DO IT YOURSELF Are you really sure that you have the capability to do it yourself?
This page is for all the bright independent minded coyotes who are confident they can catch a roadrunner on their own. We are here to help you, but we make this disclaimer. "Whatever happens you're on your own." Now, if you want to do it yourself we have to assume you have intellectual, electrical and mechanical skills. You should have already read troubleshooting tips, supplies with support and advanced repairs prior to this page. We will discuss some basic, common but perplexing issues
with computers, cash registers, electronics and surviellance systems. We've encountered numerous problems throughout our years of experience but we can't include them all! Here are the various causes, diagnostic procedures and the remedies. Detailed explanations will not be presented due to the number of issues we have to explore.
COMPUTER RUNS SLOW: The probable causes are an excessive number of programs running simultaneously, a badly fragmented hard drive, the presence of adware, spyware or viruses or a lack of ram (memory) . You don't have to replace a slow computer, you have to check its vital signs in the following order. Open your task manager and evalute the number of applications currently running before you run anything else. Do the same for the processes from all users and note the number that is running. Check the performance tab and note the CPU usage history and the Page File usage history. If either of them stay over half way up your chart and remain there, programs and processes must be stopped or removed. Having all types of cute graphics and now unecessary screen savers will add to your problems. Check the amount of ram, increase it if possible, run a full check disk and defragmenting. Keep in mind that hardware like hard drives, usb ports and printers work at various speeds. Don't do to many things at a time.
COMPUTER WON'T CONNECT TO INTERNET: The probable cause is a change in your network settings. If you were on line previously, you or a program messed with those settings. Networking hardware can fail, but that's rarely the case. Look for viruses, downloads, updates or any software that may have an effect on your network settings. You can test your external hardware by hooking up any other computer that worked properly elsewhere. Internet access has been simplified, don't waste time blaming your internet provider. It's simple, the problem is either your computer or your computer's connection, they rarely fail at the same time
COMPUTER WON'T TURN ON: The probable cause is your battery or power adapter (laptops), power supply (desktops) or your display/monitor. Assuming your AC wall outlet is ok along with the plug and power cord look for these signs. On a laptop at least one LED(light) shoud be lit when the computer is plugged in even if it doesn't turn on. On most desktops your monitor works independent of your computer so don't rely on it as a definitive indicator of a computer problem. Always test your monitor on another computer if possible, to make sure it and the cable(s) you're using are good. If your monitor and the cable connecting it to the computer is good its got to be the power supply or motherboard. Remember all computers run POST (Power On Self Test). If no other indicator lights come on or sounds are made (beep codes) you will have to test the power supply without relying on the computer off/on button to turn it on. By connecting the standby 5v wire with a jumper to ground you can turn on the power supply and test it without the use of the computer. The wires to jump are usually green and black.
CASH REGISTER WON'T RING UP SALES: The probable cause is operator error. Many cash registers, point of sale, and retail transaction systems require a user, clerk, or cashier to be signed on. Keep this in mind. Retail systems keep up with three major factors; who performed the transaction, what merchandise sold, and what the dollar amount of the transaction was. Any situation or condition that attempts to circumvent the registration or recording of these factors will produce an error or alarm preventing the operator from proceeding. In some cases even an open drawer or a defective sensor within the drawer will stop all operations until the drawer is closed or the sensor detects it as such. Sometimes a defective (stuck/inoperable) printer will produce the same symptoms. Some printer journals are the only record there is.
CASH REGISTER WON'T ACCEPT PROGRAMMING: The probable cause is operator error. There are various prerequisites to installing or adjusting programmed data in most any retail system. Rule no.1; don't change horses in midstream. By this we mean finalize any sale, complete any report, sign off or on any clerk, and explicitly follow any programming steps involved. Many times managers or programmers turn the key and change modes prematurely. At other times the wrong data or some incomplete (short) entry is made. Wrong data usually results in malfunctions within the operational (sales) mode. Incomplete (short) data generally results in an error tone or code while in the programming mode. Hint:: always follow the example within the manual and fill in every blank available with an entry of some sort.
CASH REGISTER WON'T TURN ON: The probable cause is the printer. Always check the power cord, the power swiych, the mode switch, the clerk switch/button, and any sign in protocols first. If there is no display, lights, or printer cycling (noise) at all check for a blown fuse. Remember the printer usually records every action and transaction performed on the register. Without a working printer or electronic transaction storage device functioning most systems will not do anything. Most printer malfunctions are caused by a paper jam, a coin dropped into it or some other part affecting the operation of its mechanisms. Usually a printer will cycle (complete a full turn or rotation) whenever the register is turned on. Paper should be installed, and the cash drawer should be closed whenever the register is turned on.
ELECTRONIC DEVICE WON'T PERFORM: The probable cause is an incompleted previous task/function or a disruption in a mechanical portion of the device. Always investigate according to the last task the device was to perform. Where was the switch or setting selector left at following the last use? Is there a non volitale reset proceedure? Can you get it to perform any of the other functions it's capable of doing? Remove any tapes, cartridges, disks, or any other medium (user inserted) and start from scratch. Powering down completely by removing the power cord and/or battery and letting it sit up to five minutes without power may help. This is a good time to retrieve the users manual and read the directions associated with the device. Believe it or not all operations and function may not be logical or intuitive.
ELECTRONIC DEVICE WON'T TURN ON: The probable cause is a defective switch, a malfuctioning battery and/or power supply, or a software hangup called a loop.
Begin by confirming what is good and eliminating that from the possibilities. See our POINTERS FOR TROUBLESHOOTING. Once the correct power is established at the correct point on the device look for some means to verify that the device is indeed off. sometimes displays and indicators fail without affecting the other operations of the device. Compare this with a television screen that stays black, yet because you can hear sound you know it still picks up and can change stations.
SURVIELLANCE SYSTEM BLURRED OR BAD PICTURE: The probable cause is bad focus on the cameras if blurred or bad connections in the wiring if grainny. Wiring is so important for transmitting a good clean signal. Coaxial wire is highly recommended but not absolutely necessary for good video transmission. The connectors at the end of any wire must have a solid bond with that wire. Bad grounds and loose connections will inevitably get worse and should reveal their presence whenever the cable or camera is moved. Cameras should be tested locally to confirm that they're working . This is essential in the elimination process.
SURVIELLANCE SYSTEM WON'T SHOW RECORDED VIDEO: This may be caused by one or two factors; either the video was never recorded or the medium it was recorded to has frozen up or failed. Check the settings that are on the recorder. Many DVR's record automatically following initialization. Try recording a short segment of current video and attempt to play it back. This will confirm that the recording function is working and verify your ability to operate it properly. If you are successful the system is "most likely" working properly. There is always the possibility that the problem only occurrs after a period of time. Double check your ability to record and play back redundantly. Check to see if there are any other factors that would pause or stop the recording like a loose camera or power connection. If no other problems are found, run tests or diagnostics on the hard drive, tape or other medium the information is recorded to. Double check the capacity of the device storing the recordings.
SURVIELLANCE SYSTEM WON"T TRANSFER (BURN) RECORDED VIDEO: The probable cause is operator error. This is the least utilized feature on most systems even though it is so important. In most cases the operator is not at all familiar with the proceedure to extract recorded video. Even if it was done before in many cases the proceedure has been forgotten and the manual or instructions are no longer available. keep in mind that even after transferring the data to another device the data may not be viewable without special software or players. Many companies have made their video formats proprietary for various reasons. Generally to extract data you must select a date/time period to create a file that contains the data you want. After this file is created it must be transferred to another medium you insert and then extracted onto it. This is usually a CDR (recordable CD), DVD-or+R (recordable DVD) or a flash drive (USB Jump Drive). After this is accomplished you only have to decode it and change it to a format compatible with the computer or device you wish to play it on.
with computers, cash registers, electronics and surviellance systems. We've encountered numerous problems throughout our years of experience but we can't include them all! Here are the various causes, diagnostic procedures and the remedies. Detailed explanations will not be presented due to the number of issues we have to explore.
COMPUTER RUNS SLOW: The probable causes are an excessive number of programs running simultaneously, a badly fragmented hard drive, the presence of adware, spyware or viruses or a lack of ram (memory) . You don't have to replace a slow computer, you have to check its vital signs in the following order. Open your task manager and evalute the number of applications currently running before you run anything else. Do the same for the processes from all users and note the number that is running. Check the performance tab and note the CPU usage history and the Page File usage history. If either of them stay over half way up your chart and remain there, programs and processes must be stopped or removed. Having all types of cute graphics and now unecessary screen savers will add to your problems. Check the amount of ram, increase it if possible, run a full check disk and defragmenting. Keep in mind that hardware like hard drives, usb ports and printers work at various speeds. Don't do to many things at a time.
COMPUTER WON'T CONNECT TO INTERNET: The probable cause is a change in your network settings. If you were on line previously, you or a program messed with those settings. Networking hardware can fail, but that's rarely the case. Look for viruses, downloads, updates or any software that may have an effect on your network settings. You can test your external hardware by hooking up any other computer that worked properly elsewhere. Internet access has been simplified, don't waste time blaming your internet provider. It's simple, the problem is either your computer or your computer's connection, they rarely fail at the same time
COMPUTER WON'T TURN ON: The probable cause is your battery or power adapter (laptops), power supply (desktops) or your display/monitor. Assuming your AC wall outlet is ok along with the plug and power cord look for these signs. On a laptop at least one LED(light) shoud be lit when the computer is plugged in even if it doesn't turn on. On most desktops your monitor works independent of your computer so don't rely on it as a definitive indicator of a computer problem. Always test your monitor on another computer if possible, to make sure it and the cable(s) you're using are good. If your monitor and the cable connecting it to the computer is good its got to be the power supply or motherboard. Remember all computers run POST (Power On Self Test). If no other indicator lights come on or sounds are made (beep codes) you will have to test the power supply without relying on the computer off/on button to turn it on. By connecting the standby 5v wire with a jumper to ground you can turn on the power supply and test it without the use of the computer. The wires to jump are usually green and black.
CASH REGISTER WON'T RING UP SALES: The probable cause is operator error. Many cash registers, point of sale, and retail transaction systems require a user, clerk, or cashier to be signed on. Keep this in mind. Retail systems keep up with three major factors; who performed the transaction, what merchandise sold, and what the dollar amount of the transaction was. Any situation or condition that attempts to circumvent the registration or recording of these factors will produce an error or alarm preventing the operator from proceeding. In some cases even an open drawer or a defective sensor within the drawer will stop all operations until the drawer is closed or the sensor detects it as such. Sometimes a defective (stuck/inoperable) printer will produce the same symptoms. Some printer journals are the only record there is.
CASH REGISTER WON'T ACCEPT PROGRAMMING: The probable cause is operator error. There are various prerequisites to installing or adjusting programmed data in most any retail system. Rule no.1; don't change horses in midstream. By this we mean finalize any sale, complete any report, sign off or on any clerk, and explicitly follow any programming steps involved. Many times managers or programmers turn the key and change modes prematurely. At other times the wrong data or some incomplete (short) entry is made. Wrong data usually results in malfunctions within the operational (sales) mode. Incomplete (short) data generally results in an error tone or code while in the programming mode. Hint:: always follow the example within the manual and fill in every blank available with an entry of some sort.
CASH REGISTER WON'T TURN ON: The probable cause is the printer. Always check the power cord, the power swiych, the mode switch, the clerk switch/button, and any sign in protocols first. If there is no display, lights, or printer cycling (noise) at all check for a blown fuse. Remember the printer usually records every action and transaction performed on the register. Without a working printer or electronic transaction storage device functioning most systems will not do anything. Most printer malfunctions are caused by a paper jam, a coin dropped into it or some other part affecting the operation of its mechanisms. Usually a printer will cycle (complete a full turn or rotation) whenever the register is turned on. Paper should be installed, and the cash drawer should be closed whenever the register is turned on.
ELECTRONIC DEVICE WON'T PERFORM: The probable cause is an incompleted previous task/function or a disruption in a mechanical portion of the device. Always investigate according to the last task the device was to perform. Where was the switch or setting selector left at following the last use? Is there a non volitale reset proceedure? Can you get it to perform any of the other functions it's capable of doing? Remove any tapes, cartridges, disks, or any other medium (user inserted) and start from scratch. Powering down completely by removing the power cord and/or battery and letting it sit up to five minutes without power may help. This is a good time to retrieve the users manual and read the directions associated with the device. Believe it or not all operations and function may not be logical or intuitive.
ELECTRONIC DEVICE WON'T TURN ON: The probable cause is a defective switch, a malfuctioning battery and/or power supply, or a software hangup called a loop.
Begin by confirming what is good and eliminating that from the possibilities. See our POINTERS FOR TROUBLESHOOTING. Once the correct power is established at the correct point on the device look for some means to verify that the device is indeed off. sometimes displays and indicators fail without affecting the other operations of the device. Compare this with a television screen that stays black, yet because you can hear sound you know it still picks up and can change stations.
SURVIELLANCE SYSTEM BLURRED OR BAD PICTURE: The probable cause is bad focus on the cameras if blurred or bad connections in the wiring if grainny. Wiring is so important for transmitting a good clean signal. Coaxial wire is highly recommended but not absolutely necessary for good video transmission. The connectors at the end of any wire must have a solid bond with that wire. Bad grounds and loose connections will inevitably get worse and should reveal their presence whenever the cable or camera is moved. Cameras should be tested locally to confirm that they're working . This is essential in the elimination process.
SURVIELLANCE SYSTEM WON'T SHOW RECORDED VIDEO: This may be caused by one or two factors; either the video was never recorded or the medium it was recorded to has frozen up or failed. Check the settings that are on the recorder. Many DVR's record automatically following initialization. Try recording a short segment of current video and attempt to play it back. This will confirm that the recording function is working and verify your ability to operate it properly. If you are successful the system is "most likely" working properly. There is always the possibility that the problem only occurrs after a period of time. Double check your ability to record and play back redundantly. Check to see if there are any other factors that would pause or stop the recording like a loose camera or power connection. If no other problems are found, run tests or diagnostics on the hard drive, tape or other medium the information is recorded to. Double check the capacity of the device storing the recordings.
SURVIELLANCE SYSTEM WON"T TRANSFER (BURN) RECORDED VIDEO: The probable cause is operator error. This is the least utilized feature on most systems even though it is so important. In most cases the operator is not at all familiar with the proceedure to extract recorded video. Even if it was done before in many cases the proceedure has been forgotten and the manual or instructions are no longer available. keep in mind that even after transferring the data to another device the data may not be viewable without special software or players. Many companies have made their video formats proprietary for various reasons. Generally to extract data you must select a date/time period to create a file that contains the data you want. After this file is created it must be transferred to another medium you insert and then extracted onto it. This is usually a CDR (recordable CD), DVD-or+R (recordable DVD) or a flash drive (USB Jump Drive). After this is accomplished you only have to decode it and change it to a format compatible with the computer or device you wish to play it on.