Log Your Problems Away

Have you ever had a problem with your computer, called us for help, and was unable to recreate the problem when we arrived?  This is one of the most frustrating experiences you can have with your computer (next to a crash).  Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be.  There is something you can do that will help alleviate this situation: A Computer Error log!!!  It’s like taking a snapshot of your computer at the time you received the error. This log can provide the detailed information we need to more efficiently resolve your problem. Over time, it could help to determine a pattern of activity that is causing the error to occur.

All you have to do is record the information about your error/problem in a table like the one provided below.  The following will describe each column heading to help you understand just how detailed we need you to be.

Date/Time – Date and Time the error or problem took place.

Program – What program were you in when you received the error?

Other Programs Running – What other programs were running at the same time. For example, did you have email, Corel WordPerfect\Microsoft Office and Netscape all running at the same time as the program that gave you the error?

What Was Being Done at Point of Error – What exactly were you doing when the error occurred? For example, did you just click File – Save, were you printing out a document, or maybe you just came back from lunch and the error was on your screen.

How you got rid of Error – What did you have to do to function again?  Were you able to close the program normally, did you have to press Ctl-Alt-Del and click End Task, did you have to shut down the computer by the power button, or did you just throw it out the window?

Exact Error Message - What was the error message, word for word (if any), or what exactly did it do? If you receive the error "Your program performed an illegal operation", make sure to click the DETAILS button and write down the first 3 lines of that error. It is much more specific to the actual problem you are having.

Computer Error Log Form Download (Adobe Acrobat file *.pdf)

Kristin Bison


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