Try These Steps First
When something goes wrong with your computer, email, or network, it is natural to reach for the phone. And we are always here to help at Blowfish Technology. But a quick check before you call can often save you time and get you back to work faster. Many common IT issues can be resolved in a few minutes without a support call.
Every minute of downtime costs your business productivity. Running through this checklist first helps you identify whether the problem is something you can fix immediately, and gives our team the context they need to resolve it quickly if you do need to call.
Your Pre-Call Checklist
1. Check the basics
It sounds obvious, but start here: is the device plugged in and powered on? Are all cables securely connected? Is Wi-Fi switched on and connected to the right network? Have you accidentally muted your microphone or turned down the speakers? Are there any warning lights on your router or modem? A loose cable or a muted volume can masquerade as a complex IT problem. Ruling these out takes thirty seconds.
2. Restart the device
A restart clears temporary errors, frees up memory, and refreshes network connections. It resolves a surprising number of problems, including slow performance, unresponsive applications, and network connectivity issues. If a specific application is causing trouble, try closing and reopening it before doing a full reboot. For internet problems, restart the router too.
3. Test your internet connection
If email, cloud applications, or browsing are not working, check whether the problem is yours alone or affecting colleagues too. Try loading a different website. Run a speed test if you suspect the connection is slow. If multiple people are affected, it is likely a wider network issue that needs escalating. If it is just you, the problem is probably device-specific.
4. Check for software updates
Outdated software causes errors, crashes, and compatibility problems. Check whether your operating system, antivirus, or key applications such as Microsoft 365 have pending updates. Many issues resolve themselves after an update and restart. If your IT policy requires updates to be approved, note what is pending and mention it when you call.
5. Try a different device or account
Log in from another device or a different user account if you can. If the problem follows you to the new device, it is likely account-related. If it does not appear on the other device, the fault is with the original machine. This one test tells your IT support team a great deal before they even look at the problem.
6. Note any error messages
Error messages, codes, and pop-up dialogues contain useful diagnostic information. Write down the exact wording, or take a screenshot. Note what you were doing when the error appeared and whether it happens consistently. This context can cut diagnosis time considerably.
7. Clear cache and temporary files
Old cached data can cause login errors, slow page loading, and unusual behaviour in browsers and applications. Clearing the cache and restarting the browser takes a couple of minutes and often resolves these symptoms. If the problem persists afterwards, you have useful information to pass on.
8. Check with colleagues
If others are experiencing the same issue, it points to a wider system or network problem. Coordinated reporting means fewer duplicate tickets and a faster response from the IT team. If no one else is affected, the issue is likely isolated to your device or account.
When to Call Straight Away
Some situations should not wait. Call IT support immediately if you encounter any of the following:
A suspected security incident, such as a suspicious email, a malware alert, or any indication that an account may have been compromised. Hardware failure, including blue screens, unusual noises from a device, overheating, or smoke. Access problems that are preventing you or your team from working entirely.
For everything else, working through the checklist first saves time on both sides and helps us get you back up and running faster when you do call.
Blowfish Technology provides IT support across the North West, including IT Support Manchester, IT Support Widnes, IT Support St Helens, IT Support Skelmersdale, IT Support Ormskirk, IT Support Crosby, and IT Support Formby.
The Blowfish Technology team. Managed IT, cloud services, software development and connectivity for North West businesses since 1999.