Taking Your Computer to ResNet

Any number of things can go wrong with your computer. Maybe you try to install an update and the computer crashes. Maybe your internet suddenly stops working, or maybe you just try to start it up one day and are met with a seemingly meaningless error screen. Whatever the problem you are having with your computer is, we can help.

Diagnosing Your Problem

Computer problems tend to fall into three categories: internet connection troubles, software issues, or hardware failure. ResNet offers a range of services and helpful guides to address these issues. When you first have a problem, the fastest way to get help may be to consult the Getting Help page on this website, which offers a quick list of online resources and troubleshooting steps you can take yourself. Many internet connection troubles have easy fixes that you can implement yourself. If you have any question about these steps or they do not address the problem you are having, you can contact ResNet, especially by calling us at extension 8585. This is a good next step when you have trouble getting on the internet, as most network problems are best addressed with the computer plugged-in where the problem is occurring.

Checking In

So, the online resources do not seem to be helping, or the problem is too complex to be resolved over the phone. What can you do now? ResNet Assistants are working in the office to check-in computers, and can usually fix most problems within 3 to 5 business days. All you have to do is bring your computer down to our office, located in the basement of the library in room 028. To optimize your check-in, you should bring the following items with you:

• Your Student ID card, or some form of photo ID
• Your computer, an AC adapter (for a laptop), and any related peripherals
  • If you are having trouble with an external harddrive, for instance, you should bring that down to be checked in with your computer.
• Any system software or restoration CDs supplied by the manufacturer
  • In many cases it is helpful to have these on hand as they ensure a quicker turnaround time and better results.

The ResNet Assistant who checks your computer in will go over the problem with you and discuss what may be necessary to fix it. Typical procedures range from installing and running anti-virus software in order to take care of virus problems up to doing a fresh install of the operating system. If anything as drastic as clearing your harddrive is required, a ResNet assistant will call you to explain what will happen and ask if you need any data backed up.

Hardware Problems Some computer problems are caused by hardware failure or damage to the computer, and cannot be fixed by ResNet Assistants. We recommend that, if your computer is still under warranty, you contact the manufacturer which may be able to send you replacement components or have you send the computer in to be repaired. If it is not under warranty, you can take it to a number of local repair shops that perform this type of work. A ResNet consultant can explain these options to you if a hardware problem is diagnosed to be a hardware failure.

Data Backup If it is necessary to re-install your operating system, ResNet can back up your documents, photos, and other non-copyrighted materal, then restore it to your computer once the new installation is complete. Please note that due to copyright restrictions, we cannot backup things like music MP3s and ripped DVDs. In many circumstances we can back up data from a failing harddrive as well and burn it onto a CD or DVD.

Checking Out

Once your computer is finished, a ResNet Assistant will call and notify you. It will be available for pick-up any time during normal business hours. Be sure to bring your photo ID down with you to pick up your computer!