F.A.Q

My computer does not turn on; what do I do?   

These essential steps can save you downtime and frustration. Always start with the following steps. 

• Check your Monitor; make sure all power sources and cables are plugged into the Monitor and PC securely.  

• Listen for any Beeps – If you hear continuous beeping when you turn on your PC, try to count the number of beeps and notify your IT Helpdesk.  You can also visit your vendor’s site, for example, support.dell.com, for more information regarding the beeping sounds and inform your technician for support. 

• Unplug Unnecessary USB Devices from PC – USB’s for any external devices require power and can sometimes drain energy and cause your PC to shut down or not a startup.   

• Reseat the Hardware Inside – For advanced users only.  Make sure your PC is entirely powered off and unplug from the wall socket. Then open the chassis and look for any loose peripherals or any detached cables.  It is always best to consult with your technician before moving forward; however, your vendor website can give you solutions on what to look for.  

• Explore the BIOS – For advanced users only.  If your PC boots up and performs a POST (Power-On Self-Test) but do not load Windows, then explorer your BIOS for any sudden changes after a BIOS update or Hard drive installation.  

• Scan for Viruses Using a Live CD –There’s always a chance of it being a virus and not a physical PC or laptop issue.  There are many LIVE virus scanners out there, but we would like to recommend AVG Rescue CD.  You can easily find this by searching through Google; however, if you are interested in knowing more about AVG or a good Anti-virus, feel free to contact us at info@sasguard.com for more information.

What do I do if my PC crashes?

A PC crash can happen for many reasons. Our recommendation would be the following.   

• Write down the error code on the screen, if available.

• Reboot your computer. 

• Make sure your PC turns on properly. If it doesn’t 

• Boot in Safe Mode with Networking, if given the option. 

• Call your technician. 

I think I have a virus; how do I get rid of it? 

The best way to prevent a virus on your system is to have an antivirus already on your Operating System like Windows.  However, the antivirus can only detect what’s on its database, and if the antivirus isn’t configured correctly, then the antivirus can be useless to some extent.  To get rid of a PC virus, you’d need to run a FULL SCAN on your Operating System. However, it would be best to consult with your technician to assist you further since most viruses can be false-positives, but that’s a whole different story.  For more information or questions, please email us at info@sasguard.com.  

Why is my mouse acting so erratically? 

The possible reasons could be a dirty mouse (no pun intended), or the mouse’s optical portion is blocked. A lousy surface can also cause wireless or wired mouse not to move correctly and even a bad wireless connection between the mouse and its fob. Failing batteries, moisture, or a liquid substance on the finger while using the touchpad can cause issues. Many variables may be the result of a mouse no working. Speak to your technician for more information and advice on your case. 

How do I clean my keyboard? 

One of the most common ways to clean your keyboard is to dampen a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and use it to clean around the keys. The cotton swab should be wet but not dripping. Please dispose of the swab once it’s picked up enough dirt. You may need more than one swab to cover your entire keyboard. Never spray directly into the keyboard, and never a heavily soiled cloth or towel. I’ve found that Lysol or Clorox wipes work perfectly fine.  

How do I get my PC or Mac in safe mode?  

Since we are in the era of Windows 10, getting into SafeMode would require the following steps. We encourage you to visit this Microsoft website for more detailed information on accessing Safe Mode in Windows 10. Start your PC in safe mode in Windows 10 (microsoft.com) 

With Macs, we’ve added a tutorial provided by Apple on how to access SafeMode for Mac. Startup your Mac in safe mode – Apple Support 

What is the difference between Linux and Microsoft?  

There are many articles online that can explain the difference between Linux and Windows. However, Linux is an open-source operating system that allows the user to change the source code as per requirement. Compared to Windows OS (Operating System), it is a commercial operating system where the user “does not” access source code. The benefit of Linux is that it runs faster even with older hardware, whereas Windows is slower compared to Linux. 

How do I safely turn off a Microsoft PC? 

Please visit the Microsoft website for valuable information regarding Power Management and safety measures for turning off your Windows PC.  Shut down, sleep, or hibernate your PC (microsoft.com) 

Why am I not receiving my emails in Microsoft Outlook or Gmail? 

First, check your internet connection, and make sure you can access the internet by visiting https://www.sasguard.com. If you have an internet connection, make sure you reboot your PC to see if this resolves your Outlook issue; if not, please call our helpdesk for more assistance.  If you are using gmail.com for your Google email, please make sure your password is entered correctly. I most cases, try a different web browser like Microsoft Edge or Firefox if this issue is happening on your Google Chrome web browser.  

How do I fix a jammed printer? 

Below are the most straightforward steps we use to walk our clients through paper jams.  

Step 1:Turn off and unplug the printer. 

Step 2: Remove all printer paper from the tray and then reload it.  

Step 3: Depending on the model or type of printer used at the office or home.  Open the rear access door or duplexer or any other doors that give you access to the paper’s path through the printer, and remove any jams or excess paper causing the blockage. 

Step 4: Close the doors and plug in the printer. 

How do I map a network drive? 

Assuming you’re on Windows 10, here’s a Microsoft article on how to easily and quickly map a network drive for your convenience.  Map a network drive in Windows 10 (microsoft.com)