💻 Technology Troubleshooting Guide

St. Marys City Schools — Technology Department

This quick guide helps staff resolve common computer or network issues before submitting a support ticket. If the problem continues after following these steps, please contact your building technical advisor or the SMCS Technology Department.

1. Computer Freezing or Locking Up

Step 1: Restart your computer.
Save your work if possible, note the time of the freeze and what program was open.

Step 2: If the issue happens again, record details (time, app, and any error messages) and report them to your technical advisor.

2. Log-In Problems

Check if the problem affects one user or multiple users. If multiple users can’t sign in, skip to step 5.
Double-check your username and password. Make sure Caps Lock is off and there are no spaces before or after either field.
Try signing in on another device or as another user. If another account works, your password may need to be reset or your account reactivated.
Verify network connection. Check the Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi status. Flashing green or amber lights near the port indicate a live connection.
If the issue persists, contact your technical advisor with your device tag and details.

3. Internet Connectivity Issues

Check if others can access the internet. If only one user is affected, it may be a configuration issue.
Restart your computer. Ensure you’re connected to the correct SMCS network or verify the Ethernet cable is secure.
Open a browser and visit www.google.com. If you see “No Internet” or “DNS not found,” report the issue.

Advanced Users: You can use ping www.google.com or ipconfig in Command Prompt to check connectivity.

4. System Updates & Software

Windows Updates: Do not install major Windows feature updates unless directed by the Technology Department.
Browser or App Updates: Minor Chrome, Edge, or approved app updates are fine. Always verify unfamiliar plug-ins with your technical advisor before installing.

5. Display Problems / Blue Screen Errors

No Display

Make sure the monitor is powered on and cables are securely connected.
Try connecting a different monitor if possible.
If still blank, the graphics card or internal hardware may need service—report to the Technology Department.

Display Configuration

Adjust brightness, color, or position using the monitor’s front panel controls or Windows Display Settings.

Blue Screen / System Crash

A blue or solid color screen usually indicates a system crash. Restart your computer. If it happens again, note what was running and contact your technical advisor.

6. Safe Mode or Automatic Repair

If your device shuts down improperly, it may:

Run a Disk Check or Automatic Repair—let it finish.
Start in Safe Mode—a diagnostic version of Windows.

If the computer keeps booting into Safe Mode, report the issue. It may indicate a driver or hardware conflict.

7. Recovering Lost or Deleted Files

Local Files

Check your Recycle Bin. Right-click the file and choose Restore to recover it.

Network or Cloud Files

If the file was stored on Google Drive, Shared Drives, or other network locations, contact the Technology Department. Provide the file name and approximate date it was deleted.

Need Help?

If you’ve gone through the steps above and the issue remains unresolved:

Record what you were doing when it happened.
Note any error messages or screenshots.
Include your device tag and location when contacting support.

St. Marys City Schools

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Classroom Technology