Getting Help Continued

Before you call for help...

Try these tips first:

Try to reproduce the problem.
Make notes, especially note any error messages. This will help you as you begin troubleshooting, and will be useful should you have to call a Student Computer Support staff.
Eliminate other factors. Get down to the fewest conditions that will enable you to reproduce the problem. For example, is it a single formula in a spreadsheet? Going to a particular web page? Using a specific command in your word processor? Look for common factors. For example, if all your Word documents cause the problem but other applications are fine, the problem is likely with Word. If your machine crashes every time you use a particular font in any application, the font is likely corrupted. If the problem is with a document you're working on but other documents created with the same application work fine, consider recreating it. Cutting and pasting from the old version can save lots of time here, but make sure you don't copy the part that's causing the problem.
Read the manual or your textbook. If the answer isn't in there, check with your instructor. If it’s a course web page that is causing the problem your instructor may have solutions.
If all else fails, gather your notes and stop by Student Computer Support, call 668-8799 or e-mail the Student Computing Help Desk.