Over the years, the same few, tried and true techniques seem to be the most effective at fixing the largest swath of desktop problems.  I go through these first before ever trying anything else.  I use the same list for family that call, as I do when my boss hollers.  I try the same things whether I am working on a Unix, Windows, or Apple OS.   

Here is my list:

  1. Walk away, count to 60, and return to the computer.
  2. Push the Caps Lock key and try again.
  3. Push the Num Lock key and try again.
  4. Turn it off and Turn it back on.
  5. Check that the cord is firmly attached.

That is my super secret ace troubleshooters list.  Sometimes, I think that the best indication of true progress in the Information Age will be when one of these actually becomes displaced off the list, but until then, it stands… and has stood unchanged for about twenty years!

What is your secret troubleshooter steps?  Do you agree with mine?  Did I miss some?  Do you agree that they cover a lot of problem fixing ground?

That is my Information Technology Thought of the Day (ITTOD) for May 6, 2009 ©Scott Coughlin.

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