Computers & Other Hardware

Troubleshooting steps for computers and other hardware devices

Headsets

If you cannot hear from the headset, please confirm your audio setting is connected to it. Otherwise, check that it's connected correctly.

Speakers/Sound-bars

1. Check to make sure that the speakers are plugged in and turned on
2. Ensure that the volume is turned up on speakers
3. Ensure that the system settings do not specify that the speakers are muted
4. Check the Device Manager for a correctly installed driver
5. Ensure that the proper output is selected. For example, most Windows PCs have a standard option for Headphones/Speakers. You can check this setting by clicking the volume icon in the bottom-right of the taskbar. The current output selected will be displayed just above the volume control slider
6. Reboot the computer to reload any audio drivers that may have crashed

Webcams

1. Check to make sure your privacy settings allow access to your camera
2. Try using a different USB port
3. Update the driver for your webcam
4. Uninstall and reinstall the camera driver
5. If possible, try using another webcam

Mouse/Keyboards

1. If the device is wireless, ensure that it has charged batteries, is synced and that the wireless receiver is plugged in and within range and free of obstacles or interference
2. If the mouse is an optical or laser mouse, check the underside of the mouse to ensure that dust is not blocking any sensors and it is on a flat even surface
3. Try reseating the device by unplugging the mouse and plugging it back in
4. Try to plug the device/receiver into a different USB port on the computer
   Note: It can take 10-15 seconds for Windows to recognize the device after being plugged in
5. Restart the computer

TV's

• Connecting to the Wi-Fi: Connect to Tarleton-IoT
• No picture on screen:

1. Check the connections: Make sure the video cable is securely connected to both the TV and the device that it is supposed to be receiving the signal from
2. Restart the devices: Try restarting both the TV and the device that is connected to it. Sometimes a simple restart can resolve the issue
3. Try a different cable: If possible, try using a different video cable to see if the issue is with the cable itself
4. Check the input source: Ensure that the TV is set to the correct input source for the device that is supposed to be sending the signal

• No sound coming from the TV:

1. Increase the volume on the TV and/or your connected media
2. Check the audio settings on your TV and connected devices
3. Turn off and unplug your TV and connected devices
4. Inspect the TV cables and ports, then check the ones on your devices as well. Are they connected correctly and firmly? Is there any dust or debris in the ports? If so, it may have been an issue with the HDMI sound not working on the TV
5. Change the TV's speaker output to the internal speakers to see if it fixes the sound
6. If the problem involves one of your connected devices, check its audio settings. Turn it off and unplug it for at least 10 seconds. Repeat steps 4 and 5 on this device, then plug it back in and turn it on. Install any software updates that are available, and if you still don't hear sound, connect this device to another TV or do a factory reset
7. Check for and install any software updates for the TV, then retest the sound
8. Reset the TV back to its factory settings

Crashes and Blue Screen's

If you experience a crash or a blue screened computer, attempt to reboot the device once or twice as sometime updates require multiple restarts.

Slow Computers

Begin by rebooting the system. If the issue persists, a technician will inspect the device for potential hardware or software problems.

Checking the Storage on your Device

1. Navigate to the file explorer icon

2. Click on the This PC option

3. Look at the option that says Windows (C:)

4. This bar shows your current storage capacity, with the level of fill indicating the amount of storage you've used

Failure to Power On

- Ensure power from the power strip is reaching the device. 

- If there's no power to the dock, the screen won't display. Verify power to the computer, especially when docked.

Persistent Issues

If problems persist, please open a service request for further assistance and provide the following information: 

• Location, including building name and room number
• Type of problem 
• Troubleshooting steps attempted 
• Availability