Although support issues often vary from industry to industry, users experience common problems across the board. 

Knowing what problems are common among users and how to deal with them can make your job easier. In this post, we’ll talk about 16 common help desk problems and solutions to provide some insight into how to handle these issues. 

Whether you are a user in need of help, a business owner wanting to improve your user support, or an IT technician hoping to make your job a little easier, you can find helpful information below.

1. Trouble Logging In

One of the most frequent IT support concerns is a user not being able to log into the company’s network. 

In many cases, your password might not match because the Caps Lock button was on. In this case, simply checking this setting can provide a viable solution.

However, certain users are removed from the system due to inactivity. The person may spend all their free time on social media rather than working. Such individuals are removed from the system and must defend their actions before their employers.

2. Slow Computer

The answer is straightforward if your PC takes too long to execute operations. Verify whether you are running multiple applications simultaneously and close as many as possible. 

Furthermore, updates may run in the background, making your computer slower. In these cases, your computer will return to normal after completing scans and updates. You can request that your IT support staff perform these scans and upgrades after business hours to prevent delays.

Malware and viruses could be the reason for your PC’s sluggish performance. In this case, you must be careful to unplug your computer from the network and allow the IT support desk to handle the issue.

3. Printer Issues

Typically, turning a printer off and back on again resolves many IT-related issues. Unfortunately, this won’t fix all your problems. 

The most frequent IT issue that businesses experience is network printer addition. It is challenging to determine whether a printer is connected to the network and is operational because of the strange naming practices. 

Ensuring that printers are given simple names with detailed descriptions is the first step in overcoming such an issue.

4. PC Shutting Down for No Apparent Reason

You may not know this, but dust can occasionally gather on your PC’s cooling fan. An obstructed cooling fan can cause a computer to overheat. When it gets too hot, the device will shut down. 

Therefore, the IT help desk’s responsibility is to ensure that no equipment is covered in dust to prevent situations when a computer shuts down while being used.

5. Deleting Files Erroneously 

When a user deletes critical data, they frequently become anxious. Giving the user the options they have to restore their files is the help desk’s job. Some people believe that deleted files are permanently lost. However, it is saved in the Recycle Bin in many cases. 

If this is the case, it can be restored. Alternatively, an IT staff member can reinstate the file from the company’s server backup.

6. Not Being Able to Use a USB Device 

The term “USB devices” is used to describe a range of gadgets, such as: 

• Flash drives
• Scanners
• Printers
• Digital cameras

These external devices all use USB ports to connect to PCs. The link is often established automatically. 

However, occasionally, the device loses connection with the computer. This is a common occurrence in the absence of a power source, so the first step is to check that the device is powered. You should also check that the device has been plugged in correctly. 

Try another port to verify that it’s not the USB port itself, and try a different device to find out whether it’s the device that’s the problem before contacting the IT help desk for further assistance.

7. Problems with Applications

Applications are employed to carry out accounting, create spreadsheets, and data entry functions. There are a lot of applications available right now, and every program has a unique collection of features. 

MS Office has numerous variations of its Word, PowerPoint, and other programs. Applications can have bugs, defects, and other issues. Identifying the source of the matter is important for finding a remedy. 

8.PC Won’t Turn On

When your computer doesn’t turn on, there are several things you can try. For example, the computer may not be connected to a power source, or the battery may be dead. Alternatively, it could be the hard drive that’s causing the problem.

Ensure the power cord is connected and turned on to get the computer started. Resetting the PC is another option that an IT support staff member can guide you through. If the issue is more severe and further investigation will be required.

9. The System Crashes

Suppose the PC’s operating system is unable to launch properly. In that case, a system crash may occur. This can happen due to hardware failure, viruses, software faults, incorrect configuration settings, and even as a result of power outages. 

You will need to get in touch with the network administrator to solve the problem when you notice a system crash.

10. Poor Internet Connection

Most, if not all, business operations rely on the internet these days, so poor internet connection can cause several problems. 

Users must locate the best signal reception area when using a wireless internet connection. In some building areas, the signal may only sometimes be reliable. One way to improve your internet connection is to get as close to the router as possible.

Many users must learn that using numerous internet windows can slow their connection. Moreover, while browsing the net, some computers may have downloaded malware. 

If you’re an IT help desk technician, you must inform users about which sites to avoid and how to avoid clogging up their browsers to preserve internet speed. 

11. Viruses

One of the most significant hazards to any company is viral attacks. Computer viruses have the power to corrupt crucial data and harm the system. When users view email attachments, a virus can infect the PC. Additionally, viruses can propagate via external storage devices.

If this happens, you will need to install reliable anti-virus software. The IT help desk staff can assist you with installing this software and running a scan to detect and remove these viruses.

12. The Blue Screen of Death 

The Windows operating system shows the blue screen of death, also known as a blue screen or stop error, when a fatal system issue arises.

Unfortunately, most people don’t bother reading this error message’s information. It would help if you had a department on your IT help desk devoted to handling these problems to save time.

13. Wireless Network Is Kicking Users Out

When a router is overwhelmed, sometimes users cannot access it. If this occurs, it is important to check that the device is connected and powered on before just assuming that it is overloaded.

The help desk can help if you need to learn how to connect a Wi-Fi router.

14. The Mouse or Keyboard Isn’t Working

Another issue many users call the help desk about is wireless keywords and mice that need to be fixed. These happen with wireless devices when the battery runs out and the keyboard stops working.

Check whether the Bluetooth connection between these devices and the PC is active and functioning. The following steps involve ensuring that the keyword has working batteries and changing them.

15. Lost Access to a Shared Drive

There are numerous potential causes for this, but in most cases, the IT help desk needs to trace the network connection to restore the person’s access to the share drive.

The technician can ping it to check if the user can connect to the network. Technicians will then need to assist them in remapping their network drives to regain access to the drive.

16. Poor IT Support

When you read about some of the most typical IT help desk issues and solutions, you could find that problems arise if you don’t choose committed and knowledgeable employees. 

Staff members must be driven and properly understand their roles in the IT sector. Some inexperienced help desk workers mislead customers who are experiencing IT-related concerns. A professional must always be able to respond to any queries effectively.

Final Thoughts

If your IT support structure is holding you back, you can get the help you need with CNG IT. Whether you need assistance with managing an existing team, require a remote team, or would like on-site services, we have the resources, skills, and expertise to help you reach your goals!

Contact us today to learn more about our services!