- Don’t Panic!! (and probably grab your towel!)
- If your computer is smoking, unplug it immediately!
- Make sure the power is on – check the power switches on your power strip, monitor, and power supply on the back of your PC.
- Reboot your computer – shut the computer all the way down (don’t restart), count to ten slowly, and then power it back on.
- Check all cables – make sure they’re plugged in and connected properly. Monitor, tower, keyboard, etc… secure all of them.
- If your computer won’t boot, check your CD/DVD drive and floppy drive. Remove all disks and try again.
- If your computer boots but nothing shows up on your monitor, try to reboot using a different monitor (if available).
- Update and run your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. If you’re infected, call/email your IT person and inform them ASAP!
- Update Windows. Go online to update.microsoft.com and follow the instructions.
- If you’re still having a problem, shut your machine all the way down and call your IT person. Tell them the steps you’ve followed on this sheet and they’ll be happy to help you!