Run as Administrator.”
5. Click “Next” to scan for and detect printer issues.

This should help you identify what’s going on. If not, reach out to your managed service provider.

My computer is stuck in a restart loop

Do you suddenly feel like you’ve warped into the IT version of Groundhog Day? There’s only so many restarts a person can take before they start to lose their cool.

And we completely get that. So let’s see if we can get you out of that loop by removing new components that may have caused the issue.

Try this:

1. The next time the computer reboots, immediately tap the “F8” key in one-second intervals.
2. The computer will display some hardware info and run a memory test, then the “Advanced Boot Options” menu should appear.
3. Select “Safe Mode” using the arrow keys and press “Enter.”
4. Once you’re in “Safe Mode,” go to your “Control Panel.”
5. Click “Programs and Features,” and select “View Installed Updates.” Here you can uninstall any recent updates to your software or driver that might have caused the problem. When you’re done, select the “Start Windows Normally” option to return to your normal Windows configuration.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, you’ll need to seek out help from your IT professional.

And if you’re not experiencing the above problems, but your PC is running slow, you can check out this post for help: 4 quick steps to improving your slow PC performance yourself.

Whatever the problem, the important thing is to take a deep breath and stay cool. Troubleshoot as best you can when issues crop up, and call in the pros if you can’t solve them. Good luck!

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